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Thanks guys. I thought I'd go to the forum before generic internet, but the video was good. So at least I adjusted for total slack. Doing this on the side stand with the rear wheel in a roller, so will go back and rotate the wheel and take measurements in several place before I call it done.

I will say that the adjuster marks are not "exactly" in the same place on both sides. When I got the machine, it went straight to the dealer for carb rebuild and tires, so they did the first adjustment. When I did my first adjustment, I noticed the slight mismatch, but did not work to get them the same; only to adjust the same amount on each side...since I had no driveability issues and still do not see any unusual chain, sprocket or tire wear. So I have dismissed those marks as an absolute check on alignment, but I like the idea of taking measurements on the swing arm. Will try that today if it's possible. The guy on the video was working on a stripped down bike, so we'll see.

Troll: Interesting comment on the W650, because you know I have one too. When I do that next, I'll check the difference on and off the center stand. So you do the W650 on the side stand too?

Ratman: In other news, installed a black top triple tree and risers to my black 2002 and like the look. Trying to keep the chrome reflection down. Have black handlebars, but perhaps a project for another day.

Thanks again guys.

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Posted by CDNRatMan

- August 03, 2013, 18:30:01 PM

I follow that pretty much the same but the part about putting anything in the chain.
I loosen the rear chain adjusters bolts then loosen the axle bolt.
Now according to the book I have it says check the slack with the bike on the side stand, check the wheel alignment, move the chain at the midway point between the sprockets, 0.98 to 1.38 in is the standard. I use the notches as a reference only then I measure to make sure that the adjusters are the same length because I have mine the same size and they ate identical. But like the guy in the vid I use a couple of points to measure from.
once the chain is to the correct tension I then tighten the axle bolt and then the rear tension bolts to ensure the axle does not move as I sung up the bolts.

Posted by Troll

- August 03, 2013, 18:03:29 PM

My W-650 owner's manual says to adjust the chain with the bike on the center stand...If you do that, it's too loose while it's on the ground. I have always adjusted chains so the total slack, at the tightest point (it is important) is 1 inch, from all the way down to all the way up...not just hanging freeplay, but the amount you can move it using moderate hand pressure...here's a you tube video...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zB4DsHV8SAQ
It's really more of an art than a science...but, what I would do is have somebody your weight sit on the bike and hold it upright, while you check to see how tight/loose it is after you get a feel for that, it should be easier to judge where you're at...

Posted by kw-retrorider

- August 03, 2013, 17:32:21 PM

So, perhaps a rookie question, but as I went to adjust my chain today, I noticed that there is a difference between the service manual and owners manual in how you check the chain tension. Both indicate the range of slack is 1 to 1.4 inches.
- The service manual shows a picture measuring from where the chain is at rest to where you can pull it down to.
- The owner's manual shows it as the distance above and below where the chain is at rest.
Seems to me as I have been measuring, those two adjustments are significantly different. Since I was looking at the owner's manual this time, I measured the whole distance above and below, which made me tighten the chain significantly (I'll admit, it's been 2500 miles...my bad)...but before I pop the thing because it's too tight....Any thoughts from the more experience Drfiters in the group....or Troll....the Harley ex-chain man?

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