Chain slack help

[Ducky95]

I'm new to bikes and have delved into trying to fix my chain slack - each time I try something is always skewiff.

I have the Honda MSX 125 with a chain slack of 30-40mm. Today my slack was at 40mm and decided to try and tighten it up, I loosened the nut on the right side and then fixed the adjusters 1/4 turn at a time.. I got it down to 32mm but when tightening everything back up it was at 27mm, I try a second time and the result is 37mm however after a test ride to make sure everything feels right the chain has loosened up again to 42mm.

I'm not exactly sure what I'm doing wrong. Any ideas?


**All fixed, fourth times the charm it seems, thank you!

[yen_powell]

Are you measuring it at lots of different places so you measure the tightest spot each time? Are you measuring it when it is still warm after a ride? Is it shagged and stretching like some non O ring chains I have had in the distant past? Are you tightening the axle nut as it should be tightened?
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Blackmail is a nasty word........but not as nasty as phlegm!
XT1200Z and a DR350 in bits

[Easy-X]

Indeed, the wheel should not be moving about in any way to create slack

If the chain's stretching that bad and you're getting a new one don't forget to check the sprockets for wear, might be worth doing chain + front & back all at the same time.
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Royal Enfield Continental GT 535, Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[Ducky95]

[Easy-X]

Shouldn't one use a torque wrench and tighten to spec or am I being too precious?
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Royal Enfield Continental GT 535, Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[Skudd]

[jaffa90]

I would leave it at 40mm min, if you set it at 32mm it will stretch, more so on uneven surfaces.
It has a long swing arm travel that`s why it has a rubber pad/ strip on top off the swing arm.
I have had many trail bikes and non had less than 40mm slack.

[WD Forte]

Check the sub frame isn't bent
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bikers smell of wee

[Easy-X]

[to v or not to v]

chains have a tight spot. you need to turn the wheel and measure the movement in the chain until you find the point with the least slack. this is where you take your measurement from.
look for how to videos on youtube if in doubt.

[jeffyjeff]

[jaffa90]