The drive chain should be checked for worn chain links and correct adjustment. As chains stretch and wear in service, they will run tighter at one point on the sprocket. Always rotate rear wheel and check adjustment at tightest point of chain.
Chain deflection is critical to increased life of the chain and sprockets. Check deflection as instructed below. Too tight may cause premature wear, damage and breakage. Too loose may cause premature wear, excessive noise and poor transition between acceleration and deceleration.
The service life of the drive chain depends on proper lubrication and adjustment. Improper maintenance may cause premature wear of the drive chain and sprocket. Under severe use conditions, maintenance must be carried out frequently.
Inspect Drive Chain
| 1. | Inspect drive chain for: |
- Dirt
- Rust
- Binding
- Damaged links
- Damaged O-rings
Measure Drive Chain Deflection
NOTE
Chain deflection can be measured on jiffy stand with no rider.
NOTE
Measure chain deflection at center of pins.
| 1. | See Figure 2. Measure chain deflection. a. Place transmission in neutral. b. Find center point on lower section of chain between transmission sprocket (1) and rear wheel sprocket (2) centers. c. Rotate wheel to find tightest point of chain at measure point (3). d. Push chain up then pull down to measure amount of deflection (4) in lower portion of chain. e. Measure deflection several times during wheel rotation. f. Use average of measurements to determine drive chain deflection. g. Compare with specifications. Refer to Table 1. If not within specifications, see a Harley-Davidson dealer. |
Adjust the drive chain to make the chain sag to 28–35 mm (1–1 in) every 1,000 km (621 mi). Depending on your riding situation, the chain may need to be adjusted frequently
NOTE
These recommendations are the maximum adjustment intervals, in fact, the chain should be checked and adjusted before each riding. Excessive looseness of the chain may cause the chain to break away from the chain or cause serious damage to the engine.
Adjust the chain as follows
| 1. | See Figure 1. Rest the motorcycle on the jiffy stand. | |
| 2. | Loosen the rear axle nut (1). | |
| 3. | Loosen the locknut (2). | |
| 4. | Turn the adjusting bolt (3) to the right or left to adjust the tension of the chain. |
While adjusting the chain, the front and rear sprockets must be aligned with the center. Each chain adjuster is engraved with a reference mark (B). Check and ensure that the reference marks on both sides of the chain adjuster are at the same level of the scale mark. After both sides are aligned and the tension of the chain is adjusted to 28–35 mm (1–1 in), the rear axle nut should be tightened to 150 N·m (110.6 ft-lbs).
| 1 | Axle nut |
| 2 | Lock nut |
| 3 | Adjusting bolt |
| A | Rear fork reference mark |
| B | Adjuster reference mark |
Figure 1. Chain Adjust
NOTE
When replacing with a new chain, check whether the two sprockets are worn. Replace if necessary.
During regular inspection, the following conditions should be checked for the chain:
- Loose pin (2)
- Damaged roller (3)
- Dry and rusty links (4)
- Twisted or bitten links (5)
- Excessive damage (6)
- Loose chain adjustment
If the chain has the above problems, the sprocket will probably also cause damage. Check the following sprocket features:
- Excessively worn gears (2)
- Broken or damaged gears (3)
- Loose sprocket mounting hardware
Table 1. Drive Chain Deflection
VEHICLE POSITION | DEFLECTION | |
|---|---|---|
in | mm | |
Vehicle on jiffy stand | 1.10-1.37 | 28-35 |
| 1 | Transmission sprocket |
| 2 | Rear wheel sprocket |
| 3 | Measure point |
| 4 | Amount of deflection |
Figure 2. Checking Chain Deflection
Clean and Lubricate
NOTE
Use of the following may result in damage to chain O-rings:
- Steam cleaners
- High-pressure cleaners
- Wire or hard bristle brushes
- Volatile solvents like gasoline and benzene
- Abrasive cleaners
- Chain cleaners or lubricants not specifically designed for O-ring chains
| 1. | Lubricate chain using O-ring chain compatible lubricant per instructions on container. | |
| 2. | Wipe off excess lubricant. |
Lubricate with drive chain grease. It can be purchased in most stores, or it can be replaced by engine oil or other lubricants. Dip each link joint so that the grease can penetrate between the chain plate, pin, bushing and roller.
Inspect Front and Rear Sprockets
See Figure 3. Inspect each tooth of sprocket for:
- Major tooth damage
- Gouges caused by hard objects
If sprockets show major tooth damage or cracks see a Harley-Davidson dealer.
| 1 | Good |
| 2 | Worn |
| 3 | Replace |
Figure 3. Sprocket Teeth Condition