Motorcycle Repair: chain, motorcycle chains, drive chains

Question
I own a 2003 Honda 750cc Shadow (5500 miles)and am fairly new to riding/repairing motorcycles. The chain seems to get get loose/streach-out quite often. Why does this happen and what is the best way to keep it tight?

Thanks,
Tony

Answer
Hi Tony,

Final drive chains and mating sprockets work under tremendous loads. Add the fun of quick accelerations and wheelies, etc... and these parts wear rapidly.

It's normal for chains to stretch a bit as the chains wears. Chains do not wear evenly. They'll develop tight and loose spots. Adjut the chain on a tight spot and the loose area may be excessively loose and jump the sprockets. Adjust on a loose area and the tight spot may be too tight and bind, break, or quickly wear more.

Eventually, chains and sprockets will wear and require replacement.

Proper chain maintenance will prolong the life of any chain and sprockets. Always replace the chain and both sprockets as a set. Otherwise, the worn parts will quickly wear the new parts.

Buy a quality lube designed for motorcycle chains. Keep the chain well lubed. It's best to lube the chain after each ride when the chain is warm.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively