got a new chain + rear sprocket, installed both no problems but the chain is really really tight. it's adjusted to the maximum level of new, and has slightly-less-than-stock reccommended slack amount.

what's the downside to this situation?

 

all chains have tight spots. you will stretch the chain and or cause more sprocket wear

 

so what you're saying is that i'm going to wear the sprocket faster? thats it?

i'm expecting chain stretching, but wanted to know if there's more that i'm not seeing.

 

maybe a little bit, but give the chain about a week, then check it again

 

really think in a week it'd make much difference for stretching the chain? it took almost 17,000km+ for me to stretch out my stock chain, and it still had quite some life to it

 

maybe not a week to stretch, but things always move... just to be sure

 

after some reading its sounding like the chain would snap did i just waste $150 on this chain?

on the other end of the spectrum if i put another link on, then it would have way too much slack. after adjusting it to the proper length, it'd indicate that the chain is 1/2 worn, when it's brand new.

 

get an additional master link and throw it in there

 

When I use to roadrace, we would keep our chains very lose so that the rear suspension would work to its full potential. Never had one fall off. Keep it loose.

 

think i may try a second master link, will need to try that this weekend. thing is, if i put another link on, then it would have way too much slack. after adjusting it to the proper amount, it'd indicate that the chain is 1/2 worn, when it's brand new. so its either too tight, or too loose... halp!

 

i had the same thing on my old F2 when i put a bigger sprocket on the back. put in the additional master link and adjust the chain to the proper tension and who cares what the wear indicator says. keep track of the mileage on the chain and check it/wax it periodically. after awhile, the chain could loosen enough to the point where you can ditch the 2nd master link. i guess that's what i would do if i were in your shoes

 

yeah i got the same suggestion from a friend just a few minutes ago... think i'll be doing that, but gotta find a second master link now.

 

yeah keep it looser. i had a friend keep his too tight and jump a railroad track. (not serious air but 6 in or so) and the chain snapped. could do the same from coming down on a stoppie.

 

How much play you got right now?

 

i still have another 1/2 link to cut, then i'm putting the master link on with the clip until i can rivet it. how it's set right now on the rear stand it's got barely 1/2 inch freeplay, if that (i think, i'll be sure tomorrow and update).

 

oh yeah, looks like a master link is < 10 bux, so i'm thinking of doing this...

<--chain--masterlink#1--masterlink#2--chain-->

will that work alright?

 

Yeah dude... that's way too tight. Second master should be fine.

 

i'm thinkin of taking the chain off completely and taking it to a shop to rivet both... i'm not hearing many good things about this RJ clip...

 

SirClip is fine. just make sure u keep stock size chain and sprockets (width). stay with 525-530 if you can afford it. and i think u can if your buying 150$ chain. and another note aluminum sprockets wear out fast.

 

When I use to race ('91) we just safety wired the master link. I have two master links in my chain now (I have differnt center pieces for differnt sprocket setups)

Also, I do run my chain a little loose, due to suspention travel. If you can have someone sit on your bike, then feel what the tension is like.

Chain tension is max when centerline from front sprocket, swingarm pivot, and rear sprocket are all in line. (generaly straight swingarm)