Does your chain hang low?

KDX_Johnny · Post by **KDX_Johnny** » 09:35 am Oct 08 2014

Does it wobble to the floor? Can you tie it in a knot? Can you tie it in a bow?

Anyway! I KEEP STRETCHING CHAINS!!! WHY?!?!?! I lube it every 2 to 3 rides. They just cant handle the power of the KDX maybe

haha. I am currently running a D.I.D 520 VX2 X-Ring Chain i thought that would be a good choice! Apparently not?

What do you guys run that hols nicely?

cornishwrecker220 · Post by **cornishwrecker220** » 11:54 am Oct 08 2014

Chains don't stretch as such....its the rollers that wear, making the chain go slack !

You shouldn't have any problem with the D.I.D ...my thoughts would be your sprockets....?? if you are running an alloy rear then this will wear...same as the front if its anything other than a quality steel...renthal etc..

I probably adjust my chain 2 times a year if that !!

Post by **SS109** » 12:32 pm Oct 08 2014

I run an RK XW ring chain. I only adjust when changing the rear tire. It just hasn't stretched in two years of very hard riding.

The key, IMO, is to always replace the CS and rear sprockets when putting on a new chain, period. Also, forget the aluminum sprockets. They just wear too fast. Use a high quality CS sprocket (I only use Renthal) and any cheap steel one for the rear. Keep an eye on the CS sprocket as it will show wear first as it ends up doing more work. As soon as you start seeing any noticeable wear on either sprocket, replace that sprocket. Also, make sure to keep your chain clean of mud and sand. Both can really shorten the life of your chain and sprockets.

EDIT: One last thing. Make sure your chain is in proper alignment. The front and rear sprockets should be lined up with each other and make sure your wheel is parallel to the chain.

KDX_Johnny · Post by **KDX_Johnny** » 04:18 pm Oct 08 2014

I run a rebthal CS sprocket and a rear renthal twin ring heavy duty. Stock set up. 13/47-108

KarlP · Post by **KarlP** » 05:34 pm Oct 08 2014

I run mine pretty loose to start with.
I usually get 18 months and adjust tension only once or twice.

adam728 · Post by **adam728** » 07:16 pm Oct 08 2014

As said, bushings wear, nothing stretches.

Are the sprockets worn at all?
What lube do you use?
How often do you need to adjust the chain?
How tight are you adjusting it?
Are you measuring length across a number of pins to determine wear limit?

Post by **SS109** » 10:59 pm Oct 08 2014

KDX_Johnny wrote:I run a rebthal CS sprocket and a rear renthal twin ring heavy duty. Stock set up. 13/47-108

Then check the wheel and sprocket alignment.

KDX_Johnny · Post by **KDX_Johnny** » 10:16 am Oct 09 2014

Everything is brand new as of 2 months ago. I use Bel Ray "no fling" chain lube. I adjust every 3 weeks it appears. I adjust until it's 2 1/2 fingers of slack above the chain guide in the swingarm (2 inches). The sprockets are aligned. And no I am not measuring that. But how can I? I can't be spending $250 every season on chains and sprockets.

IDRIDR · Post by **IDRIDR** » 11:49 am Oct 09 2014

An over-tightened chain wears quickly.

Another method to ensure that your chain is not too tight is to compress the suspension to the point where the chain is tightest, where the axle, swing arm pivot, and front sprocket are aligned. Roll the rear wheel through several revolutions and ensure that the chain is never tight; there should be at least a little slack. Sometimes a sprocket is not perfectly round so there may be a tighter point. Disconnecting the shock will make this task easier. This is the method I use. On my KLX, on which I have an oversized 51 rear sprocket (stock is 42), it results in what looks like a surprisingly loose chain; yes, it hangs low. Adjustments are far and few between and the chain and sprockets last a long time.

Tedh98 · Post by **Tedh98** » 02:11 pm Oct 09 2014

Yep, that is how it should be done.

chain slack

adam728 · Post by **adam728** » 04:38 am Oct 10 2014

I suppose another question would be - how much riding do you do?
One season for me was near 150 hours on the bike one year.
The year we moved cross country and had a kid my season was 11 hours on the bike.

KDX_Johnny · Post by **KDX_Johnny** » 07:15 am Oct 10 2014

5-6 hours a week

KarlP · Post by **KarlP** » 12:29 pm Oct 10 2014

Everything is brand new as of 2 months ago. I use Bel Ray "no fling" chain lube. I adjust every 3 weeks it appears. I adjust until it's 2 1/2 fingers of slack above the..........

Try this - Don't adjust your chain tension. I'll put a brand new set on, set it to the loose side of the spec, make sure it is not near tight when I compress the suspension as much as possible, and ride it. After an hour or so it will be quite loose as the "new" leaves. Set the tension back again to the loose side and leave it alone, it'll be good for a year.

I am running an o-ring chain. I don't use lube. Heck, i seldom wash my bike.....

Bitteeinit · Post by **Bitteeinit** » 08:38 pm Oct 14 2014

Does the KDX come with rubber on the top of the swingarm? I ask because mine doesn't have any and I was wondering if it's stock. If I push the bike or ride really slowly I can hear the chain brushing against the swingarm (I assume). Anyways, my chain makes a lot of noise (and is also loose). Is this normal?

Tedh98 · Post by **Tedh98** » 08:49 pm Oct 14 2014

I dont remember what bike you have there over seas but I would think it should have a slider. I cant see how it would be designed to have the chain rubbing against aluminum.

Bitteeinit · Post by **Bitteeinit** » 05:58 am Oct 15 2014

Hmmmmm, bike is at "the farm". I'll double-check butnif that's the case I'll find a piece of rubber and attach it (or find a slider from an xr or djebel if they fit). Thanks.

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