On a ride out with Rich Bryce yesterday and we both agreed the chain on my street scrambler looked a bit loose so I nipped down to the Triumph Woburn today and they tensioned it very slightly (for free - thanks guys!) but Paul told me the chains on street scramblers are supposed to be a bit loose because of the long swing arm to back wheel has a lot of travel and if too tight can cause damage to the gear sprockets when wheel bounces up and down.
They were correct that bikes with longer suspension travel require looser chains. My 955 Tiger needed very slack chain due to swing arm travel. However, adjusting the chain tension is something that every rider should be able to do themselves. It’s ridiculously simple.
My Sprint GT is a maximum of 35mm. Previous bikes I have owned have been 25mm. Better too slack than too tight. As an aside, you should check it visually each time you go out - along with brake lights and tyres. Mind you - I have to say, the tool kit that came with my Sprint was cr*p and I have never seen so few tools in a bike kit. Maybe I'm old school.
Agree very simple. But one note. I use this tool to ensure the chain is aligned properly. Does not cost very much. I used the swing arm marks on my street twin to align, then checked w/ tool. It was not perfectly straight using swing arm marks alone. The tool is recommended for perfect chain alignment which will help get the most out of your chain.
Mine is made by Motion Pro. Got it on Amazon. I assume others also make one. It is called a chain alignment tool. https://www.amazon.com/Motion-Pro-0...ocphy=9032089&hvtargid=pla-494901346287&psc=1
Until you get one, after adjustment stick the bike on a stand and get someone else to spin the wheel. You should be able to see if it’s a long way off
thanks. But I've just realised I've been a bit thick as my Sprint has single sided swing-arm with eccentric adjuster! However, I'd be keen to know if anyone has advise about this and making sure wheel is true - or is it factory set and that's it?
What DD said is the correct way to adjust the chain on a bike - someone sat on it while you adjust it or vice versa. Failing that, if on your own, leave the bike on the side stand - do not adjust whilst on the centre stand (if even fitted) - this will get you pretty close. You're lucky with the Scrambler having high level pipes, otherwise the silencer has to be removed before you can get to the rear wheel nut on the Bonneville.
