Chain Tension Help

Discussion in 'Newbies Hangout' started by JonnyD, Jun 1, 2021.

  1. JonnyD

    JonnyD New Member

    Feb 19, 2021
    19
    3
    harrogate
    Hi All,

    Picked up my first bike (Bobber) on Saturday and whilst lubing after a long run Sunday tested the chain which is 50-60mm slack. Manual says 25-33mm

    Rang dealer as thought they may have missed it when prepping but they say they measure whilst you are on the bike so it could be OK and previous owner may have been heavier...

    Is it 25-33 mm when off the bike or sat on it? Got tools coming today so can sort, just not sure how to proceed..

    Bike did feel snatchy at low speeds so think it's too loose as a starter anyway?
     
  2. Hubaxe

    Hubaxe Good moaning! aka Mr Wordsalad :)

    Mar 25, 2020
    1,694
    800
    Aix Les bains - French Alps
    If it's too lose you'll fell it as you gear down.
    Be careful, don't overdo. A tigh chain can involve some mechanical issues like sprocket bearing.
    Little by little adjustment until you feel the difference.
     
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  3. Wessa

    Wessa Cruising

    Apr 27, 2016
    11,619
    1,000
    North West England
    I would trust the manual. I think your dealer is taking the piss :)
     
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  4. Ducatitotriumph

    Ducatitotriumph Crème de la Crème

    Apr 25, 2019
    2,181
    1,000
    Rothwell
    Bobber doesn’t have much suspension anyway so get a chain monkey and do it yourself sir.
    Dealer is taking the mick.
     
    • Like Like x 5
  5. brown mouse

    brown mouse Elite Member

    Sep 15, 2018
    2,288
    943
    East Midlands, UK
    I have the Bonneville Speedmaster which is essentially the same frame as the Bobber, I always follow the manual for chain tension. My dealer has the opposite habit of making it too tight.
     
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  6. sprintdave

    sprintdave Nurse,he's out of bed again

    May 25, 2014
    1,533
    750
    Birmingham
    My guess is that the bike is second hand and the dealer has no experience of Triumph brand. If you have the manual just follow it , it is the easiest job you will ever have to do. Some bikes are done on the stand, some are not but it will say in the bible. Lol
    I have had bikes serviced in the past and one time the chain was far too tight and grating, another time they hadn't tightened the locking bolt on one side of my sprint, the handling was kinda weird. I do my own now so I know it is safe.
     
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  7. JonnyD

    JonnyD New Member

    Feb 19, 2021
    19
    3
    harrogate
    Thats exactly what I did thanks - happy with it now
     
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  8. JonnyD

    JonnyD New Member

    Feb 19, 2021
    19
    3
    harrogate
    It was bought from and advice given by Triumph York so hope they would have had some experience! Think I'll follow your eg and do it myself, thanks.
     

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