motorcycle chain

Strangely they tighten the chain by moving the rear axle back and forth.

So loosen the axle nuts, use the small bolts as tighteners, re-tighten the axle nuts. Follow the book's recommendation on tightness, if you don't have the book call a couple of service shops, then when it is running go buy the book.

If you must guess, guess looser than tighter.

What is the problem with my clutch, it does not look damaged at all, yet it won't move. The chain was reattached as you all suggested (had to buy a 1" or so wrench). I suspect there is some kind of tip over switch eh? P.S. I did suffer a concussion and am somewhat delirious as I write did not need to lose any more hair!

You may have damaged the kick stand switch. The kick stand switch keeps you from putting it in gear with the stand down.

Hey Garthh ; i forgot about that , i think you might have solved it .

Well done !

Whoa jimray50 ; I am a biker too , please listen carefully ... As you probably know , your Bandit 1250 is a very strong bike . As a matter of fact it is the most powerful sit up style of bike there is . Most others that came after were tank slappers were you actually lie down on the bike to handle the power and g forces etc.

If your chain is streched to the point of falling off then you need a new chain !

You should also replace your rear spocket as it will be worn out too.

Talk to the guys at the bike shop and have about $ 250.00 in your pocket for the parts. You can replace the chain yourself , and yes you will have to remove the rear wheel to do it . See me if you need help here .

Please let me add: Check the front sprocket too!

Nothing wears out a new chain faster than old sprockets; except maybe poor lubrication.

Also, nothing takes out new sprockets faster'n old chain.

As much as it hurts, i'd recommend replacement as a set.

Chains wear, rather than "stretch"; the increasing clearance in each pin joint allows movement. If you were to lay it on a table & push all the links together, it could appear shorter, too.

+1 on changing BOTH sprockets and chain at same time. (IF the chain is stretched and there is sprocket damage ie: hooking/rounding of teeth)

Don't cheap out, your life relies on it.

Allright, got the chain back on and adjusted, as I tried to start, the clutch won't engage, the bike shifts without the clutch, but of course won't start without the clutch engaging nor would I drive it. The bike went down on the right, just scaped the fairing, and the clutch is on the left. Any answers?

I'd check and recheck all your clutch linkage. Is it connected? Does adjustment help?

Is it a hydraulic clutch? If so is it leaking? Do you have an air lock in it after dumping the bike?

Is the bike in neutral? If the Kick stand switch is faulty that would do it.

Check to make sure the pin on clutch lever is properly alligned and not damaged. Check the wiring from that to make sure it is making a connection.

If none of this works try the Bandit forums http://www.riderforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=117

http://www.suzukiownersclub.co.uk/forum/forum_topics.asp?FID=6

http://www.banditforum.co.uk/

and if it was my bike I'd put it into Dealer Mode to get the code and reduce the ammount of guess work.

Good luck sorting it out!

"...your Bandit 1250 is a very strong bike . As a matter of fact it is the most powerful sit up style of bike there is ."

I guess you haven't heard of Suzuki's nakid bike with the Busa engine? (with more torque then the Busa). The B-King!!! http://www.cycleworld.com/article.asp?section_id=4&article_id=181

The Bking will eat the Bandit:)

I like the Bandit though, my wife has one.

clutch is now stuck after I adjusted chain, is there some electrical switch from dropping the bike on its right side, the clutch is on the left? Did not see any mechanical damage to right just scraped fairing, lost right turn signal and bent brake all not to big a deal...

What's the deal, I'd hate to have to tow it to dealer those schysters.

OK , so as i understand it , you put her down then decided to adjust the chain then found your clutch doesent work .? Is this right ? If so here goes ...

1) there is no " tip over switch ".

2) if your chain was worn (stretched) to 2 inches as you said REPLACE it and be sure to adjust it correctly , see replys from EDIGNAN and SIDEVALVEGURU !

3) does your handlebar clutch lever show any resistance as you pull it back , if not it has become disconnected during your pavement inspection ( hope it wasent serious )

4) come back with more details and will try to help .

Hi jimray50,

It sounds like you have adjusted the chain with the 2 bolts after loosening up the rear wheel (don't forget to tighten it again!). If your front sprocket and chain are worn too much, and if you tighten the chain too much, a front sprocket tooth will hit dead center on a chain link on a fast takeoff, at the chain will break. You can turn over the front sprocket to wear the other sides of the teeth. This will buy some time, but eventually you will have to replace the chain and front sprocket.

regards,

S

OK, it "turns out", when I picked up the now totaled bike, the clutch master cylinder was damaged as was the gear housing (or engine case) on the left side. The bike seller Corona Motorsports, insisted it was from the drop/fall on the right as my chain locked up. The mechanic who helped me load, unaware of that propaganda, insisted it was the chain coming off, which slapped the case busting it and the master cylinder. My new mechanic also insisted it was the chain, not the fall. Question, if the chain could not come off a bike with 6900 miles then is that not a Suzuki warranty claim which guarantees mechanical defects for 12,000 miles or 12 months.

Insurance only paid $6200 after $500 deductible (then I bought the bike back, as above trying to repair the damaged case. Is it possible to drain the oil and repair the case either by welding or some "Defcon" (phonetic sp) adhesive?

Ugh.. so you totalled it now? Chain came off did it? Your lucky it didnt get you when it came off.

I don't know about repairing it. Sounds like a lot of work and it's my opinion it would be cheaper to source a new bike, engine or gear case.

Chains don't just come off on thier own in my experience. (IF they are properly maintained for tension and lubrication/cleaning)

Sorry to hear about this, if it was me, I would be looking at a new bike.

As an aside I had my first down on my GSXR750. Sand mid corner at 95 km/hr put me into a lowside skid. I wear full leathers (Joe Rocket 2 piece suit), gloves, boots and helm so I walked away with minor rashes and some nasty bruises. I'll need a new helmet, gloves and jacket but Im OK. The bike was ok too, some good scuffs on the cowling and gear case. The Shogun crash kit (Bar ends, frame sliders and rear spools) saved my bike from any serious damage. I was able to pick it up and ride it home after. +1 on wearing all your gear all the time.