The best way is to remove the rear shock so that the swingarm can move freely up and down. A jack is placed under the bike, and you either raise or lower the bike till the rear axle nut/bolt and swingarm bolt is level with the counter sprocket nut. This measurement is the longest of the swingarm travel. Using a carpenter's level helps get it dead on. At this point I like for the chain to have an inch or so of travel when pushed up and down at the mid point of the chain between the two points
I read about that method DXKLR. The only difference is that I heard 1/2" not an 1". It's a one time thing to set the bike up this way and adjust the chain. After you get everything back together, you immediately measure the slack, while the bike is on it's kickstand, and you'll have a perfect reference for adjusting the slack normally.
Hope this isn't too much of a thread hijack, but...
I was adjusting the chain on my fairly recently acquired 2003 (4k miles currently), and noticed the chain was stiff and had some rust. I removed it and did the kerosene soak and scrub. Still stiff. Still some rust. Took it to a local bike shop (1 hour away) and the guy said, "yeah, a little stiff, but that's the way o-ring chains are. I'd just put it back on the bike, lube it real good and ride for another 10k miles." (presumably not without periodic lubes)
Really? Seems like a mileage/horsepower hog. Can someone describe how stiff an o-ring chain should/could be before considering replacement?
My chain (even after lube), if held draped over one hand, will hold a "kinked" position if I bend it in it's natural way at one of the links. In other words, the chain will not flop down straight under its own weight.
yeah that's what I was thinkin. I just wanted the general idea as to the slack needed. Like you guys were sayin each one is different dependin on the weight carried. Just not as easy to bend over to check the slack anymore. Gotta find what I need while off the bike. LOL
Hey what are you guys payin for oil filters. I was payin about 4 bucks at the dealer but today they went to about 6. Did they go up that much???
You are correct on that Wanderer, I just like a little bit more slack. I have 11,000 miles on mine and has yet to be moved from the factory setting. I am sure a 1/2 inch would be more than fine.
Thanks for the site. I think I'll order a dozen. Do they have a coupon code on their site somewhere? They have a place to put it in but as of now I can't find one.
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