What to Do When a Motorcycle Chain Stretches?
3 Answers
Use a chain breaker to cut the chain. Place the chain into the slot of the chain breaker, then rotate the handle to push the pin out of the chain link. Lift the rear wheel and loosen the transverse screw in the middle of the rear wheel. Loosen the fixing bolts on both adjustment screws, turn them backward a few turns, and observe the chain tension while adjusting. Once the tension feels appropriate, adjust both sides evenly. Tighten the fixing bolts on the adjustment screws to prevent the rear wheel axle from moving forward, which could cause the chain to loosen again.
I've been riding motorcycles for over a decade and have encountered chain elongation issues many times, usually caused by excessive chain wear leading to tension slack. Once the chain elongates, you'll hear clicking noises while riding, experience poor acceleration, and it may also wear out the sprockets. Leaving it untreated for long can severely affect safety and efficiency. First, I stop and measure the slack with a chain gauge - normally 10-15mm is ideal. If it exceeds this, I adjust the rear axle nut and tension screw to tighten the chain. Always clean off chain grease and apply fresh lubricant before adjustments, and it's best to check every 500km. If the chain is excessively stretched, replace it immediately - the part costs around 100 yuan, and skimping on this isn't worth compromising safety. Prevention is key: avoid muddy roads when possible, and always wipe the chain dry after riding in rain to prevent rust.
When I first entered the motorcycle community, chain elongation really threw me off. A friend helped me check the manual, and I learned that a loose chain due to wear can affect riding stability and even cause slippage. I started by learning the basic steps: safely parking the bike, propping it up properly, and then using a chain measuring tool to check if the slack exceeded the standard limit. Next, I loosened the rear axle nut and used an adjuster to slowly adjust the tension, ensuring the chain wasn't dragging on the ground or too tight. After each adjustment, I applied some chain oil to keep it smooth and avoided leaving the bike in damp conditions for too long. Now, I make it a habit to check every two months—catching issues early saves money and gives peace of mind, and even beginners shouldn’t shy away from the routine.
