Crankshaft Balancer backlash adjustment screw

[tomas_imp]

Can anybody explain why this bike has a Crankshaft Balancer backlash adjustment screw? This is the first bike I came across that uses one, and I understand why we have to adjust it. But why doesn't the crankshaft stay balanced? Why does it come out of adjustment? Why don't other bikes use them? It seems like Honda is cutting corners with this adjustment screw, because they couldn't figure how to keep it balanced without us having to do periodically .
Just saying........

[redbirds_imp]

The Honda ST1300 also has a similar adjustment. Perhaps Honda designed the adjustment to compensate for normal wear?

[kmoney_imp]

I imagine it is to account for wear. It's not really cheaping out, as they had to design and install the adjuster. I'm guessing the alternative would have been to say good enough and just design it to work in looser tolerance and set at an in-between setting from the factory.

[Lord Popgun]

Its gear driven and the lash is adjustable. And wear happens, like the guys said. So adjustability is a good thing.

[tomas_imp]

Thanks guys,
But I've just never seen this before and still don't understand why it needs to be.

[Speed_imp]

Usually gears don't wear that much they need to be adjusted. I think it is there because it's easier and cheaper to machine the housing for the balancer shaft at the aproximated distance (less accuracy in the machining - cheaper and faster) and then make the final adjustment manually when all the parts are assembled. Then you can achieve a perfect adjustment, cheaper machining and in adition you can adjust it again after the wear caused by kilometers

[Pterodactyl_imp]

Can anybody explain why this bike has a Crankshaft Balancer backlash adjustment screw? This is the first bike I came across that uses one, and I understand why we have to adjust it. But why doesn't the crankshaft stay balanced? Why does it come out of adjustment? Why don't other bikes use them? It seems like Honda is cutting corners with this adjustment screw, because they couldn't figure how to keep it balanced without us having to do periodically .
Just saying........

Tomas, that's not correct. Other manufacturers and bikes have crankshaft balancing adjustment mechanisms. Suzuki on the Hyabusa, for instance.
Kwaka KLR650 is another.
Cheers
FJR1300 as well.

[Jim21680_imp]

Can someone describe or post a picture of where this screw is? I've looked and cannot find it, unless I'm just a clueless idiot.

[redbirds_imp]

Look at the right side crankcase, below the crankshaft inspection cover. There is a lever mounted on a splined shaft with a pinch bolt that holds the adjustment.

[Lord Popgun]

Can someone describe or post a picture of where this screw is? I've looked and cannot find it, unless I'm just a clueless idiot.

Clueless Idiot, Whoops, I mean Jim There is a youtube video on adjusting the balancer in the How to section. http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread....5#pid56875