Chain Adjustment Question... - Yamaha FZ6 Forums - International FZ6 Motorcycle Community Forum

5Against1 · 08-26-2008, 09:08 AM

I have scoured the threads here for a while and there are some great tips on adjusting my chain. My question however, is whether or not anyone has a how-to video? I know where all of the bolts/nuts etc are, but it is always better if you can actually see someone do it instead of theorectical pictures and words right?

Also, what is this I was reading about needing to have two people to adjust the chain? Can't you just sit on the bike and reach down to determine how much slack the chain has?

I've only had my bike for a few months now, so forgive me for being a newb

oldfast007 · 08-26-2008, 09:29 AM

SportRyder's Wheel Alignment Method

No, video I could find, but this seemed useful as a follow up, and I do mine by myself...
In addition I recall the manual stating measuring slack below the swingarm, on centerstand and having rotated the tire to find the stiffest part of the chain

rvbiker · 08-26-2008, 09:48 AM

Welcome to the forum

The chain slack is measured while off the bike. When you sit on the bike the chain tightens and the spec(1.77-2.17 in.) is supposed to take that into account.

The thing that bothers me about this is that if you adjust the chain for the lower slack limit(1.77 in) and you ride two up I feel there is undo tension on the chain, sprockets and bearings. Especially in light of the fact the we are all getting heavier as a society. The bike’s carrying capacity is 417 lbs. and this limit could easily be exceeded with 2 guys riding 2 up. I’m about 230 so I adjust my chain more to the 2.17 side of the spec.. A loose chain has a much more positive effect on the bike than a tight chain.

**Hellgate** · 08-26-2008, 10:03 AM

Rule of thumb, better on the loose side than the tight side. Too tight and your chain and sprockets will wear very fast.

One of the beauties of the FZ is the centerstand. With that you can adjust the chain yourself. Just follow your owners manual.

Ideally you wanted to be seated on the bike in your normal riding gear and have a buddy check the slack. This is the best method as when your swingarm moves through its arc the chain will tighten as the arm compresses, then once it passes the peak of the arc the chain will slacken.

On a side note, the new BMW Enduro bike has the drive sprocket in the swingarm pivot so that whole problem is solved, kind cool.

BMW-450-left.jpg

**FZ6inNH** · 08-26-2008, 10:22 AM

What Pete said!

You're fortunate to have the '08 model. You only have one axle nut to tighten. The adjusters are much better on this new swingarm making it a simple task for one person. Don't rely on the tick marks, rely on accurate measurement from known-good reference points!

5Against1 · 08-26-2008, 10:22 AM

Good info thanks!

The owners manual says that the chain slack should be adjusted every 500 miles. To me that seems like every two weeks or so I need to adjust the chain?!? That seems a little extreme to me, but maybe I'm just crazy. Any suggestions as to how often I should do this if 500 miles is not a good number?

**FZ6inNH** · 08-26-2008, 10:23 AM

Oh! Didn't see it was your first post.

MarinaFazer · 08-26-2008, 10:29 AM

not every 500 miles...it depends on how you ride the bike. I periodically check after long ride, but a well oiled chain hasn't needed it that often in my experience...I think I tightened mine about 1,000 miles ago and it's not yet ready for another tightening. Just lift the chain up and down and if you have too much slack, then tighten, if not, then keep riding!

5Against1 · 08-26-2008, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FZ6inNH

Oh! Didn't see it was your first post.

Thanks!

5Against1 · 08-26-2008, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarinaFazer

not every 500 miles...it depends on how you ride the bike. I periodically check after long ride, but a well oiled chain hasn't needed it that often in my experience...I think I tightened mine about 1,000 miles ago and it's not yet ready for another tightening. Just lift the chain up and down and if you have too much slack, then tighten, if not, then keep riding!

Good. I thought it a waste of time to go through the whole hassle if the slack is within the 1.77-2.17 range. It's definitely worth a check often though! Thanks!

08-26-2008, 09:08 AM	#1 (permalink)
5Against1 Always Learning... Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: California Bike: 2008 FZ6 Posts: 4 Rep Power: 0 Member #4543	Chain Adjustment Question... I have scoured the threads here for a while and there are some great tips on adjusting my chain. My question however, is whether or not anyone has a how-to video? I know where all of the bolts/nuts etc are, but it is always better if you can actually see someone do it instead of theorectical pictures and words right? Also, what is this I was reading about needing to have two people to adjust the chain? Can't you just sit on the bike and reach down to determine how much slack the chain has? I've only had my bike for a few months now, so forgive me for being a newb __________________ Life begins on a vehicle... 08 Yamaha FZ6 07 Scion tC 97 Subaru SVX Lsi (#34 of 650) My pride and joy...

08-26-2008, 09:29 AM	#2 (permalink)
oldfast007 "Thread Killer" Join Date: May 2008 Location: NH Bike: Fastest Red 06' Posts: 221 Rep Power: 5 Member #2741	Re: Chain Adjustment Question... SportRyder's Wheel Alignment Method No, video I could find, but this seemed useful as a follow up, and I do mine by myself... In addition I recall the manual stating measuring slack below the swingarm, on centerstand and having rotated the tire to find the stiffest part of the chain __________________ 'A government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you have.' - Thomas Jefferson Last edited by oldfast007; 08-26-2008 at 09:32 AM..

08-26-2008, 09:48 AM	#3 (permalink)
rvbiker Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: south dakota Bike: 2005 yamaha FZ6 Posts: 192 Rep Power: 6 Member #860	Re: Chain Adjustment Question... Welcome to the forum The chain slack is measured while off the bike. When you sit on the bike the chain tightens and the spec(1.77-2.17 in.) is supposed to take that into account. The thing that bothers me about this is that if you adjust the chain for the lower slack limit(1.77 in) and you ride two up I feel there is undo tension on the chain, sprockets and bearings. Especially in light of the fact the we are all getting heavier as a society. The bike’s carrying capacity is 417 lbs. and this limit could easily be exceeded with 2 guys riding 2 up. I’m about 230 so I adjust my chain more to the 2.17 side of the spec.. A loose chain has a much more positive effect on the bike than a tight chain.

08-26-2008, 10:03 AM	#4 (permalink)
Hellgate Super Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Austin, Texas Bike: 2007 FZ6 Posts: 3,292 Rep Power: 58 Member #1191	Re: Chain Adjustment Question... Rule of thumb, better on the loose side than the tight side. Too tight and your chain and sprockets will wear very fast. One of the beauties of the FZ is the centerstand. With that you can adjust the chain yourself. Just follow your owners manual. Ideally you wanted to be seated on the bike in your normal riding gear and have a buddy check the slack. This is the best method as when your swingarm moves through its arc the chain will tighten as the arm compresses, then once it passes the peak of the arc the chain will slacken. On a side note, the new BMW Enduro bike has the drive sprocket in the swingarm pivot so that whole problem is solved, kind cool. BMW-450-left.jpg __________________ Pete Mods: Akrapovic, Ohlins Remote, R6 Fork, RyanK Fender Mounts, Cobin with Backrest, Motovation Sliders, Yamaha Cowl, Stickers Removed, Galfers, Pazzo Shorties, Rizoma FE, Fredlight, Hugger Trimmed, ConvertiBar Clip-Ons, Acculign Top Clamp, OSO2K Setbacks, PC III w/ Custom AF1 Racing Map. Up Coming Mods: All Balls Headset

08-26-2008, 10:22 AM	#5 (permalink)
FZ6inNH Moderator w/ Twisted Fate Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: New Hampshire Bike: 2008 FZ6 Cobalt Blue Posts: 3,151 Rep Power: 51 Member #18	Re: Chain Adjustment Question... What Pete said! You're fortunate to have the '08 model. You only have one axle nut to tighten. The adjusters are much better on this new swingarm making it a simple task for one person. Don't rely on the tick marks, rely on accurate measurement from known-good reference points! __________________ -={FZ6inNH}=- . . Member #9 . . 2008 Cobalt Blue FZ6 -My Rider Resume Mods: Yamaha Lower Cowl, Racetech Springs w/15w oil, FAZR6 F.E. Kit, Puig Smoke Racing Screen, Tank Camera mount, Cortech Sport saddle and tail bags, dual headlight mod, Shogun Sliders, Yamaha Comfort Seat, Mild Airbox Mod, De-Stickered, and Custom Carbon Fiber SwingArm Decals

08-26-2008, 10:22 AM	#6 (permalink)
5Against1 Always Learning... Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: California Bike: 2008 FZ6 Posts: 4 Rep Power: 0 Member #4543	Re: Chain Adjustment Question... Good info thanks! The owners manual says that the chain slack should be adjusted every 500 miles. To me that seems like every two weeks or so I need to adjust the chain?!? That seems a little extreme to me, but maybe I'm just crazy. Any suggestions as to how often I should do this if 500 miles is not a good number? __________________ Life begins on a vehicle... 08 Yamaha FZ6 07 Scion tC 97 Subaru SVX Lsi (#34 of 650) My pride and joy...

08-26-2008, 10:23 AM	#7 (permalink)
FZ6inNH Moderator w/ Twisted Fate Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: New Hampshire Bike: 2008 FZ6 Cobalt Blue Posts: 3,151 Rep Power: 51 Member #18	Re: Chain Adjustment Question... Oh! Didn't see it was your first post. __________________ -={FZ6inNH}=- . . Member #9 . . 2008 Cobalt Blue FZ6 -My Rider Resume Mods: Yamaha Lower Cowl, Racetech Springs w/15w oil, FAZR6 F.E. Kit, Puig Smoke Racing Screen, Tank Camera mount, Cortech Sport saddle and tail bags, dual headlight mod, Shogun Sliders, Yamaha Comfort Seat, Mild Airbox Mod, De-Stickered, and Custom Carbon Fiber SwingArm Decals

08-26-2008, 10:29 AM	#8 (permalink)
MarinaFazer Ocean Rider 1 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Brentwood, California 90049 (LA) Bike: 2006 FZ6 Posts: 1,022 Rep Power: 14 Member #2566	Re: Chain Adjustment Question... not every 500 miles...it depends on how you ride the bike. I periodically check after long ride, but a well oiled chain hasn't needed it that often in my experience...I think I tightened mine about 1,000 miles ago and it's not yet ready for another tightening. Just lift the chain up and down and if you have too much slack, then tighten, if not, then keep riding!

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