Harley Shovelhead rear chain adjustment

Adjust your chain the right way

[@eazyrider6122]

I do mine similar but the weight of the bike on the wheel because of the swingarm. Once you put the wheel down with weight on it the geometry changes enough to over tighten what you have just done. Only lift the wheel to do alignment making sure the chain plates are also clearing the chain sprocket using a light at the rear sprocket and eyeballing from rear of the sprocket as you spin the wheel to chain tension put the wheel down. By the manual its half inch play with the wheel fully loaded including rider. Near impossible to do one your own so 3/4" with wheel on the deck and side stand down no one on the seat. This allows for tension as the swingarm moves up and down with yhe rider on the bike. If you want to tighten the axle up with the wheel in the air i suggest starting ith the wheel alignment then tension the chain to 1" play. Bring tighten the axle nut then You will aready be down to about 3/4"ish then put the bike down on the wheel and see if you happy with the result?. Should be over 1/2" but don't forget upto 3/4" should be ok because your not sitting on the bike sk allowing for that should bring you in close.

[@loganorr6145]

Dude perfect thank you watched this on the side of the road just to be sure I'd do it correctly before I did it

[@michaelpurcell7056]

Just what I needed! Thanks!

[@arthurleino]

Same way I check and adjust mine.

[@starbrander]

Thanks, Brother....

[@tmadd1956]

I had a mechanic install new tires.. and on my rear axle the primary side had an indent that keeps it from spinning around.. he tightened it so the indent was perpendicular to the swingarm. I still don't understand what he was thinking.

[@martinwall7297]

should you check at top of chain or bottom for chain paly

[@MrXYZ-uv4gj]

I have a 76 Glide and also have to loosen the Brake Anchor.