Primary Chain Adjustment (while running)
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 20
From: Kafar Hanusi
Primary Chain Adjustment (while running)
Hey all,
Wanted to know if anyone is doing this procedure on their ride?
Sounds easy.
FROM http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/s...ain+adjustment :
"It's also possible to adjust the chain with the engine running. Carefully load it up (at operating temp) while the bike is idling in neutral until you hear a slight whine. Then slowly back the adjuster off until the whine dissapears. For peace of mind, you can back the adjuster off a further 1/8th of a turn from this point, & then lock up the nut on the adjuster. Perfect noiseless shifts & no more missing gears...
By 'loading up' I mean slowly increase the preload on the tensioner. No need to have the rear wheel turning or even on a lift. Only the engine running, as the whine is audible with the bike standing still. Might be an even clearer whine if you GENTLY twist the throttle between each turn of the adjuster. Take it for a test drive after, & take the 2 adjusting wrenches with you, coz if you got it wrong, it's only a matter of slackening the lock-nut & making a fine tuning. Saved me a lot of time in the past."
Wanted to know if anyone is doing this procedure on their ride?
Sounds easy.
FROM http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/s...ain+adjustment :
"It's also possible to adjust the chain with the engine running. Carefully load it up (at operating temp) while the bike is idling in neutral until you hear a slight whine. Then slowly back the adjuster off until the whine dissapears. For peace of mind, you can back the adjuster off a further 1/8th of a turn from this point, & then lock up the nut on the adjuster. Perfect noiseless shifts & no more missing gears...
By 'loading up' I mean slowly increase the preload on the tensioner. No need to have the rear wheel turning or even on a lift. Only the engine running, as the whine is audible with the bike standing still. Might be an even clearer whine if you GENTLY twist the throttle between each turn of the adjuster. Take it for a test drive after, & take the 2 adjusting wrenches with you, coz if you got it wrong, it's only a matter of slackening the lock-nut & making a fine tuning. Saved me a lot of time in the past."
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 934
Likes: 54
From: Elm City, NC
I've tuned mine by ear since the first adjustment because I couldn't alleviate the whine when I thought it was adjusted to spec. I've actually been wondering if I was correct in doing so and just never thought to ask anyone.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,212
Likes: 212
I'm sure that method is fine, but the primary chain isn't exactly rocket science. If you just stick your finger in there and push up you'll know if it is too tight or too loose. A lot of overthinking goes on when it comes to bikes.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 566
Likes: 4
From: Milton, PA
If this is a legitimate tip, this sounds way easier than pulling the plugs, jacking it up, rotating the rear wheel in fifth gear to find the tight spot and then adjusting it. Plus if you've never heard the whine, or at least don't think you have, like me. This will give you a reference to go from. I mean lets face the powertrain on these bikes make a lot of 'normal' noises.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 5,477
Likes: 5
From: New Braunfels, Texas
I adjusted my sporty both ways...it was kinda hard to distinguish the "whine" but when I rechecked it the traditional way it seemed to be spot on. So that is how I did it for the next 2 years. The only thing I didn't like is the mess it made with oil
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 731
Likes: 7
From: Windsor Ontario
I've done it by ear without opening the chain inspection cover, just take the wrenches with me and go for a long ride to get the engine case good and hot. Then tighten a bit and test ride some more. When you start to hear the whine then back it off a bit. Eventually you'll find the optimum with no whine and an 'easy neutral' I've tried a 'cold' adjustment to specs and never really got good success, plus as mentioned, this method is easier.
One caveat: if your engine sprocket (compensator) nut is loose, you'll never get this correct and you've got a bigger problem to worry about.
One caveat: if your engine sprocket (compensator) nut is loose, you'll never get this correct and you've got a bigger problem to worry about.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 20
From: Kafar Hanusi
Ive done this the traditional way and allways seem to get the wine, now I know why and how to fix it.
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