Chain Adjustment Confusion?

The following info is from the owner's manual of a 95 VFR.

It states that the chain should be adjusted, while using the centre stand, to 0.6" to 1". It also states that when inspecting this same adjustment with the same allowances, that it should be on the side stand. I don't think that this is possible.

When I first got the bike, I used the centre stand for the adjustment. I noticed that the chain seemed too tight, as it seemed to be limiting the travel of the swing arm and a definite noise was being made when crossing bumps, such as tracks or potholes.

On further inspection, while on the side stand, the chain was very tight. Even when rolling it forward, it remained tight. When I put it on the centre stand, it was within the recommended specs.

I have since left the bike on the side stand to do the adjustment and have not noticed any noises when riding. Although it is not as easy as using the centre stand, I feel that the end result is the better way and probably the correct way.
:crazy:

 

For the VFR I have always adjusted it on the center stand but it is the only bike that I have had with a center stand. Other bikes have always been done on the side stand as that is all they had and I've never had a rear stand to lift them up with. It is important to note that as weight is added to the swingarm, the rear sprocket becomes further away from the front sproket and thus the chain will become tighter. I always shoot for a chain that is more loose than tight, so that there is still slack when the rear shock is fully compressed.

Excessive tension on the chain will cause premature chain and sprocket wear. You don't want that. 1" of slack when on the centerstand is what I would shoot for.

 

My point, is the fact that if you set up for 1" of slack while on the centre stand, there will be no slack when the bike is back on it's own weight.

I have my bike torn apart for the winter hibernation, or I would measure the actual slack while on the centre stand, after adjusting the slack while on the side stand. This way, we would know what ammount of slack is required when using the centre stand, to maintain the proper slack when off.

Maybe someone, with their bike still together,(oh to be a year round rider) could volunteer a few minutes to confirm the measurements.

 

mine 6th gen 1-3/8" on center stand

 

Dudes it's +- right around 3/4 to 1" off the stand another thing to do is once off the stand is to check it while rolling it with your ass on the seat. ok I want photos of this happening, this should be good. LOL takes two peeps. Doh!!

 

How much slack do you have after it is off the stand?

 

That's what I set it to, but the manual (and several friendly assisting people) state to set it to this while on the centre stand.

I'm a little rusty on my stunt riding, so we'll have to wait for sombody else to supply those pics.

 

Good post.
Plasma.