Chain tension keeps changing?
 

Hi,
My 12k mile Bike is suffering from a phenomenon where the tension goes from slightly too loose to too tight. I've checked chain tension around the length of the chain and whilst there is a slight tight spot it's not significant.

It seems to be after the bike has stood for a length of time on the centre stand, push it off and the chain is very tight. Wheel it round for a bit and it's fine. Axle nut is torqed up. I have MM lowering links, though not sure if that would have an effect, though the back end is very soft. ?shock problem

Any ideas greatfully received.

Thanks

have you made sure the rear shock linkage is free moving?

i was going to say you had a tight spot in the chain but as you say it when it comes off the stand then it could be that it's sitting too high when you first take it off the stand?

just a guess really, as i can't think what else it could be.

Time for a new chain & sprockets.

Linkage is moving and I greased them a few months ago when I fitted the lowering links.

As Kev says, new chain and sprockets are probably needed so I'll start there first

Thanks

Lol i have the MM lowering links and my tension is very inconsistant too, how weird

The more I look at it the more convinced I am that it is to do with the new lowering links. I say this because both the chain and sprockets look in reasonable nick with no appreciable tight spots, the chain sits on the sprocket fairly tightly with only a small about of movement when you lift it.

Maybe after being on the centre stand for a while the shorter links cause the linkage to stick and only free up when the bikes moved around for a bit?

I did have a session in the garage today but of course it's not playing ball now and I couldn't get the chain to tension up!!

The only other things that can change the chain length is worn or loose swinging arm bearings / axle, or loose engine mounts, worn or free play in the rear sprocket holder, loose rear axle.

Worn cush drive rubbers! If some were more worn than others or if they were moving about then that would give you the extra play in the rear wheel / chain.

Worn rubbers would give freeplay, but would not change the chain length.

Due to play in the rubbers your chain can move sideways which speeds up chain wear. Indeed replace your chain (I do not change the sprockets because the last longer then the chain) and the problem will be solved.