Sudden Increase in Chain Slack (What Does It Mean?)

 

2006 Honda VT600C.

Chain is probably near the end of its life (back to the "replace" marks on
the swingarm).

Adjusted the chain just now before turning the bike over to a friend who
will ride it until Winter.

The chain slack seems to have suddenly increased since the last time I
adjusted it (maybe 1,500 miles ago).  It was slightly over 2 inches, and I
brought it back to about 1 inch (manufacturer's recommdation: 0.75-1.25).

Does an increase larger than I've ever seen before mean anything?

Unfortunately, my recordkeeping is imprecise.  It just might have been
longer than normal since I adjusted it.

Thanks, Dave.

 

Dnia 2008-09-13 David T. Ashley napisa³(a):

Yes.  It means that the chain is probably near the end of its life.


I believe your gut feeling.  Tell your friend that the chain is dying.

--
Andrzej Rosa

 



Agreed, and I just wanted to add that 1,500 miles is a bit long
to go before checking the chain.

How often do you clean/lube it?  And assuming it's more often
than 1,500 miles (I would hope), why don't you check it then?

How many miles on this one, by the one?  Didn't you already
replace the chain on this bike once?


Bob M.

 


I never clean it.  I just spray it down with chain lube.

I check the slack less often than I lube it.  Problem is, I don't remember
when I last checked the slack.


About 11K.  I haven't replaced the chain yet, but it is due.

 



Well, there ya go.  Assuming you've got the rear wheel
up to lube it (or do you just spray a bit and then roll the
bike forward, etc.?), why not check the slack at the
same time?  And "never clean it" probably isn't the best
thing you could be doing for long chain life, esp. if by
"spray it down with chain lube" you're talking about that
waxy gunk in the spray can.  At least in my experience,
that stuff picks up wayyyyy too much dirt and grit.

11k miles isn't all that bad for a chain, but it's hardly
outstanding life, either.  And how do your sprockets
look?

A couple of suggestions: get a "grunge brush,"  and
if lubing is too much of a hassle, look into an "automatic"
oiler as well.

Bob M.