Primary Chain - loose or tight?

[JohnnyB]

I was changing the fluids and when it came to changing the primary, I decided to pull the cover to do a visual on the internals and to make sure all was tight. I thought the primary chain felt a little snug (last adjusted by the dealer) and it measured 1/2" slack at the tightest spot. I read somewhere that the slack should be between 5/8" - 3/4". So I found the tight spot, and tried to get between 5/8" and 3/4". I could either go to where the dealer had it at 1/2" slack or almost up to an 1 inch of slack by just moving one notch. I tried several times to ensure I moved it just one notch and that's it........either a little tight or a little loose. I would say if I can't get it within the tolerance then loose would be better (without slapping the primary cover of course) than too tight but I'm not sure. Also, before I opened it, the transy seemed a little clunky but I'm not sure if that's related to a tight primary chain. I definitely cannot get it within 5/8" - 3/4", so should I go with a little loose or tight on the adjustment?

 

[MARV]

5/8 to 7/8 at the tight spot.

"a chain must be replaced when it is worn to the point that it cannot be properly adjusted"

 

[stlmikie]

Very good Marv.

 

[DRBarnhart]

5/8 to 7/8 at the tight spot.

"a chain must be replaced when it is worn to the point that it cannot be properly adjusted"

Couldn't that also be read to mean if you slide the adjuster all the way to the top and still can't get the proper range from the chain THEN replace the chain?

Dennis

 

[DRBarnhart]

I was changing the fluids and when it came to changing the primary, I decided to pull the cover to do a visual on the internals and to make sure all was tight. I thought the primary chain felt a little snug (last adjusted by the dealer) and it measured 1/2" slack at the tightest spot. I read somewhere that the slack should be between 5/8" - 3/4". So I found the tight spot, and tried to get between 5/8" and 3/4". I could either go to where the dealer had it at 1/2" slack or almost up to an 1 inch of slack by just moving one notch. I tried several times to ensure I moved it just one notch and that's it........either a little tight or a little loose. I would say if I can't get it within the tolerance then loose would be better (without slapping the primary cover of course) than too tight but I'm not sure. Also, before I opened it, the transy seemed a little clunky but I'm not sure if that's related to a tight primary chain. I definitely cannot get it within 5/8" - 3/4", so should I go with a little loose or tight on the adjustment?

Keep in mind that this adjustment is a little subjective since the book tells you to use your finger (only) with 2 to 3 lbs. of force. If the dealer thought it was good it just might be considering they would most likely have taken the opportunity to sell you a new chain!

Another possibility... is there much wear on the tensioner foot?

:zz2cents:

Dennis

 

[BWG56]

I had that same problem and then found out the clutch nut was loose and after tightening the clutch nut I had no problem adjusting within the 5/8-3/4".
Out of curiosity with the primary cover off, pull the clutch lever in and look to see if the primary chain moves. If it does, you clutch nut is definitly lose.

 

[JohnnyB]

Thanks for your help. The clutch is tight and there is no wear on the adjustment shoe. What bothers me about it is that I only move it one notch on the adjustment rail and it's too loose. One notch back and it's too tight.

 

[JohnnyB]

I had that same problem and then found out the clutch nut was loose and after tightening the clutch nut I had no problem adjusting within the 5/8-3/4".
Out of curiosity with the primary cover off, pull the clutch lever in and look to see if the primary chain moves. If it does, you clutch nut is definitly lose.

Thanks,
How do I get access to the clutch nut to check it?

 

[Raywood]

Thanks,
How do I get access to the clutch nut to check it?

You have to remove the primary cover. Also inspect the clutch hub and see if you have the old style. Many of them cracked due to weak spokes in the pressure plate. BDM has been replacing all of them. Mine had the old one in but I got over 50,000 miles on mine and it was still good.
You can find pictures of the new pressure plate in the How To section.

Your clutch hub nut is inside the clutch pack.

As for your chain I tighten mine up on the tight side, a loose chain slaps around too much and you can notice it when you stop and go. You didn't mention how many miles you have on the bike but the tension shoe does wear out and needs replaced from time to time.

Here is the stock plate. The new one has beefier spokes in it. Check yours to see if it's ok.

 

[JohnnyB]

You have to remove the primary cover. Also inspect the clutch hub and see if you have the old style. Many of them cracked due to weak spokes in the pressure plate. BDM has been replacing all of them. Mine had the old one in but I got over 50,000 miles on mine and it was still good.
You can find pictures of the new pressure plate in the How To section.

Your clutch hub nut is inside the clutch pack.

As for your chain I tighten mine up on the tight side, a loose chain slaps around too much and you can notice it when you stop and go. You didn't mention how many miles you have on the bike but the tension shoe does wear out and needs replaced from time to time.

Here is the stock plate. The new one has beefier spokes in it. Check yours to see if it's ok.

Thanks Raywood, I appreciate your response and the photos. I'll check it out. Is the clutch hub what I see when I take the primary cover off?

 

[Raywood]

Thanks Raywood, I appreciate your response and the photos. I'll check it out. Is the clutch hub what I see when I take the primary cover off?

No, what you see at the front of the clutch unit is the pressure plate.
The clutch hub is inside the clutch unit and in the first picture is the shiny part inside the clutch plates. It spins within the whole unit and the clutch plates seperate and contract to transfer power to the transmission.
The part that is suspect on the 05's is the bearing carrier and is the part that has spokes. Most replace this unit with a Bandit and there is a great How To on changing it out posted here.

 

[JohnnyB]

No, what you see at the front of the clutch unit is the pressure plate.
The clutch hub is inside the clutch unit and in the first picture is the shiny part inside the clutch plates. It spins within the whole unit and the clutch plates seperate and contract to transfer power to the transmission.
The part that is suspect on the 05's is the bearing carrier and is the part that has spokes. Most replace this unit with a Bandit and there is a great How To on changing it out posted here.

Thanks for your help. I may look into the Bandit clutch, but for now, I'll leave it as is. I was able to adjust the chain a little tighter yesterday. I grabbed the entire rear clutch assembly and tried to move it every which way, but it was tight, so I guess the bolt that's apt to come loose is tight also. I buttoned it back up and it rides fine.