Chain Adjustment Question

[toby_smith]

Should I be adjusting my chain so the tightest or slackest part is the recommended 20-30 at the centre of the bottom run?

Cheers,

Toby

[Biker Biggles]

Tightest.You need that minimum slack to avoid the chain going taught when the suspension moves.

[toby_smith]

Thanks.

And is that with the bike on the side stand or a paddock stand?

[Biker Biggles]

SV is done on the sidestand.

[toby_smith]

Thanks alot for your help mate

[toby_smith]

Ok, another dumb question.

How come when my wheel is supposedly aligned one adjuster sticks out the back of the swing arm considerably more than the other?

What am i doing wrong

[Stephen McG]

a dumb reply
how do you know the wheel is in alignment?
I would have thought that doing equal adjustment at each side keeps it generally correct.
SMcG (demob happy as going to France 1st thing tomorrow)

[toby_smith]

Aligned to the little markers on the swing arm.

Which I know aren't the most accurate things in the world but it's a good guide

[glang]

Sorry your original question wasnt very clear but I like to keep my chain pretty tight as I find it reduces jerkiness in the transmission at low speeds so 20mm play in the middle of the low run of the chain. With the adjusters the same amount should stick out on both so recheck the number of little markers on each side or maybe one has been modified/changed at some stage?

[yorkie_chris]

The adjusters shouldn't be sticking out the back of the swingarm, they work by pulling the wheel backwards.

give the wheel a good belt with your knee forwards to seat them both and align it from there.

[Weirdfish]

I agree with Chris, make sure you give the wheel a good boot to ensure the adjusters are sitting true, especially if the wheel is on the deck, when adjusting mine I will use a paddock stand and re check the chain tension after I have removed it, I also sit on the bike when I check as your weight will add extra tension to the chain. I would recomend that your chain is a better a tad loose than a tad tight. If it is slightly loose it still wont come off and as long as your are smooth with your gear changes it wont have a diverse effect on transmission, as previously stated. However if it is over tight it could snap, causing much damage to the engine block and possibly your leg. Believe me I know, I learnt the hard way! Lol.