Can you adjust a motorcycle chain further than the last notch?

Question

My chain is so loose that it came off within the last few miles of a journey. I managed to get it back on (I know, it's that loose) and make it to my destination, but I'm now stranded with a chain that could come off at any moment and a 50 mile journey home. The swing arm shows that I'm on the last adjustable notch. I know it's basic basic maintenance to keep an eye on the chain but I'm stuck now. I have the tools to adjust the chain, but is it possible to adjust it further than the last notch, and if so is that safe for a 50 mile ride? I really just need to get this bike and myself home asap. Any advice? Condescend away I know I deserve it

Answer 1

Would be REALLY helpful to know the actual cycle with the stretched chain. Adjusting of axle by a eccentric cam plate or a cap screw with lock nut? If you remove lock nut from cap screw can get a bit more adjustment on many swingarms - file the lock nut a bit flatter for securing axle because without it the adjusting screw will back off some and axle will get looser unless perhaps a wire or wedge is jammed into/under head of cap screw- seen both done. On some a axle pushed all the way back with bottomed adjuster cap screw will have a bit of clearance- then remove the adjuster cap screw, pull all the way back and tighten axle nut snug, put in some kind of wedge in the U shaped adjuster cradle- a wittled stick will work. I remove a couple links on old FL Harley to get a few more miles out of chain and rear sprocket- sprocket and chain replaced a month later but it did get a few miles extra out of chain. Honda Rebel(?) got the lock nut put flat on grinder to 1/2 thickness to get slack out to get home 500 miles from a rally for new rider. Dirt bike eccentric cams get wedged for final 1/8 inch adjustment. Drive slow, check every 10 miles to see if axle holding- many of the nuts will stay snug with loosened cap screws.

Answer 2

If you are stuck on the side of the road,

don't be concerned about the notches on the swingarm.

Pull the wheel back if the axle will move any further.

Crank down on the nut to help keep the axle from moving and ride very slow without any quick take-offs.

For added measures, if you can stick something like a nut between the adjuster bolt and swingarm that would be beneficial.

Answer 3

If your chain is stretched out further than you can adjust for, you can always remove a link. Most motorcycle shops sell a simple tool called a "Chain Breaker" that you can use to push out the rivet that holds the chain link together. Once you remove one link, you should be able to adjust it to tighten up.



Of course, if the chain is stretched far enough to NEED this little trick, it's probably time to replace the chain AND sprockets.

Answer 4

Your chain is worn out. It's dangerous. You probably don't have much left on either sprockets...so replace all.

Answer 5

Remove a link. Not hard to do. Can do it with or without a chain break. Without the chain break tool, you need a grinder, and a punch. And a ball peen hammer. If you dont know how to do this though,then simply ride it home but ride it easy. Slow lane and as slow as you can safely go. No hard starts from red lights! get it home and replace that chain. Inspect the sprockets as well. Might be time for new ones.In the future keep the chain LUBRICATED and properly adjusted.

Answer 6

No

Answer 7

Nope. You need a tow truck. I find that AAA is cheap insurance for such an occasion. That chain is stretched to it's max. You're putting your life in danger by riding with it.