How To Tighten The Chain?

Okay, I have searched the maintenance, looked for it, and I see a lot of people saying to tighten the chain with the issues I have, but I don't know how to do it. I don't have a manual. I apologize if I overlooked this, but I have enough slack that I can move my chain around a lot. I am thinking it needs replacement soon, but if I could prolong it a little, that would be wonderful.

Thanks!

The owners manual can be downloaded from this site, look under the dowload tab on main page, thats where I got mine from. Sorry I could not be more helpful, i've never tightned mine yet.

Honda VFR Service Manual

Pages 3-19 through 3-24

Okay, finally getting around to this again. I apologize again, profusely, but I am unable to download the file, too many restrictions here on my work computer, and I am currently wo at home.

So, how do I tighten my chain. Literally, what are the steps? You loosen that big nut, then what? Again, sorry if this is annoying (well, not too sorry), but a step by step process for a relatively dim-witted individual (wrt bikes, that is) would be great. Even if it's easy, I'm just not seeing it right now, and currently my chain is about hitting my center stand. So, I need to see if it's replacement time or if I just suck at motorcycle maintenance....

Thanks.

It's very easy. Put bike on centerstand. Loosen pinch bolt on the very back end of the swingarm (it's pointing down towards the ground). Use the large C-shaped wrench from the tool kit with the extender to grasp the slotted ring between the sprocket and the swingarm. It's tough to see at a glance but it's in there. Rotate the ring till appropriate slack is achieved as measured in the middle of the chain and err on the side of looseness. I don't recall the measurement but it should be on the chainguard sticker. Don't forget to torque the pinch bolt back tight.

I don't know if your 2002 is the same as '94 the best way to learn is to go to a shop, Which I did & it cost me $25.00, at least it was only once.

Good Luck,

Gary

V-FORE

JovinskiOkay, finally getting around to this again. I apologize again, profusely, but I am unable to download the file, too many restrictions here on my work computer, and I am currently wo at home.

So, how do I tighten my chain. Literally, what are the steps? You loosen that big nut, then what? Again, sorry if this is annoying (well, not too sorry), but a step by step process for a relatively dim-witted individual (wrt bikes, that is) would be great. Even if it's easy, I'm just not seeing it right now, and currently my chain is about hitting my center stand. So, I need to see if it's replacement time or if I just suck at motorcycle maintenance....

Thanks.

FotoMotoIt's very easy. Put bike on centerstand. Loosen pinch bolt on the very back end of the swingarm (it's pointing down towards the ground). Use the large C-shaped wrench from the tool kit with the extender to grasp the slotted ring between the sprocket and the swingarm. It's tough to see at a glance but it's in there. Rotate the ring till appropriate slack is achieved as measured in the middle of the chain and err on the side of looseness. I don't recall the measurement but it should be on the chainguard sticker. Don't forget to torque the pinch bolt back tight.

Here are some photos to add to Doug's instructions.

Tools you will need. Note: The odd shaped tubing or handle is just an extension for the adjustment tool. If the pinch bolt is loose the eccentric moves easily with just the adjustment tool.

[image: ChainAdjustment07.jpg][image: ChainAdjustment06.jpg]

Loosen the pinch bolt with a 17mm wrench.

[image: ChainAdjustment03.jpg]

This is what you will be moving. Push down on the adjustment tool to loosen the chain and lift up to tighten it.

[image: ChainAdjustment05.jpg][image: ChainAdjustment04.jpg]

Adjustment Specs

[image: ChainAdjustment.jpg]

Like Doug mentioned, don't forget to tighten the pinch bolt.

Warning!!! Warning!!! Warning!!!!

Don't ever let your bike get as dirty as mine or this will happen when you adjust the chain.

[image: ChainAdjustment02.jpg]

THANK YOU so much, Dutchy! That's exactly what I needed! :rolleyes: Foto Moto, I read yours about five times before it started to come together and I would never have found the ring. Well, I might have if I cleaned it.

And my SSS is SO much dirtier than yours, Dutchy! It might be a week before I can get to the adjustment! I'll be cleaning!

Thanks guys, your awesome!

JB

Glad you got it! :biggrin:

Oh and it's just Dutch. The world famous dyke loving "Dutchy" lives across the pond. :rolleyes:

dutchinterceptorGlad you got it! :fing02:

Oh and it's just Dutch. The world famous dyke loving "Dutchy" lives across the pond. :unsure:

Yeah, dykes are great!

[image: HPIM6206.jpg]

[image: HPIM0229.jpg]

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It's better to be a little too loose, than too tight (bikes are different than women). If you push up on your chain (at the mid point between the front and rear sprockets) the chain should just touch the bottom of the black plastic guide on the bottom of the swing-arm.

Good luck.

ki-speed (mark)

While you are adjusting the chain a little maintainance can be done - clean and lube the chain!! I replaced mine this spring. I don't think the previous owner had ever cleaned it and I must have cleaned out 2lbs of grunge from the swing arm and chain guard area. While you're at it check that your chain is not worn out. If a line dropped straight down from the wear sticker (from the right limit of the sticker) does not go through at least the tip of your sprocket teeth, the chain is past its limits and should be replaced.

This is a great tutorial! Coming from a shaft driven bike before my VFR, I was dreading this moment before this thread.

Cheers!