Motorcycle Chain Slack Adjusters Set Differently Side To Side

www.DaveMossTuning.com
A young lady's new-to-her track day motorcycle fails tech inspection because of too much chain slack. Dave also discovers the chain adjusters are mismatched side to side misaligning the rear wheel. He adjusts it properly during the rider's meeting so she can re-tech in time for her first session of the day.

[@cosimomarotta9552]

Be aware: sometimes people use to adjust registers off center to compensate warp swingarm or chassis. The wheels are on line, the registers looks off.

[@MRR-qv3bw]

OMG!!! Awesome catch man! There's no telling how much damage and excessive wear and tear this would of caused over A short amount of time if not for you realigning this rear axle! I can only imagine how this could upset the chassis, suspension, over heat the chain, eat both sprockets and make the ride unpredictable turn to turn! Thanks for sharing this video because your knowledge is priceless!

[@speedkiller3026]

that poor rear axle... it was probably relieved to have been finaly fixed by dave

[@marcosgarcia11084]

The great #davemosstunning the ultimate multitasker! Working on the rear axle and giving out tire pressure to fellow passing by motorcyclists.

[@donadthegonad]

I don't trust any markers aft of the axle, especially on a new to me bike, to be 100%. I always check swingarm pivot to axle,then work out if I can trust the markings or bolt lengths etc.

[@robertpaterson3646]

I'm really surprised that he took the adjusters as gospel 🤷‍♂️

[@chriscs9080]

How they can be wrong ?? They are manufactured to be the same length ..

[@robertpaterson3646]

@@chriscs9080 production tolerances lead to differences in position.

[@chriscs9080]

@@robertpaterson3646 if they are within production tolerance then it means it's acceptable and it does not affect the wheel alignment ..correct ?

[@robertpaterson3646]

@@chriscs9080 within acceptable tolerance can still mean 1 or 2mm.or in other words, think of a circle, one wheel is pointing at 0 degrees but the other could be 357 or 3 degrees. Are you still wondering if that's OK? ;)

[@djmarioliva143]

Nice job master dave...

[@NotALot-xm6gz]

I always kept a 6 foot fluorescent tube in my garage to check wheel alignment after I had chain slack and the adjuster marking bang on.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Great comment - thank you for posting. Lots of ways to get this done accurately.

[@crf50crazy]

Throwing money at Ol Dave! 😂😂. Good job

[@perfectmotoadventurespaulf1968]

I love this channel

[@liminal-m3g]

Great tip, I'll be using vernier calipers for next chain adjustment. Thanks.

[@robertpaterson3646]

Check that the adjuster markings are accurate first though. Measure from the swingarm spindle to the wheel spindle on both sides.

[@liminal-m3g]

@@robertpaterson3646 Thanks Robert, great advice.

[@robertpaterson3646]

@@liminal-m3g you might find they're 1mm (or more!) out but that's OK, just factor that into your caliper measurements 👍

[@liminal-m3g]

@@robertpaterson3646 Will do, thanks again 👍

[@liminal-m3g]

@@aidenlothian9642 Hi Aiden, yes I have the Profi cat laser, it's an excellent tool, it's great to have confirmation via the laser that the chain is straight after I have done the initial measuring and adjusting etc 👍

[@roosthrower]

Great video with calipers. U never checked with calipers after tightening though

[@Aridrona]

I have a 05zx6r with axle block adjusters should I measure the bolt or the block to the swingarm

[@catalystreactionsbw]

You can measure either of them, bit measure from the bolt or block to where the thread goes into the swing arm

[@jojje2229]

I have a GSX-S750, this has allen bolts into the swingarm. I noticed when i first picked up my bike (new from dealer) that the markings on the swingarm does not match perfectly, about 2 mm off. How would you go about checking the alignment? String method is ofcourse one possibility, but perhaps an easier way i can check this when i adjust the chain?

[@raminit1363]

You can measure from the center of the swingarm pivot bolt to the center of the rear axle. You can make a tool with a thick wire and a zip tie or buy one. I think Motion Pro makes one.

[@rickbates9232]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZutdH93eMh-jdU

[@jojje2229]

Thanks, i'll check the motion pro out.

[@JDuBz815]

You should be able to measure from the end of the swingarm to the axle or axle block depending on what your rear end looks like. There are a few different ways manufacturers set up the adjusters on various bikes.

[@crf50crazy]

Dave. What engine oil do you recommend for a 2005 gsxr 1000 with 6,000 miles. Road use only. They stopped making the oil I’ve been using for years

[@ExtremeDeathman]

Castrol Racing 1 4 stroke was found to be the best motorcycle oil. LiquiMoly was second (Street Race 5-W40). Depending in which conditions you ride I'd take 0W40 for colder regions, or 15W50 for hotter regions. Personally I'd even narrow it down to 10W40 or 20W50 since have a high performance, high revving engine and the base oil of these 2 is just better suited for high kinetic stress.

[@TheCvac]

How do you do this method if your chain adjusters are just allen bolts? (Bandit 650 2009)

[@rocknraptor3195]

Measure from middle of swingarm pivot bolt, left & right side to center axle bolt. I trust that more on my bike than doing end of swingarm to axle bolt.

[@Katsunaka]

My question is, my swingarm and chassis aren't warped or even have anything beyond normal wear and tear on them. But if I use the motion pro chain alignment tool, to have it be aligned and down the middle of the chain, my adjusters have to be off from one an another. But if I set the slack correctly, the adjusters are even side to side. But the alignment tool shows that its pointing towards the wheel(pointing off to the right side of the chain). I've measured my swingarm against 2 other similar year R6's, and got the same measurements as what my bike said. I've tried different sprockets, and still got the same result, even had a friend use his work's CMM machine to verify my wheel and sprockets were within the runoff allowed according to the service manual. The motion pro tool isn't bent either

[@ArtyTheBasedGod]

I had a 07 R6 with the same issue Though I've noticed across all the bikes I've had some adjusters seem more accurate than others Don't know what the deal is on that though

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Interesting quandary. That holds true when sampling all sections of the chain? If so, is the mounting point for the MP Tool the issue? If you had access to CMM, can you verify the tool as a whole is straight?

[@d4nky967]

So we can actually align the rear wheel by measuring and setting both screws at the same length?

[@catalystreactionsbw]

That is a method, yes BUT you need to make sure that each adjustment slot is the same dimension. Some bikes are not identical side to side.

[@d4nky967]

@@catalystreactionsbw Alrighty, thanks for the reply

[@robertpaterson3646]

It's not uncommon to find they're out maybe 1mmside to side. Once you know how accurate they are then you can factor that into your measurement.

[@jamest5149]

Hi Dave, are you any relation to Dave Moss motorcycles in Shropshire?

[@catalystreactionsbw]

I had no idea of that company, so no relation (as far as I know). That would be a very interesting coincidence on many levels!

[@jamest5149]

@@catalystreactionsbw they do(did?) a lot of racing and were /are a great bike dealer, I haven’t been back for 15 yrs myself to know what’s happened to them. Anyway Dave and sons were great. Keep up the good work Dave👍

[@catalystreactionsbw]

@@jamest5149 Thanks for sharing that information. It appears that behaviorally we must be related!! :)

[@beachboardfan9544]

1:12 How do you know the bolts are the same length?

[@catalystreactionsbw]

measure what is visible

[@petertakov]

@Beach&BoardFan He doesn't know. It's just the easier way to measure using a caliper rather than using the marks on the swingarm. Using a caliper makes it look so much more "pro" ... not that Dave needs this :-) There are almost no bikes that have an identical setup o both sides of the axle, even the axle is not the same diameter on both sides nor are the nuts/bolts sitting in the same plane as those of the swing arm axle. There is no easy way to make a reliable measurement despite several tools/vloggers/forums claiming otherwise and your best bet is t just trust the swing arm marks, which is a pretty good bet anyway.

[@stevenevans6314]

I've often found that measuring the adjusters unreliable I always measure from the swing arm bolt to the hub nuts far more accurate

[@chriscs9080]

Unreliable ? If a difference of 0.05 is unreliable then ok . I have measured mine and that's the difference .. may even be my measuring tool a bit off .

[@Bob_on_Bikes]

@@chriscs9080 sometimes crashing twists things. Ideally, you'd measure to your front axle if you could hold it perfectly straight. But the swingarm pivot is still better than the back of the swingarm, IF you have the proper tools.

[@chriscs9080]

@@Bob_on_Bikes Sure after a crash you should check everything .. but in general measuring adjusters are reliable if no damage has occured.A sign that adjusters are off would be uneven wear on the tire chain and sprockets .. Transmission shaft sprocket actually has big tolerance in order to protect the transmission so I guess it would be safe even if the chain adjusters are wrong.

[@DatOldeBiker]

Good job. :>)

[@LinkinMcOwnage]

Most accurate way to measure and adjust this is to use a laser alignment tool.

[@shauncramer1179]

Wouldn't making sure those bolts are the same length do the same as lining up the marks on the swing arm?? And i know I've had many bikes of different brands that those marks are way off on.

[@DarkIzo]

not only that, but the indicators also often tilt i usually use a caliper as dave demonstrates here

[@ringsting]

Here's my issue, my 2020 gixxer has chain tension and according to the axel markers both sides are equal. But when the bike is on a paddock And I hook 1st and let it idle, it looks like sprocket is warped, but veeeèry slightly

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Take the wheel and cush drive off. Reinstall the wheel and spin it without the chain mounted. Observe the wheel from the side and behind. Remove the wheel and install the cush drive reinstall the wheel , chain off. Spin the wheel and observe from both perspectives. See if the wheel is the issue or the sprocket

[@ringsting]

@@catalystreactionsbw thank you David

[@888jackflash]

Motion Pro chain alignment tool. Solves a lot of issues

[@raminit1363]

Going to be more accurate too.

[@888jackflash]

@@raminit1363 Yeah.. I'm not working for the company, but that little tool solved a long-standing problem for me (alignment marks were a full mark off on my Bandit 12)... and takes all that herky-jerking w a vernier out of the task

[@giodc8599]

Laser is the best. The stick tool is fine but as soon as you put it in a toolbox and bend it, it's no longer reliable.

[@888jackflash]

@@giodc8599 I've had mine for some years... it's pretty robust; highly unlikely to get bent just laying it in a toolbox (of course I always take the rod out of it). Works great for me.

[@GoD_Quake]

I don’t understand the part near the end with putting the screwdriver into the chain. Can someone explain to me what that is doing?

[@cedricovaz]

I have the same doubt.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Screwdriver or a rag - doesn't matter what. It forces the axle blocks against the bolt head so the axle is straight and torqued making sure that the blocks do not move away from the bolt head.

[@DarkIzo]

@@catalystreactionsbw one of the most important tricks i learned from mr moss i always had trouble getting both blocks up to the stop until i put in wrench in there and forced the wheel forward

[@JDuBz815]

@@catalystreactionsbw great tip, thanks!

[@alanbrown5593]

How on earth do people turn up to a track day with their bike in such poor condition. It doesn't take much time to check your bike over, only effort !

[@Ac22768]

Because it’s probably a recently purchased “track” bike that has been crashed, ending up with a crooked chassis and/or swingarm, so the wheel was made to be straight to compensate for that.

[@alanbrown5593]

@@Ac22768 I sort of agree, but if you don't know your bike is safe, then you are putting not only yourself but everyone else on track at risk too.

[@Ac22768]

@@alanbrown5593 that goes without saying. But I’m answering your “how on earth” question 🙂

[@rolandsmith2141]

Was that a nail in the tyre

[@Gambo916]

I thought the same....... @3:44 on the left side and @4:54 on the right side! They look a rusty metallic colour, but I'm guessing they are just small round pebble type stones.

[@alotl1kevegas860]

Dave, I have a serious question. What can one do for their chain, on long road trips? I just got back from a long trip across multiple states. Despite a good cleaning and lube before leaving, when I got to my destination my chain was bone dry. And there was bits of metal on my rear sprocket. Same deal when I got home yesterday. What can one do? Or do I just need to carry lube, and lube the chain every time I stop for gas? Thanks

[@nvstewart]

I am not Dave, but, yes, if you plan on doing road trips you take lube with you and lube it every stop or two.

[@xDownSetx]

For long trips like that it may be a good idea to get something like a Scottoiler system.

[@alanbrown5593]

@@xDownSetx my suggestion too, it pays for itself with longer chain life.

[@alotl1kevegas860]

Thank you for the suggestion. I didn't know about that. I will check it out. Much appreciated

[@gregm1457]

+1 on the chain oiler- keeps the chain much cleaner too. OTOH the oil eventually makes a mess on the swingarm. Doesn't need much oil if its applied steadily.

[@xDownSetx]

Instead of silicone on the adjuster screws, put a rubber vacuum cap or a short length of fuel line on them.

[@zeez9053]

What is the reason for this please ?

[@xDownSetx]

@@zeez9053 If the nuts come loose they can fall off along with the adjusting plate. With a cap on the threads the nuts can come loose, but won't fall off.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

@@xDownSetx Great suggestion and explanation Michael. Thanks for posting.

[@joereed7326]

Never done the screwdriver stop,never measured from the back of swing arm,,i was going off the nut,(you what?),,always leaning ,sorry i mean learning, DMT✊

[@unnf9971]

Not a single torque wrench. Why?

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Individuals that choose to use the torque wrench do it by default with the Factory manual open at the right pace, or via a cheat sheet for all the regular bolts they work with. There is an assumption that serious mechanics do not need to be told to use a torque wrench - that would be insulting.

[@justaguy4real]

5:10 what exactly did you mean screwdriver or rag between chain and sprocket? How so and doing what exactly?

[@ghassanalfarra8935]

To maintain chain slack

[@catalystreactionsbw]

@@ghassanalfarra8935 Screwdriver or a rag - doesn't matter what. It forces the axle blocks against the bolt head so the axle is straight and torqued making sure that the blocks do not move away from the bolt head.

[@HaffDeadFred]

I can’t stand the chain adjusters on the ninja 300 that shit is so annoying trying to get the front and rear sprockets aligned , rear wheel aligned and chain tension within spec .. I gave up fighting with my bike and just took it in to be adjusted I just don’t trust myself to adjust it properly …

[@146matt]

I didn't follow why you need to put a screw driver between the chain and sprocket when tightening the axle. Can anyone shed light on this please.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

This forces the axle blocks against the head of the adjusting bolts so the axle is always set correctly.

[@Striple]

Isn't it better to put the rear back on the ground if you want to check the chain slack?

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Dave Williams, editor, replying here. We we'll do a test next time we're filming and see what the differences are.

[@Striple]

@@catalystreactionsbw Nice 👍🏻. I always do it with my rear on the ground, like my manual is telling me. But I see some people do it like you, with the rear still on the paddock stand... so I was wondering.

[@catalystreactionsbw]

@@Striple Always good to question and gather information. Once you have a process, stay with it :) '

[@JDuBz815]

It's on a race stand, so in theory, the weight is still on the wheel.. although if the front is on the ground, it's slightly less weight on the rear wheel.

[@slotsoffunwith1345]

Basic MTCE. How dis she get it so wrong?

[@daystate123]

He didn't find the tight spot in the chain 🤔

[@genxguy]

Still blows my mind why these basic things are not learnt.. It's biker culture 101.. well it was when I started riding 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@478chris478]

60c holy, where is this saudi arabia???!!!!

[@catalystreactionsbw]

Dave Williams, editor, replying here. Buttonwillow Raceway at the south end of the San Joaquin valley of central California.

[@rocstone2308]

Vernier Scales!

[@okboomer1241]

Ducati L-twin!

[@rocstone2308]

@@okboomer1241 No worries junior. It was my pleasure!

[@justaguy4real]

fuuuk yaaa I was the 92 'like'

[@justaguy4real]

0:31 whats with the honks to cover the "bad" words like #%&@#$ ??? This is 2021 and pretty much everything is family friendly bc its realistic these days

[@kdsowen2882]

How to destroy chain, sprockets and tyres ! Dave NZ

[@justaguy4real]

4:20 get yourself a ratcheting wrench lol. Great video for some Good learning.

[@booger65man]

This is completely bogus! The only real way to assure wheel alignment is by aligning the sprocket. There are zero guarantees that setting adjusters will properly align the sprockets.