stretched chain

Message

sparky · #1 Unread post by **sparky** » Sun Apr 16, 2006 11:29 am

Last fall, I stretched my chain unevenly so bad that it gives me a very rough ride. Is there any way to fix this besides replacing the chain, and if I do replace the chain, should I replace the sprockets even if they look ok? The bike is an 01 bandit 1200 and only has 10k mi on it.

Thanks.

Gadjet · #2 Unread post by **Gadjet** » Sun Apr 16, 2006 1:30 pm

if your chain is that badly stretched, then yes, you should replace it. You should also replace the sprockets at the same time, otherwise you will wear out your new chain faster.

worn sprockets will quickly wear out a new chain, and vice versa.

BuzZz · #3 Unread post by **BuzZz** » Sun Apr 16, 2006 5:50 pm

Gadjet has it right.

But I'm curious..... how did you stretch it un-evenly?

sparky · #4 Unread post by **sparky** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 2:58 am

Would you believe my bike is just that torquey?:muscles:
honestly though, I'm not really sure. I know it happened near the end of last year. It's about a full half of the chain that is stretched longer than the other half, so the only thing I can think of is that I overtightened it even though I always followed the service manual.

BuzZz · #5 Unread post by **BuzZz** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 7:32 am

That is strange, alright. Don't think I've ever run across half a stretched chain before.... wonder if something hard got caught between the chain and the sprocket? But that's just a guess....

Either way, the only right fix is all new final drive parts.

flynrider · #6 Unread post by **flynrider** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 8:00 am

Overtightening and not having the chain adjusters lined up can do it. I did it once on one of my old 750 twins. I couldn't figure out why the chain tension wouldn't adjust, then I spun the tire and saw it varying from 2 inches loose to banjo string tight. The sprockets were also junk.