APRILIA RS 50 Workshop Manual page 63

Routine maintenance operations
WARNING
To inspect the condition of the chain, grasp the
chain where it goes around the sprocket and try to
pull it away from the sprocket. If you can move it
more than one-eighth of an inch away from the
sprocket, the chain is worn out and the chain and
both front and rear sprockets must be replaced.
CHECKING THE PLAY
To check the play:
Stop the engine.
Position the motorcycle on the stand.
Shift to neutral.
Check the chain play. It should be 25 mm (0.98 in) at
mid-bottom span as shown above.
Move the motorcycle forward or backward, or support
the rear wheel in the air and turn the wheel to several
positions, to check the chain slack at several loca-
tions. If the slack is markedly different with the wheel
in different positions, the chain and sprockets must be
replaced.
WARNING
Do not ever operate your motorcycle with a dam-
aged chain. This could cause wheel seizure which
could lead to an upset with subsequent serious
injury or death. Lubricate your chain frequently to
minimize the possibility of this kind of damage
(CLEANING AND LUBRICATION).
If the play is the same at several locations, but is more
or less than 25 mm (0.98 in), adjust it, see (ADJUST-
MENT).
2-34
Release 00 2001-03
RS 50
25 mm
(0.98 in)
ch. 2