I installed new sprockets, and I'm about to put on the new chain... My question is - are you supposed to align the sprockets somehow?

Also, is there one specific way a chain goes on? Like, an "against the sprocket teeth" side or anything (DID 520V)? I've never done any of this before, and it took me long enough to get past a bunch of seized boltd, but I got the new rear sprocket on, and just finished installing the new 15 tooth front. I'm about to install the chain, so I hope I'm not missing anything...

Typically, chains go over the sprocket teeth.

I kill me. 

Seriously, you need to align the rear wheel and you're set.

Make sure you install the master link clip in the right direction ... so the closed end reaches the sprocket first as the chain goes round and round. 

Awesome! Then I did it all correctly!! ME SO HAPPY!!! Ahh... This "DIY success" buzz is going to last me a while... I think my chain is too tight, but I can't get my wheel to go forward enough to give me room. If the chain is at correct tension, the adjuster plates are loose when everything's back in place. When the adjuster plates are just tight enough and everythings back on, the chain is too tight. I messed around with it a bit more, tried kicking the wheel forward a bit, and that got it decent... But for now, I've got to get to bed.

I DID IT, though!! AWESOME! Next - brake line upgrades and fork springs... Then valves... Then proper jetting... Then I should be all caught up.

The smaller front sprocket does make a noticeable difference. It'll prolly be better once jetting is correct.

One last thing to note - when the dealer loosened the rear axle nut for me, I was sure they'd thrown off the alignment. I was certain when I found how irritatingly squeaky the rear brake was. I aligned the wheel using the tape measure method - anally so - and now the rear brake doesn't squeak at all!! FINALLY. Another hip hip hooray

Congrats, Queso!

Yep - feels good to have your bike work the way you want without your wallet levitating right out of your pocket (because it's so "light").

After the initial outlay for tools, that is.

I had a pretty decent set of tools to begin with from past wrench work on cars, but I'm rather enjoying adding to my toolset one piece at time One of these days I'll get me some air tools

To get your wheel forwards a bit.
1) park your bike on a quiet road.
2) loosen the axel bolt
3) loosen the adjusted plate bolts about 1/4 inch on each side.
4) sit on the bike and wheel it backwards at about walking pace into the kerb.

Then use the adjuster bolts to pull the wheel back to where you want it.
On My GS500 the rear wheel is aligned when the tails of the adjuster bolts sticking out the backl of ther plate are the same length.
This might not apply to your gs though. best way to check is to measure from the mid point of the axle tips to the swing arm pivot on both sides.
If this shows you can align using the tails of the adjuster bolts then your laughing.

Quote from: red_phil on June 15, 2006, 11:00:32 AM
To get your wheel forwards a bit.
1) park your bike on a quiet road.
2) loosen the axel bolt
3) loosen the adjusted plate bolts about 1/4 inch on each side.
4) sit on the bike and wheel it backwards at about walking pace into the kerb.

Then use the adjuster bolts to pull the wheel back to where you want it.

I'll try that, thanks!

Quote from: red_phil on June 15, 2006, 11:00:32 AM
best way to check is to measure from the mid point of the axle tips to the swing arm pivot on both sides.

That's the way I did it last, works like a charm. The distance is exact on both sides, and the rear brake stopped squeaking completely!

Quote from: red_phil on June 15, 2006, 11:00:32 AM
If this shows you can align using the tails of the adjuster bolts then your laughing.

I.... Don't quite follow ya there...