
It is very important to check the chain slack of your motorcycle regularly.
#Chain slack tool how to#
How To Measure The Chain Slack Of A Motorcycle? Conversely, if the rear wheel is significantly behind the swingarm, then the chain is too tight. If the rear wheel is significantly forward of the swingarm, then there is too much slack in the chain. The chain checker will give you a reading in millimeters or inches, which you can then use to adjust the chain slack as needed.įinally, you can also estimate the amount of slack by looking at the position of the rear wheel in relation to the swingarm. This is a simple device that you hook onto the chain and then pull tight. The ideal slack is between 10 and 20 millimeters.Īnother way to measure chain slack is with a tool called a chain checker. Place the ruler on the ground so that one end is touching the swingarm pivot point, and then measure from the bottom of the chain to the top of the rear sprocket. The most common is to use a ruler or tape measure. There are a few different ways to measure chain slack. That’s why it’s important to measure the chain slack periodically and adjust as needed. Too much slack, however, can cause the chain to come off entirely. The chain on a motorcycle needs to have some slack in it, or else it will bind up and eventually break.

Why Do You Need To Measure The Chain Slack Of A Motorcycle? By taking the time to do this before each ride, you can be sure that your motorcycle is performing at its best. This can be done by either loosening or tightening the rear axle nuts, or by adjusting the chain tensioner if your motorcycle is equipped with one.Ĭhecking and adjusting your motorcycle’s chain slack is a simple but important task that will help to keep your bike running smoothly and prevent premature wear or breakage. Once the ideal amount of chain slack has been determined, it is important to check and adjust as needed before each ride. This can be checked by lifting the chain at the midway point and seeing how much slack there is before the chain starts to bind. However, a general rule of thumb is to allow for about 1/2 inch of movement at the midpoint of the chain. The ideal amount of chain slack will vary depending on the make and model of the motorcycle, as well as the rider’s personal preference. Too little slack can cause the chain to skip and jump, which can also lead to power loss and premature wear.

If there is too much slack, power is lost as the chain stretches and binds. Most riders check their chain slack before each ride and adjust it as needed.Ĭhain slack is important because it affects how well the motorcycle transfers power from the engine to the rear wheel. Too much slack and the chain could come off altogether, while too little slack can cause premature wear or even breakage. What Does Chain Slack Do For A Motorcycle?Ī motorcycle’s chain slack refers to the amount of up and down movement that is allowed before the chain will start to bind.
