Chain and trac dynamics swingarm rd400 question

[rd400greenhorn]

Hi guys

So everything is a first for me on this never ending build

I have decided to tackle the chain, Which i bought over a year ago

Was a regular 530 Kit with sprocket i believe from UK
But looks to My as the chain is to short... And, because I have it raised in the back suspension
Can it be why the chain touches the swingarm?

Or can anyone guide me here 😅🤔

[Striker1423]

Your chain should be able to connect one link away with a master. Is the adjuster all the way llose? It doesn't look like it.

[85RZwade]

Your chain looks a bit long in terms of adjustment, NOT saying you need to cut it. Can you pull the axle back any further? Your chain will be tightest when the countershaft, swingarm pivot and rear axle are aligned; that's the position in which you should check tension. Removing the shocks makes it easy to move the swingarm through its travel, and yes, your chain might rest on the front of the swingarm when shocks are fully extended.

[rd400greenhorn]

Ahh.. Might see it clearer now.

Wait, the torque arm. Do I loosene that also? 😂

[~JM~]

Check out the swing-arm protection on Dirt Bikes. Usually have a replaceable piece of nylon/rubber/plastic where the chain rubs on the swing-arm pivot.

[rd400greenhorn]

Guide and or advice are truelly appreciated.

[rd400greenhorn]

Here you can see
Chain is not to long as it sits here

[rodneya]

That swingarm looks like it should have axle blocks inside the slots at the back instead of the OEM chrome adjusters.

[rd400greenhorn]

Allright
So pushed the wheel All the way forward
That should be My starting point right?

The 95? Link chain i have is a bit to short.

So, get a long chain and cut it to measure?

[pdxjim]

If that swingarm is +1" (or whatever) the stock chain length is gonna be too short.

I always opt for a longer chain than spec and cut it down to length just in case.

[oxford]

I always opt for a longer chain than spec and cut it down to length just in case.

Same here.  I don't mind spending a few extra bucks and throwing a few links out when I am done.

My starting point is axle all the way forward in the slots.  Then like mentioned pull the shocks and get the counter sprocket, swingarm, and rear axle in a line, use some wire to hold it in that position.  This is the position where you want to set chain tension at since this is where the counter and wheel sprocket are going to be farthest apart.

If you are cutting a chain to length make sure you mark it where it will be a full link.  Before you cut make sure you look at what and where you are cutting and make sure the master link is going to go in.  For someone not familiar you could get it to where you are a half link off and when you cut it it will end up to short.  I will also put a zip tie through the plates I am going to cut off as I will usually pull it back off the bike to cut it.  This way you don't lose track of where you want to cut.

[rd400greenhorn]

Thanks for the advice!!

I got it on,  chain breaked, shortend and assembeled.

Hopefully i did it correct. I certainly did take the chain apart and together by the book.

I pushed the rear wheel forward, measured the chain up in the sprockets, marked, remove and mounted the chain again, and then pushed/ pulled the rear tire back again Till the chain got fighter.
Assume now i tighten up the chain tension and rear axle?
Call it done

Hope so 😅

[rd400greenhorn]

...

Not tighten anything yey but spins good, dont seem. To tight.

[oxford]

The chain will get tighter in the picture above as the rear wheel travels upward.  It's hard to tell if you have it to tight or not.  This is where taking the shocks off and moving the swingarm up by hand would come in.

[dgorms]

That looks a bit tight, I've always ran my chains on the "loose" side of adjustment, they're happier that way and last longer.