Chain tension changes

I recently put new tires on an 82 KZ750 LTD that we are trying to revive. When trying to adjust the chain tension we noticed that the chain will go from slack to tight as we roll the rear wheel. Is this something to worry about? If so, what are likely culprits (bent sprocket shaft, warped sprocket, etc.)?

Sounds like a bad chain, ceased links in a chain will do that. If the sprockets look good, I'd slowly roll the wheel with bike on center stand (if it's still got it) and watch the bottom chain run for kinks in the links.

it is fairly common to get a stretched section in the chain.
u will want to adjust to the loose section.if its bad,it will slap on the guard or arm. its time for a new chain and sprockets.

Thanks much, I'll check the chain for kinks.

Yep classic signs of the chain getting worn, could be warped sprockets too. X2 on replacing chain and sprockets

Digitlghost wrote:

I recently put new tires on an 82 KZ750 LTD that we are trying to revive. When trying to adjust the chain tension we noticed that the chain will go from slack to tight as we roll the rear wheel. Is this something to worry about? If so, what are likely culprits (bent sprocket shaft, warped sprocket, etc.)?

That is the absolutely classic symptom of a worn out chain... the good news is Z1 has the best prices on good X-ring chain.

Ok so I'm going to replace the sprockets and chain. I would like to convert to a 530 chain. I was wondering if anyone knows the default sprocket size and chain length for the 82 KZ750 LTD?

Call Z1E and they will do the entire conversion for you.They have a program that figures all that out.