Do I need a paddock stand to adjust the chain?

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

Thanks for helping the newbie...

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Originally Posted by thor

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,

Originally Posted by cosmiccharlie

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.