Chain adjustment question.

Mike Qube · October 06, 2009, 03:53:15 AM

In the DIY that I read for chain adjustment, it said to put the bike on the side stand. Should I not use my rear stand to do it?

Novelo · October 06, 2009, 05:11:12 AM

Wouldn't put it on the rearstand cause it affects the hight of the shock. On the sidestand is were the chain would be closer to actual ride hight. Haynes manual says to sit on the bike a measure the tension from the mid point.

Howie · October 06, 2009, 06:40:28 AM

Rear stand is fine and much easier. Either way the spring is supporting the weight of the bike.

Mike Qube · October 06, 2009, 07:19:52 AM

Thats what I thought. It didn't make sense to me that it had to be on the side stand.

Mike Qube · October 06, 2009, 09:22:17 AM

Another question on the adjustment. Everything I read says 20mm-25mm. Does this mean the distance from the swingarm or how much play is in the chain? Probably a stupid question, but I cant find a clear answer on it.

Howie · October 06, 2009, 10:38:25 AM

Neither. It is slack, the amount you can pull it down from rest at the center of the swing arm. What bike do you have? The only Monsters that I can think of that are that tight are the 600 and 750. The rest are looser. Always err on the side of loose. Anyway, go to 10 minutes in this video on chain replacement from one of our sponsors, Chris Kelly, to see how it is done on an SR2. You should watch his chain mai...all his videos while you are at it.

http://www.ca-cycleworks.com/videos/

Mike Qube · October 06, 2009, 11:56:57 AM

Quote from: howie on October 06, 2009, 10:38:25 AM
Neither. It is slack, the amount you can pull it down from rest at the center of the swing arm. What bike do you have? The only Monsters that I can think of that are that tight are the 600 and 750. The rest are looser. Always err on the side of loose. Anyway, go to 10 minutes in this video on chain replacement from one of our sponsors, Chris Kelly, to see how it is done on an SR2. You should watch his chain mai...all his videos while you are at it.

http://www.ca-cycleworks.com/videos/

I have a '97 750. Thanks for the video link, I'll watch before I do this.

Spidey · October 07, 2009, 08:05:47 AM

Quote from: Mike Qube on October 06, 2009, 09:22:17 AM
Another question on the adjustment. Everything I read says 20mm-25mm. Does this mean the distance from the swingarm or how much play is in the chain? Probably a stupid question, but I cant find a clear answer on it.

I'd set it looser than that. Alternatively, if you absolutely insist on it being to spec, you can set it at 20-25mm, but if you hear a high pitched whining or any other weird sounds or handling problems, loosen the chain. It's always easier to have a problem with chain life because its too loose than screw up your engine because it's too tight.

Mike Qube · October 07, 2009, 12:26:50 PM

Quote from: Spidey on October 07, 2009, 08:05:47 AM
I'd set it looser than that. Alternatively, if you absolutely insist on it being to spec, you can set it at 20-25mm, but if you hear a high pitched whining or any other weird sounds or handling problems, loosen the chain. It's always easier to have a problem with chain life because its too loose than screw up your engine because it's too tight.

That seems to be what I've been finding. I was thinking 25mm-30mm on it. Right now it's way, way too loose, it's about 50mm. The whole chain adjusting thing kinda slipped my mind, it's my first bike.

Mike Qube · October 07, 2009, 04:52:28 PM

I just got finished with the adjustment. When I did it I measured 30mm, I went for a ride for a few miles, nothing sounds weird or anything, it actually sounds really smooth. When I got back I measured again and I'm measuring in between 28mm and 33mm when I spin the wheel to different places, is this normal?
Also, on one side it looks like the axle sticks out of the rear nut a bit more than the other side, it's not by much, maybe .5mm - 1mm. It rides fine, should I loosen things up and make sure it's exact on each side or am I being too anal about it?

hooligan machinist · October 07, 2009, 05:39:52 PM

My vote.....Anal.

Just ride the damn thing already.

Mike Qube · October 07, 2009, 05:58:42 PM

Quote from: hooligan machinist on October 07, 2009, 05:39:52 PM
My vote.....Anal.

Just ride the damn thing already.

Thats what I thought! I tend to over think these thing.

I just noticed your avatar, it looks like we have the same bike.

Spidey · October 07, 2009, 06:39:25 PM

Quote from: Mike Qube on October 07, 2009, 04:52:28 PM
I just got finished with the adjustment. When I did it I measured 30mm, I went for a ride for a few miles, nothing sounds weird or anything, it actually sounds really smooth. When I got back I measured again and I'm measuring in between 28mm and 33mm when I spin the wheel to different places, is this normal?
Also, on one side it looks like the axle sticks out of the rear nut a bit more than the other side, it's not by much, maybe .5mm - 1mm. It rides fine, should I loosen things up and make sure it's exact on each side or am I being too anal about it?

Yes, measurement differences are normal. Parts of your chain will be tighter than others (make sure you keep that thing lubed).

Yes, you're being too anal. As long as the axle is tight, don't worry about.

News:

Chain adjustment question.