I just bought a 2007 GSF and decided to tighten the chain slack. Previous owner must've torqued the nuts down without loosening the axel bolt, because the plate on one side it bent into the swing arm. Pics here (http://imgur.com/0TadcxH) and here (http://imgur.com/TgkETRn). I already rode 125 miles on this with no problem, but the chain has an extra 1" of slack in it. (1) Is this safe to ride with this much extra slack and (2) What should I do with the bent plate? I looked on a few part sites and dont see it anywhere. (2) Does the bolt or nut look bent here too?
see plenty of adjusters on eBay. I'd check the sprockets and if they're in good order then go for a new chain. Best option is to swap everything at the same time because it gives you the longest period without having to pull things apart again. In reality if the sprockets are good a chain swap might be in order but a bent plate might have happened from trying to adjust a chain that was too long.
Either repair(remove and beat to shape) or replace the plates & get the chain slack back to spec.Also check all drive components,etc, thoroughly cos if you've had a PO that's an idiot best to check everything.
I took the plate off, hammered it flat, and put it back on. Got it aligned. Sprocket looks good. Thanks
From someone who has thrown a chain mid ride and locked up the rear wheel, chain slack is NOT to be taken lightly.
If you say you have an extra inch of slack, that would be like 2 inches of slack total. That is definitely enough for the chain to derail...