novice bike mechanic chain help?!?!

i have a 1985 VF500F interceptor and the chains a little loose. how do i tighten it a little?

 

It's easy. Loosen the axle, turn the adjusting bolts (one on each side behind the axle) THE SAME ON EACH SIDE. Start with 1/4 turn on each side. Check for proper free play. Repeat if necessary. Tighten the axle, then you're done. I'd rather have mine a little loose than too tight. Remember the chain will get tighter when you sit on the bike, and compress the susp.

 

On mine I have a jam nut on each adjuster so you may have to adjust that also. make sure you take it for a short spin around the block after tightening everything. Make sure it tracks right and the chain doesn't bind. I know with regular riding I have to adjust mine every month or so. While your at it don't forget to lube it.

 

You adjust each side the same if you already know the tire is straight. It may not be. Research online for testing motorcycle tires for alignment.

 

thanx a lot

 

you can do an alignment check w/a beer can or just about anything. Put the bike up on the center stand and then place a can just a hair away from the side of the tire. Spin the tire and check to see if the can moves or if the tire looks to move away from the can. If it shows any movement left or right you need to align it and then tension your chain.

 

If I was able to mount my rear tire transvrsely in the swing arm, 30 degrees from vertical, and it was true, I could do this beer can trick and think I could go straight down the road?
No offense, but the geometry I learned says an infinite amount of lines go through a point. You need a line to do an alignment. Unless you have two beer cans with a string between them, you have nothing.

 

I think the beer can trick would work to find a bent wheel, but not for wheel alignment. They make a tool to check the wheel alignment. It clamps to the rear sprocket and has a rod that runs along the chain to the front sprocket. The marks on the bikes adjusters will get you preety close, if you are not looking for perfection. You can also use a plain old tape measure from the foot pegs to the axle. Get it the same on both sides and you're done.

 

I've had good luck on my other bike using a steel ruler (plastic would work OK to!). Put the edge of the ruler right against the side plates of the chain on top of the sprocket, pointed up slightly. Keep it against the side plates of the chain and rotate it downward. If it rubs tightly against the chain the front of the rear tire is angled to the left, and you need to tighten the right adjuster slightly. If there is a gap between the ruler and the side plates the front of the tire is angled right and the left adjuster needs to be tightened slightly. If it just barely rubs against the chain thw whole length of the ruler that's about as close as you're going to get things.

 

Any specific beer brand? :tongue:

 

I think it has to be Harley-Davidson Beer from 1972.:biggrin: