Chain Adjustment - Slightly Confused

[TJR178]

Time for me to check my chain too.  Great dialogue guys 

[SDkid]

this might be something that doesn't matter, but does it matter where you measure on the actual chain?  The "vertical" play should be 25-27mm between both sprockets on the bottom chain based on my manual.  Is that measured on the bottom of the actual chain at both positions, or does it not matter as long as it is the same point on the chain link?

Also, the manual says to use the side stand.  Is a rear stand the same, since the weight of the bike is still going through the swingarms?

[Jarvicious]

^^^^ Not really.  You want the bike on its kick stand so that the weight of the bike is holding the rear tire/chain taught.  If it were on the rear stand you would have to put it in gear and hold the rear wheel so that the chain was taught.  It's easiest just to keep it on the ground, tension the chain (by rolling it back or forward), loosen the retention bolts, and adjust accordingly. 

[battlecry]

When the bike is on the kickstand, it relieves weight from the suspension.   The bike sits "higher" when on the kickstand vs on a rear stand.   The swingarm is higher when on the rear stand, so the chain should be tighter (the rear axle is closer to the line between the sprocket and the swingarm pivot).

[SDkid]

I understand the concept that the chain tension changes when the bike is under load (person is sitting on it or going over a bump) and that is the reason to allow extra slack per the manual.  I'm not sure that there is a big difference between the side stand and using a rear stand that supports the swing arm, since the weight of the bike is still there.  Chris (CAcycleworks) uses a jack very close to the front of the swing arm in his video on chain adjustment, and I imagine he knows a few things.  Looking around in the forum, it seems like everyone does it differently and their bikes still work.  Maybe there is more than one way to get it done.

[Howie]

I understand the concept that the chain tension changes when the bike is under load (person is sitting on it or going over a bump) and that is the reason to allow extra slack per the manual.  I'm not sure that there is a big difference between the side stand and using a rear stand that supports the swing arm, since the weight of the bike is still there.  Chris (CAcycleworks) uses a jack very close to the front of the swing arm in his video on chain adjustment, and I imagine he knows a few things.  Looking around in the forum, it seems like everyone does it differently and their bikes still work.  Maybe there is more than one way to get it done.

I've measured both ways and got equal results.