f650gs 2003 chain tensioning

**mareestu** · #1 12 May 2004

while tensioning the chain i`ve got uneven number notches on either side of the swing arm. I`ve tried loosening the axle nut , the tensioning screws and kicking the wheel forward and still the notches are uneven , any suggestions, i`m travelling and stuck
thanks

**Grant Johnson** · #2 13 May 2004

Hi,

Not sure why the problem - if you loosen the axle nut and kick the wheel forward, then snug the axle just a little - to hold everything in place - THEN tension the adjusters to adjust the chain, you should be able to get the notches exactly the same quite easily.

Or am I missing something? (wouldn't be the first time...)

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

**mareestu** · #3 13 May 2004

no its me thats missing something! , but even after kicking , notches were uneven i`ll give it another shot as you suggest
thanks

**mareestu** · #4 13 May 2004

.....so i´ve kicked it back and got the notches even, made the axle nut snug, difficult as it wants to move the adjuster on one side (why i got into this fix in the 1st place maybe) - but then the adjusters behave very differently, one is very stiff and tightens in a couple of turns the other very loose after same turning, if i turn it some more i get the twist in the alignment and a very loose chain, sigh , any more suggestions please or do i hunt out local mechanic

thanks once again

**Grant Johnson** · #5 13 May 2004

If you don't know what you're doing, a mechanic can certainly solve the problem. It's NOT as easy as it looks! As you've discovered.

I just posted an article I wrote years ago on chain adjustment when I was an Associate Editor at Cycle Canada. It's now listed on the tech pages: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tech/

Should tell you what you need to know. Ezpecially note the bit "Loosen the axle slightly, and using the adjuster bolts draw the wheel back until the chain is correctly adjusted. If you have to move the wheel forward, loosen the axle a little more as well as the adjusters and give the wheel a good kick forward. Try to move the wheel forward a little too much so that you draw the wheel back with the adjusters, thus eliminating any clearance problems in the adjusters."

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

**mareestu** · #6 13 May 2004

i got there in the end! certainly turned out to be alot tricker than i thought - thanks very much for your help Grant, should be well prepared next time

best biking regards