Hey guys,
I'm leaving on a trip tommorow on the gs and i had this really urgent question. Okay i adjusted my chain for the first time (don't ask...its the one thing i've never done before myself). I loosened the main bolt and adjusted the smaller 12 mm bolts to adjust the chain (on the sidestand). The main issue i'm having is the backing plate of the adjuster nut on the left side of the bike is loose, and i can't figure out why. I checked the grooves on the adjuster and they matched each other, yet the left side adjuster plate is still loose. Any help would really be appreciated

I would guess that:

1. The alignment was off and the wheel settled, now making the "number of turns" different on either side, thus making the nut on one side loose and the other tight.

2. The alignment is NOW off making the nut on one side loose and the other tight.


Try loosening the axle nut again, and giving it a wack to scoot it forward.  (Carefull not to knock the bike over)...

Other than that...   

Back off the adjuster nut a half turn.
Grab the grabhandle, put a foot on the tire and pull/jerk on the grabhandle.
Tighten up the offending adjuster nut the half turn.  It should be tight now,and your alignment should be as perfect as it was before.
Tighten axle nut.  You're done.

After tightening the axle down after setting the wheels aligned ... you need to tighten the adjuster nuts down too ... leaving them loose will let the axle move while riding.
Shame on you for doing it on side stand.
Cool.
Srinath.

GOt It. I just figured out the problem. It was the sidestand that put pressure on one side more than the other. I put it up on the centerstand, way loosened the axle bolt(hit it with a hammer to loosen up both sides) and tightened both.

Thanks again guys.

Srinath..how are you doing on those cigars?

not the cigars again....