300ex chain

[Tuktuk08]

Hi,
I've got a 2002 300ex and I'm always having to tighten the chain. Every day that me and my buddies go riding I have to tighten it at leaste twice. One of my friends just got a warrior and I talked to him about his. He said he hasn't tightened his chain in almost 3 months now. In the past month I've had to tighen mine 20 or more times. Is this normal? Or is there somthing that I could do? Any help would be great.
Thanks

[char393]

How old is that chain? Sounds to me like you need a new one.

[Tuktuk08]

As far as I know its the stock (2002) chain. Isn't the reason that it would be getting loose because the back axle comes forward?

[drman]

I think that that could be your problem...you might not be tightening something hard enough and it is backing out on you.

[char393]

As I understand it, as a chain gets used over time, it stretches. I think there are a few factors that play into how quickly it stetches. As for the back axle coming forward, I'm not sure what you mean? You mean as the suspension travels? Or are you talking about when you adjust it? Just a thought, but you may want to have a look at your sprockets too....if you decide you need a new chain, you may as well replace those too. Just my opinion though.

[Tuktuk08]

I'm not totally sure on that one. There is this thing on the back axle. You loosen 2 bolts, then you put like something big enough in these slots and you twist the thing backwards(sorry i'm not sure what it would be called) and i always thought that that pulled the axle back. Then you tighten the bolts back up and your done. So I'm not really sure. As for tightening the bolts, it stays tight longer when i really crank on em, but then i cranked too hard on one and it stripped so i had to get it replaced. I don't know whats wrong.

[char393]

The thing you're talking about is the carrier (i think). And maybe that is your problem, they're not staying tight. Maybe I jumped the gun there on thinking the chain was wore out. Sorry

[Woody_YZF]

Sounds to me like something isn't getting tightened that's supposed to.

[Tuktuk08]

Originally posted by kdxchar
The thing you're talking about is the carrier (i think). And maybe that is your problem, they're not staying tight. Maybe I jumped the gun there on thinking the chain was wore out. Sorry

That's no problem, I called up one of my friends who's got 2 400ex's and is basically a mechanic. He said by the sounds of things I did need a new chain, but to listen to what the rest of you guys had to say. So maybe you were right.

[Woody_YZF]

Even an old worn out chain shouldn't cause you to need to adjust that often, however that could definitely be it. You can get chains in the ATM store here.

[Tuktuk08]

Alright thanks, I'll try getting a new chain and if that doesn't cut it then I guess I'll just have to take it into the shop to get checked out.

[Tuktuk08]

Hey Woody_YFZ how much are you wanting for that KFX 400?

[Billdog350]

Tuktuk08, if you can afford it, go with an O-ring or X-ring chain if you plan on keeping the machine for a while. I have a nice DID X-ring on my 400ex and I only had to adjust it once after the first ride and I've put quite a few hundred miles on there since without adjustments.

Also, get some good grade 8 or higher metric bolts on that carrier, and slap some locktite on the bolts before you put them in. Once you adjust the chain, tighten the bolts and you should be set for the rest of the summer.

One last thing, how are you measuring tightness on your chain? Remember that it needs to stay loose enough so that your suspension can compress properly. If its too tight, when you jump or your suspension is compressed, it will put a lot of strain on your chain and possibly ruin your swingarm bearings, output sprocket bearing, swingarm, or carrier bearings. Check a manual or talk to a pro to get the proper deflection measurements for your machine.

[Tuktuk08]

I've been leaving a decent amount of slack so its not too tight. I pull down on the grab bar to so it's like I'm sitting on it. And I'm going to get a good chain like that, it'll last a lot longer.

[Woody_YZF]

Originally posted by Tuktuk08
Hey Woody_YFZ how much are you wanting for that KFX 400?

I'm asking $4,700.

[Tuktuk08]

Alrighty well I've got a ways to go before I have that much money so I think I'm goning to have to pass on that one. Thanks anyway.

[Tuktuk08]

I got a new chain about a week ago. I haven't had to tighten it since. Thanks for the help guys.