chain adjustment help

Hi guys
I've been trying to adjust the chain on my SV650 K8. However, for the life of me i simply can't get the left and right sides to line up at the same point. Initially i over-tightened and then when i tried to loosen the RHS, the marker hardly moved. This seems to be because the nut itself becomes loose and just starts to screw off the bolt.

I first did whilst on my ABBA stand, then realised i should be doing it on the side stand. Either way, i still couldn't get it right.

Obviously i'm quite concerned about riding the bike when the marks don't line up. Any tips that might help or am i better off taking it to a garage and getting it done properly?

PS: I also don't have a torque wrench, but i guess that's not so much of an issue...

Cheers in advance!

loosen the nuts then push the wheel forward. i find kicking it works. then readjust.

The guide marks aren't known to be the most accurate ones in the world if you get what I mean!

How far off are they?

The biggest issue your coming up against is the fact you are using the marker plates believing them to be true. The plate can move on the spindle itself so could easily give you a wrong reading. The second thing is when tightening the spindle bolt after adjustment, you'll find the chain becomes tighter still.

When adjusting the chain always move the adjusters in equal amounts. I never used the markers on the SV.

Easiest way to ensure your wheels are in line is to go to a local bike garage who should be able to make the necessary adjustments using laser technology. Once done, just remember to always turn the adjusters in equal measures.

Thanks guys. I haven't tried kicking the wheel. The marker plate on the LHS is itself loose and moves when i slacken the axle nut, so whatever i do i doubt i'll get them perfect. If kicking (and readjusting) works, can i get away with that or do i defo need to get the wheel properly reset with lasers?

The point is you have made adjustments independant on either of the sides to try and get the markers to line up so it is unlikely you will know when the wheel is straight.

There are other methods to check the wheel alignment which include using a known straight edge along the back wheel to the front and checking the distance from the straight edge to the front wheel. Complicated to explain (at least for me). Another way is to use a length of string which does much the same as the straight edge. Then there is the laser liner which you put against the rear sprocket and line the chain along the line of the laser. But the easiest way would be to get the local garage to re align the rear wheel using the laser device. It shouldn't cost more than a tenner or so for them to do it.

Ok, cheers stig. I think i can manage a tenner lol so i'll let the garage sort it.
Is it safe to drive the couple of miles to the garage?

You'll be fine! If you're that worried just take it easy.

So long as the markers are more or less equal it won't be so bad. Especially if it's only a couple of miles down the road.

The issue with having a rear wheel out of alignment is firstly the handling round corners. One way will want to tip in more than the other. The other is the wear of the sprocket against the chain. So no, it won't be an issue. Just don't go for a 50 mile ride before going to the garage.

Originally Posted by Stig

The point is you have made adjustments independant on either of the sides to try and get the markers to line up so it is unlikely you will know when the wheel is straight.

There are other methods to check the wheel alignment which include using a known straight edge along the back wheel to the front and checking the distance from the straight edge to the front wheel. Complicated to explain (at least for me).

I may be able to help with pictures, if you excuse the H*nda CG content..



The OP's Abba stand will be very useful for this, you don't have to use copper pipe, anything long, straight and light will do