Yamaha YZ426F - picked it up....question [chain tension]

I didnt even have a whole lot of trouble cranking it -now that I know the proper procedure....

Assuming it's no diff. than for Hondas, around 30mm of slack is right.

Remember to check it with the suspension compressed. Depending on the pivot point, it will get tighter as the rear shock compresses.

mph said:

Remember to check it with the suspension compressed. Depending on the pivot point, it will get tighter as the rear shock compresses.

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That's not necessary...chain tension specs refer to the bike on a stand or side stand (w/ no more than static sag). The 30 +/- mm is enough to allow for any tightening through the suspension travel.

It would be pretty darn difficult to fully compress and hold the rear suspension while you check chain tension, anyway.

Chris S said:
It would be pretty darn difficult to fully compress and hold the rear suspension while you check chain tension, anyway.

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Just take a tie-down and go over the seat and through the rear wheel. :laughing

Your right, but I still like to check it when I'm sitting on the bike, either with a friend or just visually.

Actually, from the pics he posted, the chain doesn't look loose to me. Hard to tell from that side though.

Chris S said:
It would be pretty darn difficult to fully compress and hold the rear suspension while you check chain tension, anyway.

Click to expand...

It's actually quite simple.
Stand on right side of bike, lay across it and put all your weight on it, using your toes to keep yourself upright. This will allow you to see the chain and check the play with your hand while your weight is on it. Of course it will compress a little more than that amount when you land a jump, so you want a little bit of play when your weight is on it.

IMHO, a little too loose is better than a little too tight, as that will wear the bearings, the sprockets, chain, etc. Especially when jumping.

See attached picture for reference, keep in mind that the bike in the picture is on a center stand, but you get the idea. There is a long rubber slider on the top of the swingarm near the pivot for a reason.

Easiest way is to put the bike on a stand. Look at the plastic chain slider, the screw that holds it on in the back, make sure you can put 3 fingers inbetween the slider and the chain.

Thanks guys. I might have gotten it a bit too tight then :eek

I always leave two fingers space when tightening mine.......