Primary chain adjustment question...

I tried to do the LittleBear touchy feely method and if I had to guess I'd say it was too loose, but in checking it at 90º turns of the wheel at 8 positions, it ran from 5/8" to 7/8" on a cold engine.

I took the plugs out of the engine (well, they were already out) and turned the rear wheel. One plunge of the cylinders equaled one 90º turn of the wheel.

The nylon tensioning plate that the chain runs over has started to get some grooves on it. I imagine that this is okay to a point. I wouldn't say they are more than 1/16" deep.

Also, does it matter what gear you are in while measuring the chain? It was easier to spin the wheel in fifth, but I had to move the heel shifter up to get a measurement, which put me back in fourth or the place between 4th and 5th. At any rate, I measured each of the 8 positions with it in this location.

Note: '05 RK Custom

[Q-Dog]

I got the tool from the dude across town. Made it very easy.

LB said watch not to git it too tight. Apparently NOT good.
He said it would start to whine.

And not the "I want to go to The Islands..." whine one might here from a needy OL.

I have the nifty tool... and it is way easy...

Who are you stranger?

[rk custom]

a little loose to a point is much better than a little tight. for your bearing sake

[CDouthitt]

Originally Posted by 8-Ball

Who are you stranger?

Poor Dave

[vafatboy]

Mike,

Every time I adjust mine, there is only one groove that works. One tighter and it's too tight, one looser and it's too loose. I quit trying to measure and go with the touchy feely.....

[LittleBear]

8-Ball, you are good. When that sucker gets hot it will be in the 3/8 to 5/8 range like it is suppose to be when hot. Up one notch would make it too tight. You have 5/8, which is the min when cold, at the tightest point. Button it up man.

And the gear does not matter. It is just easier to turn the engine over in 5th. Dropping back to 4th during the measurement means nothing.

And you should do as I do, check it every 5k when you change your oil. Chances are once the initial stretch is over, you will only have to adjust it every 15k.

And one last thing, your shoe, unlike your boots, is good. Wear groves are normal.

Thanks... got that done...!!!

[Highmiles]

Originally Posted by Q-Dog

I got the tool from the dude across town. Made it very easy.

LB said watch not to git it too tight. Apparently NOT good.
He said it would start to whine.

And not the "I want to go to The Islands..." whine one might here from a needy OL.

Tool? What tool? I just finished doing mine. Nice and quiet. It had gotten pretty loose. Next 5000 miles will be it on this chain, I think. Or then again I may trade on that '08. I can't wait until July 9th when we find out the new offerings. I don't know why, but for some reason, I think they're coming out with a bike just for me. Never felt that way before.

Highmiles

[Red Rider]

Originally Posted by vafatboy

Mike,

Every time I adjust mine, there is only one groove that works. One tighter and it's too tight, one looser and it's too loose. I quit trying to measure and go with the touchy feely.....

You know, I keep looking at that slide and shoe and I bet I can come up with a better arrangement for cahin tensioning. It's easier to take the whole darn primary cover off than to try to manipulate that apparatus through the tiny little inspection cover. I'm gonna work on it in my shop.