So chain dilemma, been riding shaft drive for 10 years so today was the first attempt at tightening my chain in a while as it felt a bit loose. To make it easier I got the chain monkey and laser Aligner from tru-tension. Carefully adjusted the tension as per instructions and it was ridiculously tight, so went back to a ruler. Then carefully tweaked tension until the laser was in the centre of the chain and tightened it all up. Then checked the notches on the wheel and they were 1.5 notches out. Messed around for ages and then just went back to using the notches. No sign before I started of any misalignment. Anybody else tried this laser Aligner and seen the same issue? Also found it very difficult while tightening the axle but for that side to tighten slightly more while tightening
The swingarm markings are rarely accurate, I use a ruler to check tension and a laser to check alignment and in most of my bikes the markings will be out.
interesting thanks. looks like I’m doing it again tomorrow how do you avoid it moving while you tighten up?
Confession time. Had my Blade nearly 4 years and I’ve never adjusted the chain myself once in that time. I had a new C&S fitted not long after I got it and it’s the one bit of my bike I’m very anal about cleaning. Gets cleaned/lubed after nearly every ride. I check the tension periodically but it’s never far out. The tension gets adjusted by the garage when I have a new rear tyre fitted, beyond that it’s never needed doing.
Adjust it then before tightening it put the shaft of a large screwdriver between the chain and sprocket. Tighten up then remove screwdriver.
Just measure center of swingarm pivot to center of axle. Leave the special tools in the shop where they belong. Solutions to problems that don't exist
I just use a cheap vernier caliper, I just measure the distance in the slidey bit on both sides. When they're the same, I do the nut up.
I'm a fan of the laser alignment tools. This is the one I have, https://www.bikermart.co.uk/Profi-Products-Laser-Chain-Alignment-Tool-D~CAT-Dot
For me wheel alignment is more important, get that right and the chain will be fine . Markings on the swing arm are basic guide and not that accurate, they can be but mostly not . I'd rather have a good handling bike that wares tyres evenly. I've used this system for years and my chain and sprocket set are OEM from new 20,000 miles now Only use 80/90 gear oil on chain every 250 miles
Just measure each side (between the block and the swingarm), and then eyeball the wheel, and eyeball the chain before torqueing back up. No need for a fancy laser, just use a ruler/verniers, and use your eyes from the back of the bike as a final check (looking down the chain, and looking at the wheel relative to the bike).
Well spotted, Used undies are brilliant for cleaning the swing arm that's my story and I'm sticking with it
I find Lightechs simplify the process, not only are the markings accurate they keep the axel stationary while tightening up the nut. I only use a steel rule to measure tension. I still use a laser though, but find the line lasers a bit more user friendly
Try placing your torque wrench at about 10 O'clock. You'll then be putting forward pressure on the axle, against the adjuster. I must admit, I do trust the standard swingarm lines, but will now (soon) take some accurate measurements to check 'em. It didn't really dawn on me that they may not be true, until @Selmer50mark's comment. I replaced my OE chain at around 50,000 miles. I shit you not. Scottoiler has mainly done the trick there, I think. I adjust the tension with the big axle nut nipped everso slightly & use the swingarm lines. Once happy, I spin the wheel & listen how smooth the chain sounds. Always sounds OK to me* If you've got the chain guard off, then as @Saqib said, look along the length of the chain to make sure it's straight. *Does anyone else get through a rear tyre every 2,000 miles?
Vernier goes to 0.01mm & Is my most favourite measuring tool, but we don't know if the milling on both sides where you measure it from is identical. Until that's confirmed, the accuracy of the tool is irrelevant.
