Is a loose motorcycle chain bad?

Is a loose motorcycle chain bad?

A slipped chain can not only cause damage to other moto-components in its vicinity as it ventures forth to slap out all its excess energy, but it could also hurt the rider. That said, inspecting and maintaining your chain every 500 miles should catch a loose chain long before it has enough slack to jump off the cogs.

Is it bad to have a loose chain on a motorcycle?

One amongst them is the amount of tension, the chain carries. The point here is the that a tight chain or a loose chain, both would cause serious trouble to the motorcycle.

How much slack should a motorcycle chain have?

Meanwhile, your Sportster’s swingarm starts off in positive territory – you can see its swingarm rises slightly as it moves from front pulley to rear even when the bike’s at rest – and it strokes just 1.6 inches of wheel travel farther into positive territory (upward).

Why do you need slack in your chain?

Some slack is necessary because of the chain tightening at the furthest point of the suspension arc and because of uneven wear. Least cost and weight and most efficient way to transfer power to the rear wheel. Also allows for speed vs torque adjustment by changing rear and/or front sprockets.

Why is the chain on a motorcycle so important?

Because motorcycles are much smaller than cars and have less components, every part of a motorcycle serves an important part of it’s function. The chain on a motorcycle is especially vital in making the motorcycle go in the first place. That’s why chain maintenance and ensuring the tension is correct is so important.

What are the effects of a loose chain on a motorcycle?

One amongst them is the amount of tension, the chain carries. The point here is the that a tight chain or a loose chain, both would cause serious trouble to the motorcycle. So the sole reason for this article is to elucidate about the right chain tension and the effects of a loose/tight chain.

Why does my bike chain go slack when I stop pedalling?

Check your jockey wheels as well. if they are not turning freely or the chain has come off one then it will make the chain go slack when you stop pedalling. The most likely cause though is the freehub or freewheel being sticky as said. Good thought, jockey wheels are always worth a check and clean out, or simply replacing. Makes a difference.

Why is my rear derailleur not picking up the slack?

New chain and cassette and the chain was slipping badly, and I had a tell-tale stripe of oil over the chainstay which indicates lack of chain tension. It was then I noticed the rear derailleur wasn’t taking up the slack, especially in the smaller cogs on the rear.

Can you cut the chain off a motorcycle?

If you have a motorcycle that does not have a master link, you’ll have to cut the chain off with either a grinder or you can take the rear wheel off. You’ll need to take the rear wheel off to put the new one on anyway.