How to Tighten Motorcycle Chain?

Over time, the chain can become loose and slack, causing a loss of power, reduced fuel efficiency, potential damage to your bike’s components, and even safety hazards. So, maintaining a motorcycle chain regularly is crucial for safe and smooth riding.

The main aspect of chain maintenance is tightening, and it can be done with a few basic tools and techniques. And if you are here to learn how to tighten your motorcycle chain at home to time and money, then you have come to the right place.

Figure 0 How to tight any Motorcycle Chain

•  Checklist

• When Is It Time to Tighten Your Chain?

• What are the Tools Required for Tightening a Motorcycle Chain?
• Easy 8-Steps Process for Tightening a Motorcycle Chain?

1) When Is It Time to Tighten Your Chain?

You may hear some noises just a few days after tightening the chain, but it doesn’t mean that it’s loosened up because it may be due to a bent chain cover or other misplaced component near the chain. So, it’s always best to look for these signs too;

• Excessive Slack: If you notice too much play or slack in your chain, which appears loose and saggy, it indicates it needs tightening.

• Chain Skipping: If your chain skips or jumps while riding, it may be due to improper tension.

• Sprocket Wear: If you notice excessive wear on the sprockets, it could be a sign that the chain is too loose, causing it to rub unevenly against them.

Being vigilant and correcting these signs frequently by tightening your motorcycle chain can help ensure a safer and smoother riding experience.

2) What are the Tools Required for Tightening a Motorcycle Chain?

When it comes to tightening the chain on your motorcycle, you’ll need some tools & accessories, which include;

3) Easy 7 Steps Process for Tightening a Motorcycle Chain?

Before beginning any bike’s chain maintenance, it is essential to prepare your work area properly. This means finding a flat surface for bike stability and ensuring enough space around the rear wheel to work comfortably. Your work area could be your garage, lawn, or public park.

Once you have found a suitable space, you should lay down some soft objects to kneel on to avoid discomfort. Next, gather all the necessary tools you will need to complete the task at hand and keep them within easy reach.

Now, you can follow the below 7-Steps process;

• Step 1) Place the Motorcycle Off the Ground

• Step 2) Find the Ideal Tension

• Step 3) Check Your Bike’s Chain Slack

• Step 4) Tighten the Chain

• Step 5) Tighten the Axle Nut

• Step 6) Lubricate the Chain.

• Step 7) Test Ride the Bike

Step 1) Place the Motorcycle Off the Ground

Placing your motorcycle on a stand is essential because it lifts the bike from the ground, makes the rear tire free to turn by hand, and gives more area for easy checking & adjusting chain tension.

You must make sure that the motorcycle is properly stable on flat ground and will not fall over while you are working under it. You can use one of the following;

• Built-in Center Stand

• Separate a Rear-Wheel/Paddock Stand

Step 2) Find the Ideal Tension

Every motorcycle has a recommended chain tension specified by the manufacturer, which you can find in the bike owner’s manual or chain cover. 

The chain’s tension is determined by its slack, and most bikes require 1 to 2 inches of slack.

Step 3) Check Your Bike’s Chain Slack

Once you know the recommended chain slack for your motorcycle from the owner’s manual book/chain cover, the next step is to check your chain’s current tension/slack. This can be done using chain tensioning tools, a measuring tape, or a ruler.

• Find the middle point between the front & rear sprockets, or you can say the center of the chain.

• Focus on the lower side of the chain and push it down as much as you can. Then, get a ruler/measuring tape and find the distance between the chains & the swingarm.
• Now, push the same point of the chain all the way upward and again find the distance between the chain & swingarm.
• Finally, The difference between these two measurements will give you the chain’s slack.

Step 4) Tighten the Chain

Now, in order to practically tighten the chain;

• First of all, use a wrench to loosen the Axle nut, which is usually found on the right side of the bike ( or on both sides ) near the rear wheel. It is critical to note that it’s only loosened, not completely removed. 

• Now, turn the bolt on the adjuster, but in small turns ( clockwise to tighten the chain and counterclockwise to loosen it ). It is important to note that adjusters are present on both sides, and you need to move them evenly for proper wheel alignment.

• After each adjustment, re-measure the chain slack until it reaches the recommended tension.

Step 5) Tighten the Axle Nut

After you’ve adjusted the chain tension, tighten the rear axle nut using a socket wrench.

It’s essential to tighten it to the torque specifications provided by the manufacturer, which can be found in the owner’s manual or through a quick Google search. This will ensure the nut is tightened to the appropriate level and doesn’t cause any issues.

Step 6) Lubricate the Chain.

A well-lubricated chain is essential to prevent rust, decrease wear, and ensure smooth riding. And for that;

• Find a spot at the lower portion of the chain, preferably at the center, where there is no chain cover and enough space to move around. 

• Get motorcycle-specific spray or liquid lubricant and apply it at the previously picked chain spot. 

• Then, slowly rotate the rear wheel by hand, which will rotate the chain, and you can keep applying the lubricant to the same spot until the whole chain is covered.

Finally, wipe off the excess lubricant from the chain cover and other parts, especially plastic ones, because lubricant will collect dust and damage the color.

Step 7) Test Ride the Bike

Once you’ve followed all the steps above, it’s important to double-check everything. Then, take your motorcycle for a spin to ensure everything feels ok and the chain is tensioned correctly.

Remember, a well-tensioned chain will not only prolong the life of your chain & sprockets but also ensure a smooth ride. So, take the time to check and adjust your motorcycle chain regularly.

FAQs About Adjusting a Motorcycle Chain