basics chain adjustment - VIDEO

[Riko_imp]

Hi all,

can somebody explain WHY both of the adjusters had to be turned in this tutorial video?

the link jumps right to the important bit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcLLgs42IuI&t=7m35s

basically the guy turns upwards in one direction and he turns the adjusters on the other side downwards, but why is that?

If he wanted to tight his chain, he just has to adjust one adjuster, but is the reason he did both adjuster just for alignment purposes?


thx

 

[redbirds_imp]

Hi Riko, he is turning both adjusters in the same direction. When doing the adjustment, it is important that the adjusters on both sides are turned the same amount in order to maintain rear wheel alignment. Rear wheel alignment is critical for proper handling and even wear on the chain and sprockets.

 

[Lord Popgun]

You do realize that you have to adjust both adjusters the same or you will pull the axle, and thus the wheel, out of alignment. If you only adjust one side, the wheel will point sideways one way or the other. That causes bad things to happen. Like brake binding, excessive tire and chain wear, wheel bearing problems. And handling problems.

I'm sure that more comments will follow.

 

[kmoney_imp]

Hi all,

can somebody explain WHY both of the adjusters had to be turned in this tutorial video?

the link jumps right to the important bit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcLLgs42IuI&t=7m35s

basically the guy turns upwards in one direction and he turns the adjusters on the other side downwards, but why is that?

If he wanted to tight his chain, he just has to adjust one adjuster, but is the reason he did both adjuster just for alignment purposes?


thx

The above two are right. Re: the wrench direction, mentally rotate the bolts in your head as if you were standing behind the bike. He is turning both to the right, therefore loosening both (they're reverse threaded in this case) and pushing both sides of the axle carrier equally away from the swing arm and making the chain tighter.

Using the guide sticker or counting turns isn't really best practice. Use those methods to get it close, but use dial calipers measure the space between the carrier and swing arm at both sides to make sure they're equal.

 

[Riko_imp]

thx all!

I did not realise that turning up on one side and turning down in the other side (or visa versa) is actually turning the same way, I didnt think it trough when I asked the question LOL

just one question about making sure the distance is the same on both sides, what do you mean with "carrier" to be exact if you cant really trust on the guide stickers provided by the manufacturer?

 

[Lord Popgun]

Look at this : http://www.partsfish.com/oemparts/a/hon/511a8dc1f870022e4ccd325f/swingarm

Item 4 is what he is referring to as the carrier. Measure from the rear of it to the end of the swingarm and they should be the same on both sides.

 

[the Ferret]

A lot of " techy types" measure from the middle of the swingarm pivot to the middle of the rear axle on both sides

 

[Lord Popgun]

That would be a pain every time. Couldn't you just measure from the middle of the pivot to the end of the swingarm, verify it is the same on both sides and then use the micrometer like some of us do now? One time a pain then easy from then on.

 

[Django]

I think, this is very smart:

You can eyeball, if the pin is in line with the chain.

 

[Riko_imp]

thx all!

Django, whats that last tool? Looks promising

That would be a pain every time. Couldn't you just measure from the middle of the pivot to the end of the swingarm, verify it is the same on both sides and then use the micrometer like some of us do now? One time a pain then easy from then on.

by "end of the swingwarm" you mean that adjuster (item 4 image in link above) right?

 

[Lord Popgun]

Well, yeah. Its at the end of the swingarm. Edit. I mean no. I mean to the end of the swingarm. The adjuster is going to move as you adjust it.

I'm getting confused. In the question to Ferret, I mean to the end of the actual swingarm. When measuring during an adjustment, I measure from the end of the adjuster to the end of the swingarm. Some of us use a micrometer as it is easy to set and get the exact same amount on both sides, but you could use a ruler.

I need to take a look when I get home to be more specific. Or maybe someone can post a pic.

In the service manual it just says to use the decals. You could do that, but you do not know if they are correct unless you check them by measuring.

 

[Riko_imp]

aaight, now I have some idea what to look out for in the future

I'm doing all this research and most things are based on reviews, owner reports, board information and pictures.

This bike will be mine somewhere next year I hope, in the worst case somewhere begin 2017.

 

[Lord Popgun]

Riko,

I edited my post while you were posting. Please re-read it.

I guess someone needs to do a HOW-TO with pics sometime.

 

[Riko_imp]

lol you made it more confusing
Looking at real life pics, each adjuster IS at the very end of the swingarm, with the adjuster bolt at the very end.

 

[the Ferret]

Ok here are some pics of two common methods

#1 Using the marks on the swingarm method

Left side of wheel ...flat part of swingarm is 3 1/2 marks on the adjuster in as viewed from directly over head



right side of wheel.. flat part of swingarm is also 3 1/2 marks on the adjuster in as viewed from directly over head

[url=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/theferret111/media/CB1100%20chain%20adjust%20006_zpsbm4uyplq.jpg.html]

This method requires a bit of eyeballing but when adjusted to equal on both sides, that IMO is GOOD ENOUGH.

But lets check using another method:

Dial Caliper method

wire from dial caliper is extended and placed against flat part of swingarm, caliper slid down until it meets the back side of the adjuster on the left side of wheel..

[url=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/theferret111/media/CB1100%20chain%20adjust%20001_zps78o8ywtb.jpg.html]

measurement read

[url=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/theferret111/media/CB1100%20chain%20adjust%20003_zpsezzhidum.jpg.html]

Dial caliper is then moved to the right side of wheel and measured the same way

[url=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/theferret111/media/CB1100%20chain%20adjust%20002_zpsrrneuwxt.jpg.html]

measurement read

[url=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/theferret111/media/CB1100%20chain%20adjust%20004_zpsjepz8ljb.jpg.html]

both measurements should be very close to equal,( in this case they both measured exactly the same) but within a few thousandths of an inch would be acceptable to me.

If measurements are equal (or close) using either method, the wheel should be straight in the swingarm

OR IMO....GOOD ENOUGH!

 

[Django]

thx all!

Django, whats that last tool? Looks promising

That would be a pain every time. Couldn't you just measure from the middle of the pivot to the end of the swingarm, verify it is the same on both sides and then use the micrometer like some of us do now? One time a pain then easy from then on.

by "end of the swingwarm" you mean that adjuster (item 4 image in link above) right?

You attach the tool to the driven sprocket and then you can eyeball the angle ot the sprocket (rear wheel) to the chain.

Chain Alignment Tool Motorcycle Dirt Bike Motorcycle Scooter ATV : Amazon.de: Automotive

Somebody else posted a hint to this kind of tool already here in the forum, too. I just can't find it.

 

[Riko_imp]

Ok here are some pics of two common methods

#1 Using the marks on the swingarm method

Left side of wheel ...flat part of swingarm is 3 1/2 marks on the adjuster in as viewed from directly over head



right side of wheel.. flat part of swingarm is also 3 1/2 marks on the adjuster in as viewed from directly over head

[url=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/theferret111/media/CB1100%20chain%20adjust%20006_zpsbm4uyplq.jpg.html]

This method requires a bit of eyeballing but when adjusted to equal on both sides, that IMO is GOOD ENOUGH.

But lets check using another method:

Dial Caliper method

wire from dial caliper is extended and placed against flat part of swingarm, caliper slid down until it meets the back side of the adjuster on the left side of wheel..

[url=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/theferret111/media/CB1100%20chain%20adjust%20001_zps78o8ywtb.jpg.html]

measurement read

[url=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/theferret111/media/CB1100%20chain%20adjust%20003_zpsezzhidum.jpg.html]

Dial caliper is then moved to the right side of wheel and measured the same way

[url=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/theferret111/media/CB1100%20chain%20adjust%20002_zpsrrneuwxt.jpg.html]

measurement read

[url=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/theferret111/media/CB1100%20chain%20adjust%20004_zpsjepz8ljb.jpg.html]

both measurements should be very close to equal,( in this case they both measured exactly the same) but within a few thousandths of an inch would be acceptable to me.

If measurements are equal (or close) using either method, the wheel should be straight in the swingarm

OR IMO....GOOD ENOUGH!

now this deserves a sticky!

thx a lot, I'm sure many owners here appreciate this as well.

thx all!

Django, whats that last tool? Looks promising

That would be a pain every time. Couldn't you just measure from the middle of the pivot to the end of the swingarm, verify it is the same on both sides and then use the micrometer like some of us do now? One time a pain then easy from then on.

by "end of the swingwarm" you mean that adjuster (item 4 image in link above) right?

You attach the tool to the driven sprocket and then you can eyeball the angle ot the sprocket (rear wheel) to the chain.


[url=http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B009YEYLWQ?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00]http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B009YEYLWQ?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

Somebody else posted a hint to this kind of tool already here in the forum, too. I just can't find it.

You attach the tool to the driven sprocket and then you can eyeball the angle ot the sprocket (rear wheel) to the chain.

Chain Alignment Tool Motorcycle Dirt Bike Motorcycle Scooter ATV : Amazon.de: Automotive

Somebody else posted a hint to this kind of tool already here in the forum, too. I just can't find it.
thx for the link, this pictures says it all I think

 

[Lord Popgun]

Thank you Ferret :worship:
Ferret, can you put your post in the HOW-TO?

 

[Randy B]

Here is one in the US

Amazon.com

 

[Motogeezer1949_imp]

O. M. to the freaking G.