Chain Slack - How Much is Too Much?

[bruddakhan]

So I know the standard for chain slack is 1-1.5 inches, respectively. When I cleaned + lubed my chain earlier in the week, I checked the slack on stands and it seemed to be within the recommended range for slack (probably closer to 1.5inches).

Today, however, a buddy of mine let me ride his Harley Sporty while he road my R6. As I was following him down the road, I took a second to observe my own bike, partly for it's beauty and partly to see if everything looked good. I noticed my chain jumping around, although not too excessively, but from the looks of it about an inch or so of travel.

Is this normal? If not, do I simply adjust the chain tension and measure it with a ruler down to an inch?

Thanks in advance, as I already know the BARF community will have some insight into this and provide great advice.

-Zach

 

[stangmx13]

Do exactly what your service manual says. Mine says 25-35mm so the chain gets set to 35mm.

You'll find that some track riders recommend an extra 5mm to make sure the chain doesn't bind the suspension. This is acceptable, but you need to keep a closer eye on the slack so it doesnt get any looser. My manual warns about damage to the swingarm from 50mm slack.

 

[TrackCage]

I'd rather have a chain a touch too loose than too tight.

Example of a chain drastically too loose


youtu.be/xBZWjwHgveY

 

[mototireguy]

I noticed my chain jumping around, although not too excessively, but from the looks of it about an inch or so of travel.

Jumping around as in loose/tight spots?

Put the bike on a rear stand and spin the rear wheel. Does the chain slack get loose, tight, loose...?

 

[bruddakhan]

Jumping around as in loose/tight spots?

Put the bike on a rear stand and spin the rear wheel. Does the chain slack get loose, tight, loose...?

I'm about to go do this now, and im crossing my fingers. Hopefully this isn't the case or I need a new chain :nchantr

 

[TrackCage]

How many miles on your current chain/sprockets?

How often do you clean/lube the chain?

 

[bruddakhan]

How many miles on your current chain/sprockets?

How often do you clean/lube the chain?

just over 5000 miles, and I just purchased this bike a couple months ago and did the first cleaning/maintenance earlier this week. From that point on I'll clean the chain about every 500 miles and when/if it rains.

 

[fast4d]

to double check sit on the bike and make sure chain is not taunt.

 

[sprorchid]

The service manual for the 07 R6 says:
Drive chain slack 35.0–45.0 mm (1.38–1.77 in)

It is also printed on the sticker which is usually white, on the swingarm by the rear sprocket.

 

[Deftone]

I'd rather have a chain a touch too loose than too tight.

Example of a chain drastically too loose

That was funny.

 

[bruddakhan]

I checked the slack before my ride this morning and it seems to be within spec. I may have just been worrying myself unnecessarily.