Do I need a paddock stand to adjust the chain?

Originally Posted by cosmiccharlie

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.

Originally Posted by Flamin_Squirrel

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

Originally Posted by thor

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

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!

Originally Posted by thor

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

chain adjustment? wassat then?

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

Originally Posted by lynw

chain adjustment? wassat then?

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

Thats impressive

In the end I couldn't be arsed.