Primary chain adjustment tips?

[milehigh]

Does anyone have any tips for properly adjusting the primary chain? I am having trouble accurately measuring the play with just having the inspection cover off. TIA.

 

[kalifornia]

I haven't done it yet, but I would maybe cut a piece of paper 1/2 inch long and try holding it in there with some tweezers and using that as a rough gauge.

 

[gear2078]

yeah, don't over tighten it or things get bad quick.

 

[Hammel13]

i always tighten it to were the chain will move the height of the chain. Im talking about the shortest part of a link so when pushing up on the chain the bootom part of the link should move to were the top of the link was before you puch up on it.

 

[cb21983]

i always tighten it to were the chain will move the height of the chain. Im talking about the shortest part of a link so when pushing up on the chain the bootom part of the link should move to were the top of the link was before you puch up on it.

Perfect!! Most H-D/Buell techs. do this the same way.

 

[milehigh]

Thanks for the tips. I will try those. I am assuming a little on the loose side is better than too tight?

 

[nkaperry]

 

[milehigh]

Awesome....So the deflection is only measured in one direction?

 

[Buellysses]

If you look at the manual, the total deflection is measured both directions.

 

[08ulysessxb12xt]

digging in the past, but... So when measuring .... You just look at where the chain is at and then lift up on it and if it travels up the thickness of the chain its set correctly?

 

[user_deleted]

great info above and also do it when bike COLD....as in room temp. must be in neutral and reach thru primary cover inspection hole and push up and down on chain several times to be sure it is loose and centered. then adjust as above. when tightening jam nut on adjuster it makes it a hell of alot easier to have a 90 degree allen wrench in the adjuster holding it in place when tightening up the jam nut. then recheck chain adjustment and job done.