On average, how often....

[ghostrider_23]

I have been reading different threads on how to adjust the chain tension and would like to know the official word.

How often do you all adjust the chain? 500 miles, 1000 miles, eyc....

• 
  
  • On the center stand or on the side stand?
    
    Use the marks on the swing arm or measure from the center of the swing arm bolt to the center of the rear axle bolt?
    
    Exactly how do I measure the bottom mid section of the chain for proper .8-1.2 inch of detent?

[werase643]

when it needs it

[Big Rich]

True- it is easy to check.

It should be done on the center stand. Don't measure from the axle to swinger pivot bolt- that can be a bad habit. Some swingarms may have different contours between the left and right sides which would throw the measurement out of wack. Use the marks on the swinger, but be aware that it is possible for them to not align (don't think it's a problem on the gs500, but older bikes have had it before)

[Bluesmudge]

I thought you were supposed to measure with the bike on the side stand or, better yet, with someone on the bike. That way the tension is appropriate for the time that matters most -- when you are riding it!

[Big Rich]

Measuring the play is one thing- I meant adjust it while on the center stand.

[ben2go]

Before I upgraded my rear wheel to a Bandit 600 and started running a 160-60-17,I checked before every ride and adjust as needed.Now I adjust it ever 500.I measure from the center of the swing arm pivot bolt to the center of the axle bolt.The marks on the swing arm are not very accurate and mine are off three notches from one side to the other.I have seen them lined up using a laser but it required getting both wheels of the ground.

[Paulcet]

True- it is easy to check.

It should be done on the center stand. Don't measure from the axle to swinger pivot bolt- that can be a bad habit. Some swingarms may have different contours between the left and right sides which would throw the measurement out of wack. Use the marks on the swinger, but be aware that it is possible for them to not align (don't think it's a problem on the gs500, but older bikes have had it before)

Just want to clarify that you are to check the chain tension with the bike on the side stand (or a swing-arm stand), not the center stand. 

Once I have the wheel lined up, such as after tire replacement, subsequent tensioning is done by turning the adjuster nuts equally.  I check every 500 miles or so, and on my current chain I have had to adjust only a couple of times.  In fact, I just checked my records and see that I haven't actually adjusted in 4000 miles!  I do run the chain on the loose end of the spec, however.  The prior chain I used Bel-Ray chain lube for half of its life, and kept the chain closer to the tighter side of the spec. That chain was gone in 8000 miles, this one I expect to have for at least twice that long.

[mister]

True- it is easy to check.

It should be done on the center stand. Don't measure from the axle to swinger pivot bolt- that can be a bad habit. Some swingarms may have different contours between the left and right sides which would throw the measurement out of wack. Use the marks on the swinger, but be aware that it is possible for them to not align (don't think it's a problem on the gs500, but older bikes have had it before)

Just want to clarify that you are to check the chain tension with the bike on the side stand (or a swing-arm stand), not the center stand. 

Once I have the wheel lined up, such as after tire replacement, subsequent tensioning is done by turning the adjuster nuts equally.  I check every 500 miles or so, and on my current chain I have had to adjust only a couple of times.  In fact, I just checked my records and see that I haven't actually adjusted in 4000 miles!  I do run the chain on the loose end of the spec, however.  The prior chain I used Bel-Ray chain lube for half of its life, and kept the chain closer to the tighter side of the spec. That chain was gone in 8000 miles, this one I expect to have for at least twice that long.

Geeze. I used WD40 exclusively on my first chain and got almost 14,500 miles out if it. This chain I have used Lanolin for 8000 miles and have just switched to Belray Super Clean and the chain is holding up Very well.

Michael

[noiseguy]

Ah, I'm almost 100% that chain tension is measure on the *side stand*, not center stand. Moving chain to spec on center stand = chain too tight and premature wear.

I use whatever 30W oil is laying around on my chain, and try to remember to oil it every 4-5 fill ups. I check the chain tension then. On the sidestand.

[madjak30]

Ah, I'm almost 100% that chain tension is measure on the *side stand*, not center stand. Moving chain to spec on center stand = chain too tight and premature wear.

I use whatever 30W oil is laying around on my chain, and try to remember to oil it every 4-5 fill ups. I check the chain tension then. On the sidestand.

Yup...that's how I go at it...check the tension on the side stand, adjust on the center stand...(I adjust it to the loose end on the center stand, then put the bike on the side stand and make sure I am around the middle of the range...if not, readjust & recheck)...I use Castrol chain lube...but really as long as you are doing the routine maintenance, I don't think it really matters what you use...as long as it is o-ring safe (no degreaser...that causes the rubber to expand and will cease up your chain...not good  )

I also go a little more often on the clean/lube cycle...1000kms (600miles), so more like 3-4 fill ups...but 4-5 isn't a big difference...the big thing is to just do it...

Later.

[reload]

in actually i guess it doesn't matter how you check your chain freeplay. it would just be a different amount of freeplay.

haynes manual says check it on the center stand. freeplay should be between 2-3cm.

[Pigeonroost]

It still needs some free play with rear suspension fully compressed.  Following the owner's manual will get ya there.

prs

[scratch]

We are talking about two different adjustments that use the same adjusters, this can be confusing.  For the sake of clarity...

Chain freeplay adjustment: On the sidestand, every 500 miles, or as needed (a brand new chain should be checked nearly every day for a week, then weekly, til it is 'broken in').  Without the rider.

Rear wheel alignment: The first adjustment should be done using the highest quality method available.  After that, make a note of how things line up using whatever points of reference to re-obtain alignment (swingarm marks, chain alignment sighting, counting-the-number-of-threads-on-each-adjuster, tire edge-to-rear shock linkage bolt sighting).

[Paulcet]

in actually i guess it doesn't matter how you check your chain freeplay. it would just be a different amount of freeplay.

haynes manual says check it on the center stand. freeplay should be between 2-3cm.

Then the Haynes manual is incorrect. On centerstand freeplay should be more than 3 cm (probably much more).

And by the way, non-standard ride heights mean that the correct freeplay measurement will be different.

[noiseguy]

+1

Haynes is wrong in so many ways.

I just check the factory service manual. The spec listed is while measured on the sidestand. Check on sidestand, make wheel adjustments on the center stand.

This all seems odd, until you realize that you'll check the chain play more often than you'll actually adjust it.

[reload]

So what is the acceptable freeplay measurement, while on the sidestand, according to the manual? i only have the haynes

[noiseguy]

20-30 mm... or 3/4" to 1 1/4"

[ghostrider_23]

OK so I did it today and I am very proud of myself. First time turning a wrench on a bike.

I check the alignment marks before I loosen up the axle bolt and they were off. So using those are out the window. I loosen up the bolt after checking the tension both on it's side stand and center, but didn't really find a difference. Turned both adjuster nuts clockwise the same revolutions and checked the tension. It is a new bike with only 750 miles on it, so I had to make 3/4 of a revolution turn on both sides to get the tension correct.

Lastly, I torqued the axle bolt to 60lbs. and took it for a ride. Recheck it after 10 miles and all is good.

Thank you GStwin members for all your guidance and help.