Chain info needed

[HondaGirl]

Hi all, this may be a dumb question but.....is the chain on a rebel self adjusting? or does it have to be done manually, if so how do I do it, and how do I know when it needs to be done? Bought my bike used and didn't get a manual.
Thanks for any help.:confused:

[GearJammer]

There's no dumb questions.......learning about one's bike can be gratifying & the more there is to learn helps keep the Journey exciting! ;)

No, the chain is not self-adjusting. Checking the slack in the chain should be part of one's pre-ride inspection. Simply push up on the bottom run of the chain about midway between the front & rear sprockets......someone may offer the exact free-play spec, but approx. 1/2" free movement upwards without forcing it should be O.K.

If/when it needs adjusting, you want to SAFELY lift the rear wheel and keep the bike stabilized. Loosen the axle nut on the right-hand side of the bike. On each side of the swingarm, you'll see measuring scales facing outwards. At the end of each side of the swingarm, you'll see the locknut and chain adjusting nuts. Loosen both locknuts, then turn the adjusting nuts, alternating from left to right side and only turning approx. 1/4 turn at a time on each side. Turning the adjusting nuts clockwise will tighten the chain.

Once you've got the correct slack, make sure that both scales are approx. lined up on the same marks to insure that the wheel is properly aligned. If so, then snug up the locknuts against the adjusting nuts to prevent them from moving. Re-tighten the axle nut to approx. 50 ft. lbs. of torque (again, someone may have the exact torque spec to offer you, but GOOD 'N TIGHT is a must) On the 450 Reb, I torque the axle nut to 65 ft. lbs., the 250 may require less torque)

Then re-check your chain slack to make sure nothing's moved since the adjustment & re-tightening. Also double-check that your rear brake is properly adjusted as well as that the rear brake light switch is working properly......these two items are usually O.K. after a chain adjust, but it's always a good idea to check 'em none-the-less.

[jsonder]

GJ gave you the ideal case. You can adjust the chain without lifting the rear wheel, but the axle has to be loose and you have to sort of wiggle the back tire from side to side (back and forth movement on at rearmost [half way up] part of the tire). Re-check tire straightness and the position of the adjusting covers after tightening the axle.

The owners manual lists 9/16ths to 1 inch of up/down slack in the chain. I am leery of having a chain too tight as it is hard on the front sprocket assembly.

Good luck with this. The wrench sizes are such that you will put about the right amount of torque on the axle nut with a good steady pull. No need to yank or hammer on the wrench.

[HondaGirl]

Thank you guy's for the info, I will check the free play of my chain. Adjustment sounds like it might be a little to complicated for me to perform myself, maybe have someone else do it if it needs to be done. Let me just add though, that I performed my own oil change today for the first time without any problem, I'd like to learn to do as much as I can myself. Thanks again for the help.

[jsonder]

Try to be there to watch it being done. Once you see it, you won't be afraid to do it yourself. It is quite easy.