Hawk 250 chain tension

[china_rider]

What kind of chain tension are you guys running for trail/single track riding? I see the manual says 9/16" play while on the side stand. This seems quite tight compared to most other motorcycles I have seen.

[JerryHawk250]

That might be too tight. Best to check it with full weight on the bike or just use a ratchet strap from the swing arm to the rear handles to compress the spring until the chain is at its tightest point then adjust the slack. Once you release the strap you will know exactly how much slack you will need in the future for when you have no load on the bike.

[china_rider]

How much play would you recommend with chain at tightest point (strapped down or weight on bike)?

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by china_rider

How much play would you recommend with chain at tightest point (strapped down or weight on bike)?

1/2"to 3/4"

[Megadan]

I have personally found that about 28-30mm (1 1/8 to 1 1/4" for you SAE speakers) with the rear suspension in full droop (decompressed entirely) is just about right.

What I would recommend is setting it to the CSC Spec for the TT250, which is 15mm with the chain at it's tightest point of suspension travel. So whip out your straps, crank it down until you find that tight spot, set it, then decompress the suspension entirely and check that tension again and write down that number. It will make your life a lot easier in the future.

[Bud1968]

Hey guys, I'm running into this dilemma also. I bought the Hawk assembled and I noticed right away that the chain seemed kinda on the tight side, it only has about a 1/4 inch of slack when on sidestand, but I figured It will loosen up on it's own. It really hasn't loosened at all even feels tighter. I'm concerned it may break. Was a little apprehensive to try after hearing people having a hard time adjusting it but I figure I'd better learn because it will have to be done sooner or later anyways.

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by Bud1968

Hey guys, I'm running into this dilemma also. I bought the Hawk assembled and I noticed right away that the chain seemed kinda on the tight side, it only has about a 1/4 inch of slack when on sidestand, but I figured It will loosen up on it's own. It really hasn't loosened at all even feels tighter. I'm concerned it may break. Was a little apprehensive to try after hearing people having a hard time adjusting it but I figure I'd better learn because it will have to be done sooner or later anyways.

You might want to adjust it with a little more slack. With the chain too tight it will cause early wear on the output shaft and bearing.

[OneLeggedRider]

This doesn't have much to do with chain slack but..

Your sprockets will last for years if you keep replacing the chain when it gets stretched and worn. And checking it is easy. Grab the chain at the back of your rear sprocket, if you can pull a link up and down more than a couple millimeters it's time for a new chain.

I do this with my Scrambler and it means I have to buy a new O-ring chain every year, but my sprockets have lasted for 5 years and show no obvious wear.

[Bud1968]

Thanks guys

[Bud1968]

Was wondering if someone could tell me if the Hawk has locking nuts for the adjusting nuts for chain tensioner? I only have adjusting nuts they don’t seem very tight once it’s adjusted. Thank you

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by Bud1968

Was wondering if someone could tell me if the Hawk has locking nuts for the adjusting nuts for chain tensioner? I only have adjusting nuts they don’t seem very tight once it’s adjusted. Thank you

It comes with a single nut. I added a locking nut.

[Bud1968]

Thanks Jerry