chain slack and lining up the lines

[synchro]

I had to adjust the slack on my own for the 1st time today b/c while washing I noticed that the lines on both sides where not at the same spot. Had a hell of a time getting the axil nut off and in the end I couldnt line up the lines! Is there a trick to it b/c when I get them lined up, the silver metal think attached to the adjustment bolt is really loose.

I test rode the bike, took it up to 60km on my bloxk and let go of the bars and the bike went straight. Does this mean its ok? If not, what should I do to get the lines to line up?
And  is the slack supposed to be 20-30mm with or without rider?

Thanks

[knowlsey]

20 to 30 with rider, if it was without, it would be tight when you sit on it.

as for the guides, you can take them off, and bend the lugs, so they fit a bit more snug on the swingarm, they tend to go slack after a while, if you know someone thats mechanically minded, or if you fancy ago yourself, i would take the wheel off, remove the adjusters out of the swingarm and clean them, and inside the swingarm where they go in, and slap some grease in there, they tend to get a bit manky with shaZam! and rust. If they have not been done for a while you end off having to kick the hell out of the back wheel to get movement, but if its running fine and pretty well around the bends, then you should be ok.

[synchro]

if its a little under 20mm does that make a dif? Measure a couple times and I got from 15mm-23mm. Also, I find I am able to accelerate A LOT fast than before.

knowsley, did what you this morning but still cannot get the lines and V to match on both sides. It seems as if the chain side swing arm V doesnt want to move, other side does. The bike seems to ride fine but wouldnt mind a fix for peace of mind...any help?

[Kerry]

I don't think there's any guarantee that the notches will line up at the same alignment line on both sides.  I find that the axle seems to "self center" a bit as you tighten it down.

If your ride seems fine, I would call it good ... after tightening the side with the loose adjuster until the plate is snug against the end of the swingarm.  Then just remember to turn both adjusters by the same amount whenever you mess with it in the future.

[synchro]

sounds good.

I have yet to carry passengers as of yet, get ask a bit and I know I will give in eventually.... so when I am loosening the adjuster and the plate is loose should I push the tire a bit forward to get more play in the chain?

So the final setting is hit and miss then for newbies? turn a little hope on and measure??

Kerry: what do you mean by "after tightening the side with the loose adjuster until the plate is snug against the end of the swingarm"? I know its prob self explanitory but I dont know. After my first experimentation, after putting the axel nut on I tightened the adjusters and my chain got tight? What do you do if setting bike up for a passenger then and the plate is loose?

Thanks for the replies!!!!

[Kerry]

All I meant is this: Assuming you have torqued down the axle nut and the wheel seems correctly aligned ... one of the adjuster plates may end up being loose enough to rotate a bit on the adjuster bolt and "jangle" back there.  (Annoying!)

If it's that loose, then tighten the adjuster nut on that side just enough to seat the plate against the end of the swingarm.  Not so much that you pull the axle back.

[knowlsey]

if its a little under 20mm does that make a dif? Measure a couple times and I got from 15mm-23mm. Also, I find I am able to accelerate A LOT fast than before.

knowsley, did what you this morning but still cannot get the lines and V to match on both sides. It seems as if the chain side swing arm V doesnt want to move, other side does. The bike seems to ride fine but wouldnt mind a fix for peace of mind...any help?

if you have loosened the adjuster nuts right off and it doesnt move on that side the adjuster must be seized in tight with rust or grime, spray some WD anywhere you can with the plate off, and after its soaked in you will have to kick the tire side to side till it frees itself up