Should I Fear Damage to the Engine?
I recently bought a new motorcycle and rode it for a few days without noticing that the chain was too tight. When it was pointed out to me, I reset it to its specification. What are the disadvantages of a tight chain? How can I figure it out in the future? Could it have damaged my motorcycle in any way over the past few days?
Anand Tawrej, via social media Hello, Anand,
Let’s begin with the good news. Since you rectified the issue quite quickly, it is unlikely that your motorcycle has sustained any major damage. That said, an overly tightened chain can be the source of numerous problems with the motorcycle. Prolonged use can have crippling effects on the chain, gearbox bearing, and sprockets, not to mention a significant drop in your motorcycle’s fuel efficiency. A motorcycle with a tight chain will certainly offer more rolling resistance than a regular motorcycle.