Who has adjusted their chain?

[SanPete_imp]

I had to adjust mine at 636 miles as part of the first service.

[meowguy_imp]

Quote:Tip I learned for checking chain tension when I had my Triumph Bonneville. Take a 3x5 white index card and put a straight line at zero and then another at 25mm for min and another at 35 mm for max. Hold the card behind the chain at zero and check our tension by pushing the bottom of the chain up near the middle of the swing arm as directed in the manual. If the chain ends up between the 25mm and 35mm line you are within spec. Simple easy gauge for the back yard mechanics out there.
I use a combination square that has a ruler scale along the side. Simply put the short side on the ground, see where the chain is at rest on the ruler, then push it up to see how far it goes.

For adjusting the tension, I don't trust the screw turn method on the adjusters. I use a metric vernier caliper that has a depth gauge on it and set the distance of the adjuster to the axle the exact same on both sides with a 10th of a millimeter. The markings on the adjusters are just too course to get an accurate alignment in my opinion.

And I also noticed smoothness after the adjustment. I will attempt to hold mine around 1" to 1-1/8" as often as necessary.

[veech_imp]

Some great tips there meowguy...will use them the next time I check the chain!

[ron1100_imp]

Good info Meowguy. What are your thoughts on this tool?

[meowguy_imp]

I've never seen that tool before. I really couldn't say. If you use it to measure the free play of the chain it doesn't have any calibration marks. Maybe you use it to set the depth of the chain adjusters equal.

I have no clue otherwise. Sorry.

[Kyhiker1100_imp]

At 2,100 miles my chain is finally due for its first adjustment exhibiting slightly more than the 1 1/4" max specified.

So I was wondering if anyone else has had to adjust theirs yet and at what approximate mileage?

I adjusted mine slightly when I did my first oil change at 700 miles.

[Randy B]

I know I'm gonna get slapped for this, but I just use the tip (last knuckle to the end) of my index finger as a gauge. It's right about 1" so that's a good starting point and has worked well for me over the years.

[Deanohh_imp]

I know I'm gonna get slapped for this, but I just use the tip (last knuckle to the end) of my index finger as a gauge. It's right about 1" so that's a good starting point and has worked well for me over the years.

once you've calibrated your knuckles, its as good as anything else.

[cbdtran_imp]

I've never heard Honda skimping on a basic tool kit on a bike and I've had a dozen.

the 32 and 27 look too flimsy to be useful? they are short, how can you have torque?

[flynrider]

Just an FYI, the spec for maximum play is 1.4" not 1 1/4".

At 2100 miles my chain is at 1.25" and I'm not planning on adjusting until it gets to 1.4". I've always run my chains at the loose end of the spec and found that they don't wear as fast that way.

Hey Randy, I'm with you. I just use my finger to check the slack. When it looks like it's getting close, I pull out the tape measure.