Do I need a paddock stand to adjust the chain?

[thor]

Or can I do it on the side stand? I'm guessing not?

Thanks for helping the newbie... :)

[Flamin_Squirrel]

You can adjust it on the side stand. You want to be able to push 2-3 linkages up against the black swingarm protector - no tighter.

[thor]

Thanks mate. That's at the tighest spot right? Thinking of doing a 500 mile round trip on the weekend (if it's not raining) so want to check it's ok.

Also, Joe told me not to trust the markings on the swingarm as the ALU type on the SV can get a little bent. Instead he told me to be very accurate with doing the same number of turns on the adjuster bolts. Seem right to you?

[Flamin_Squirrel]

Yep. Adjust at the tightest spot (checking for tight spots IS best done on a paddock stand so you can rotate the wheel while looking at the chain).

Joe's right, the markings are next to useless. They can rotate as well as bend (make sure especialy when you're tightening the nut/spindle that this doesnt happen, or it'll spin round and scratch the swing arm). Be accurate with the number of turns you do. Try quater turns at a time. With low milage mainly dry weather and a scottoiler your chain shouldnt have streached much.

[thor]

Yeah I've done it once in 5000 miles. But there was a period where the scotty wasn't delivering so I think that probably wore the chain a bit.

[$i]

You can do it with out the stand quite easy but tbh i would definately invest in a paddock stand because it makes life a hell of a lot easier. Even when it comes to lubing your chain. :thumbsup:

[thor]

Yeah I thought about getting one, but I don't really have anywhere to put it in my flat. :cry:

[andy]

With regard to the swingarm markings.

I always "sight" down the chain along its top run from the back (you might need to remove hugger/chain guard) - you can see if it is straight.

Once you have done this, count the turns like already said to you dont need to "sight" every time.

[cosmiccharlie]

Or can I do it on the side stand? I'm guessing not?

Thanks for helping the newbie... :)

Every one says measure it at the 'tight spot' where is that ??, I usually measure mid way between sprockets,

[Mogs]

Or can I do it on the side stand? I'm guessing not?

Thanks for helping the newbie... :)

Every one says measure it at the 'tight spot' where is that ??, I usually measure mid way between sprockets,

Rotate the wheel backwards while watching the lower run of the chain midway between the two sprockets, you will notice that it rises and falls as you do so, the tightest spot is where the chain is at its highest from the ground.

[Flamin_Squirrel]

Or can I do it on the side stand? I'm guessing not?

Thanks for helping the newbie... :)

Every one says measure it at the 'tight spot' where is that ??, I usually measure mid way between sprockets,

Get the bike on a paddock stand. Rotate the wheel, and watch the chain. If it's worn, the chain will appear to tighten and slacken as it goes round. The tight spot is, surprisingly, where it's at its tightest.

[cosmiccharlie]

Or can I do it on the side stand? I'm guessing not?

Thanks for helping the newbie... :)

Every one says measure it at the 'tight spot' where is that ??, I usually measure mid way between sprockets,

Get the bike on a paddock stand. Rotate the wheel, and watch the chain. If it's worn, the chain will appear to tighten and slacken as it goes round. The tight spot is, surprisingly, where it's at its tightest.

Right just wasn't rotating the wheel, cheers for the pointer

[mburnstead]

Yeah I thought about getting one, but I don't really have anywhere to put it in my flat. :cry:

Neither do I - but I got one anyway. Most of them break down into a large but flat piece (ie a U shape tube, which will lie flat on the floor) and two bent pieces which attach to the ends of the U to form arms which come up under the swingarm.
I just bolt it together and take it apart again when done - takes about 2 minutes and is v easy to store! :)

If you get a bobbin/hook kit it's easier to do it on your own and you won't scratch the swingarm either!

[chazzyb]

Or can I do it on the side stand? I'm guessing not?

Thanks for helping the newbie... :)

Yes. It will help also if you can find a piece of wood to jam under the swing arm to hold the bike off the ground. When the bike's on the side stand, and standing on the left, it's pretty easy to easy to pull the bike towards you so it pivots on the side stand and the rear wheel comes off the ground. Slip a piece of timber the right length under the swinging arm by the rear caliper will keep the wheel in the air. It's a couple of years since I last did it - I bought a centre stand :oops:

[lynw]

chain adjustment? wassat then? :wink: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Was constantly doing mine on the sidestand until I got the Scottoiler. Hasnt needed an adjustment in over 12,000 miles now. :D

[$i]

chain adjustment? wassat then? :wink: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Was constantly doing mine on the sidestand until I got the Scottoiler. Hasnt needed an adjustment in over 12,000 miles now. :D

:shock: :shock:

Thats impressive

[thor]

In the end I couldn't be arsed. :lol: