OK--I've searched the archives and I'm pretty sure I can adjust my chain (it's a tad loose after the first 350 miles of riding, so I want to tighten it prior to riding again. I only have one question: Once you remove the cotter pin to loosen the axle nut, do you need to get a new pin to replace the removed one or is it OK to replace the old pin? If you have to replace it, what size do you need?
sorry for the obvious question. I would RTFM, but the dealer from whom i bought the bike still hasn't sent one to me. :icon_confused:
It's okay to use the old one...as long as it does the job! :thumb:
If you search 'cotter pin size' using 'Kerry' as the username, you will find the size to use from local hardware stores.
Factory Manual or Owner's manual? Owner's comes with the bike. Factory is $80, that I'd doubt a dealer would order for you, but I could be wrong.
Hi there,
I have posted info about this before:
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=25815.0
Yes, always replace the cotter pin, but to make it easy, why not replace the cotter pin with a reusable "hitch pin."
They are used for trailer connections and come in many sizes.
Get one that fits at Home Depot or Lowe's in the hardware section.
A hitch pin:
(http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a304/trwhouse/hitchpinclipnavwr_r1_c3_f12.gif)
Here is my recent post about this subject:
Re: Need specifics with rear wheel alignment...
« Reply #12 on: April 21, 2006, 11:26:46 AM »
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Hi there,
Yes, this is one of the worst features on the GS500 -- an idiot designed the chain adjusters on this bike. They have FAR TOO MUCH PLAY compared to other motorcycles I have owned and maintained in the last 31 years.
Here is a previous thread:
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=24039.0
Re: Wheel Alignment Pain!
« Reply #1 on: February 10, 2006, 08:08:08 AM »
Yes, the chain adjusters on the GS500 are the worst of any bike I've owned in the last 31 years. I have written about them here on the forums before. Ugh.
But as bad as they are, you need to get the wheels aligned correctly. The 4th notch on one side and the 5th notch on the other side of the swingarm is NOT acceptable because it will not handle correctly as you ride down the road.
You just have to take your time, loosen the axle and turn the adjuster nuts while pushing up on the FRONT BOTTOM of the chain adjusters to help get it all correctly set. Add to this that you must do the chain adjustments with the bike OFF its centerstand (it tensions the chain differently when the bike is off the centerstand and that's how Suzuki specifies this chain be adjusted), so it is quite literally a ballet in metal and adjusters as you adjust the adjusters and keep the bike up. I use the sidestand, set the adjusters, then check it by holding the bike upright. Then tighten the axle, tighten the adjuster locknuts, and check the chain tension as you hold the bike straight. There should be .5 to .75 inches of play in the middle span of the chain. If it feels right, then now you have to push the bike forward and back to be sure there are NO tight spots in the chain, where the adjustment is too tight. If one spot is too tight, then loosen the axle again and readjust the chain to make it properly tensioned at that place in the chain.
It is a hassle, believe me, but you need to do it right so the bike handles properly while you are on it.
I also recommend using a torque wrench to tighten the axle -- 36 to 58 ft.-lbs. -- when you are done. Then you won't have issues with damaged wheel bearings and bent brackets from overtightening.
And forget cotter pins. Long ago replaced my cotter pin with a reusable hitch pin clip, which works great. See a picture and sizes at:
http://www.westernwireprod.com/fastcontent/hitchpins.html
You can get them at any hardware store for cheap.
My first post on the adjusters, from 2004:
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=8119.0
Be sure to adjust the chain with the bike OFF the centerstand so you get the correct free play. This is a pain because you have to be careful NOT to cause the bike to fall over as you do it.
Just remember, AN IDIOT DESIGNED THIS SYSTEM on this bike, and you will be fine. Smiley
Best wishes,
Todd
So could you just lean the thing against a wall?