Tightening a motorcycle chain primarily involves adjusting the position of the rear wheel. Chain tension is adjusted by moving the rear wheel backwards (to tighten) or forwards (to loosen). You achieve this adjustment by manipulating adjustor locknuts located on each side of the rear wheel.
Understanding Chain Adjustment
Correct chain tension is crucial for motorcycle performance and safety. A loose chain can slap against components or even come off, while an overly tight chain puts excessive stress on the sprockets, bearings, and transmission. Minor adjustments are typically all that's needed to get the tension right.
The Process: Adjusting with Locknuts
Based on the provided information, here's how the adjustment works using the rear wheel and its locknuts:
- Locate the Adjustors: Find the adjustor locknuts. These are usually small nuts or bolts situated near the axle bolt on both sides of the rear swingarm.
- Adjust for Tension:
- To tighten the chain, you need to move the rear wheel slightly backwards.
- To loosen the chain, you need to move the rear wheel slightly forwards.
- Using the Locknuts: You achieve this forward or backward movement of the wheel by tightening or loosening the adjustor locknuts on each side. Adjusting these nuts carefully allows you to slide the rear wheel forwards or backwards within the swingarm slots, thereby changing the distance between the sprockets and adjusting chain tension. Make small, equal adjustments on both sides to keep the wheel aligned.
- Verify Tension: After adjusting, check the chain tension. You'll likely need to repeat the adjustment process in small increments until the correct tension is achieved.
Remember, usually, only minor adjustments need to be made to achieve the correct tension.
