Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Other Bikes Tech
Chain keeps getting loose Chain keeps getting loose
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Other Bikes Tech For Technical Questions on bikes not listed in the other forums.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 19 Mar 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: The road right now
Posts: 15
Chain keeps getting loose
I have a cheaper chinese made bike that I am cruising around Peru with and the chain constantly gets loose. I tighten it all the time and make sure everything is tight frequently. I even took a link out of the chain because eventually i reached the end of my adjusting bolts. What is happening? Could it just be a cheap shitty chain or am i missing something? Thanks
Carl
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 19 Mar 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: London
Posts: 64
what sort of state are the sprockets in. Seems like you're experiencing a lot of wear on both the chain and sprockets.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 20 Mar 2009
TDMalcolm's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: norfolk uk
Posts: 140
replace chain!
Hi fluidmovement02, I would change both front and rear sprockets and replace the chain with a quality item (DiD or equive) and lubricate them every 600miles or sooner if the environment is dry and dusty/wet etc, all chains stretch a bit during there life but it looks like the china chain is made from cream cheese just my observations (use to have a chinese machine)
TDMalcolm
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 22 Mar 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Lincoln, UK
Posts: 63
TDMalcolm you are quite right in your observations about chinese chains, they are indeed made from cream cheese and the sprockets are usually made from Wensleydale.

If you have had to remove a link Carl then the chain is already past its servicable life and you should change it ASAP before it snaps on you. If memory serve me right DID quote that if a chain grows 20% in length then that is the end of it's life.
But as we all know manufacturers always factor in huge margins but the rule of thumb is if you are having to adjust a chain every day then it's
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 Mar 2009
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,959
In my limited experience when a chain starts stretching at a rapid rate it is close to the end of its lifespan and nothing you can do will save it. What's more, continued use may wear out front and/or rear sprockets, and this can disable your bike even faster than the chain itself.

A good chain, on the other hand, rarely seems to need adjusting (if an o-ring or x-ring it doesn't even need lube--merely cleaning after significant exposure to water or dirt) and sprockets seem to last and last--I've gotten almost 20k miles on a chain, 30k on a rear sprocket, 20k on a front without making much of an effort.

Hope that helps.

Mark

(just arriving home after 38,000 miles on the KLR)
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 23 Mar 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posts: 20
I would also check the condition of your rear wheel bearings ,pull the cush drive out and check it out and the bearing in there. If that one is worn the sprocket can run out of alignment and effect chain tension.
cheers
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 28 Mar 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: sunny England
Posts: 790
most ting tong bikes are surprisingly well made with a couple of caveats- bad tyres and poor chain+sprockets. replace these asap
__________________
dave
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 20 May 2009
JHMM's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Cape Town - South Africa
Posts: 114
"they are indeed made from cream cheese and the sprockets are usually made from Wensleydale."

You guys are making me hungry ... time to visit the kitchen!

Also check the dampers in the rear wheel hubb as you may find excesive wear on the rubber. I had the same problem including bad qaulity bolts that hold the rear sprocket down.

What's that I hear - oh it's the fridge.
__________________
To those who say it can't be done - stand aside for those who are already doing it.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 20 May 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
Just a thought here. I assume you are not riding on the smoothest of roads. You need to leave about and inch free play in the middle of the bottom row of chain. measure this with the bike fully loaded and you sitting on it, resting on its suspension, not centrestand. I think the previous person who wrote 20% meant 2% and it was just a typo.
But once they start to go, they will go, so fit a new chain, and check both sprockets are good. Any one thing bad will ruin the other two. Is your rear suspension stiff enough for the load?
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Posting pictures. HELP before I loose it!!! Warthog Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 5 27 Feb 2008 23:50
TTr 600 engine seems loose! humpbackmaniac Yamaha Tech 4 26 Jul 2006 17:13
Lois on the loose christy Which Bike? 7 24 Nov 2005 20:12
cranckshaft loose in bearing peterkik Yamaha Tech 1 16 Oct 2002 02:33
nuts and a few loose screws dw Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 8 8 Jan 2001 04:24

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:17.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top