Are there any topics which have already discussed how to adjust the chain to the correct tension? If not, can somebody help me out. Thanks
Not that I can recall on this forum. Adjusting the chain tension is relatively straight forward. You can do this while the bike is on the sidestand, though a bike stand does make it a little easier. a) Loosen the bolt that holds the wheel. b) At the back of each side of the swingarm there will be 2 nuts (mine were a size 12 and 13 metric socket). unscrew the top nut on both sides (the smaller nut should be on top). This will allow you to adjust the inside bolt. c) start tightening the inside bolt. Do this evenly on both sides of the bike (i.e. do a half turn one side, then half turn the other side). Try to keep the number of turns identical on both sides (not necessary, but makes life easier). d) repeat (c) until the chain is at the desired tension. The desired tension is when the chain has about 2 cm of free play when someone is sitting on the bike. If you adjust the chain so that it has 2 cm of play without load then when someone sits on the bike the chain will be slightly too extended and this could increase chain wear (possibly break the chain) and decrease suspension effectiveness (story below...). If too loose the chain could skip and also rattle against the swingarm. You can get someone to sit on the bike without tightening up the outside nuts. e) When the chain is at the desired tension, check to ensure that the wheel axle is at the same marking on both sides of the swingarm. You will notice marks on the swingarm - use these to measure up. If not, adjust the inner nut on one of the sides until they match. If you adjust - check your tension again. f) After you are happy, tighten the outer nuts to lock in the inner nut, then tightend the main wheel bolt. A story about a chain too tight. A friend adjusted his chain. He did it so that there was no free play in the chain thinking that this is good (he was a cyclist, and on bicycles you don't want free play, and he assumed this was true for m-bikes). End result - he would sit on his bike but the rear suspension would not compress at all because the chain was 'holding' the wheel in position (because there is a slight increase in wheelbase when the rear suspension is compressed) *** As usual - if I have said something wrong, or if someone has an easier method please say so. I'm always ready to learn!!!
