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XR650R chain tension?

By philipstjohn,
in XR600R & XR650R/L

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philipstjohn

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I just adjusted the chain, with the inch or so slack per the manual, then when I took it off the stand and doubled check the slack, it was tight, with maybe a 1/2 inch slack max. I put it back on the stand, and rotated the rear tire. When you rotate the tire half way around, its tight, rotate it a half turn more and it has the 1 inch slack? Any ideas of what should I be looking for, or is this normal? Thanks for the help!

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philipstjohn

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Sounds like a stretched chain to me. Did you warm the chain up first by taking a short ride before you checked the slack? Chain slack should be checked at different spots just as you've done.

Actually, this is how I found the difference- I went out for a short ride, came home and it was tighter then I had set it during adjustment, so I put it back on the stand and did the wheel spin test. I know this is a hard question to answer, but what is a typical life span of the stock chain? The bike is an 06, with approx. 2500-3000 miles on it, if the miles stated of the previous owner is true. The stock sprockets are in place, and there seems to be hardly any wear there. :applause:

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porterdog

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From the manual, step one in drive chain slack adjustment:

"Turn the engine OFF. Raise the rear wheel off the ground by placing a work stand under the engine...."

Goes on to say, "Measure the slack in the lower drive chain run midway between the sprockets.

STANDARD SLACK: 20-30mm (13/16-1 3/16 in)."

It IS normal for the chain tension to vary when you roll the wheel around; find the tightest spot and adjust there.

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philipstjohn

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From the manual, step one in drive chain slack adjustment:

"Turn the engine OFF. Raise the rear wheel off the ground by placing a work stand under the engine...."

Goes on to say, "Measure the slack in the lower drive chain run midway between the sprockets.

STANDARD SLACK: 20-30mm (13/16-1 3/16 in)."

It IS normal for the chain tension to vary when you roll the wheel around; find the tightest spot and adjust there.

Are you sure this is normal?

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XR4DEZ

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Check your manual page 125 paragraph 3 tells you to adjust the chain with the bike on the side stand.To me at the middle of the swingarm on top there should be a close 3 finger space between the chain and the swingarm. This allows for hard hits that suck up the chain slack so it does not tug on the counter shaft sprocket.

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philipstjohn

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Usually get 3K(desert) miles out of a chain and sprockets. I use the Xring DID and steel Sunstar sprockets.

I have about 3K on the original chain and sprockets- have not measured the chain to see if it is within the limits yet, and the sprockets look great. About half the miles are road miles, with the remaining off road, but not hard miles in my opinion. I have not done any serious racing or hard riding, just getting used to the bike in the local state park. Do the upper end chains like a DID ERV2 or 3 last longer?

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porterdog

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Are you sure this is normal?

I've seen that on several different bikes and when speaking to other bikeguys they weren't the slightest bit surprised.... Maybe normal isn't the right word.... It's not uncommon?

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