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Old Apr 21, 2011 | 09:02 AM
  #1  
conn.rod's Avatar
conn.rod
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From: georgia
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I just put a new rear tire on my 82 ironhead,what is the best way to adjust the chain so as to keep the wheel straight?
 
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Old Apr 21, 2011 | 10:25 AM
  #2  
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IronMick
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From: London, ON Canada
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I count the number of threads gehind the jam nut on the adjusters, keeping them the same on both sides when the adjustment is complete.

Some guys say this is not reliable, but i disagree with them.

It is a bit tricky. I adjust the chain side first, then the left side. Then the chain side needs to be re-adjusted. A bit of back and forth until it is right, and the thread counts match up.

On the chain side adjust the inner nut first, then lock it in place with the outer nut [the jam nut].

On the left side you do the opposite - adjust the jam nut first to get the correct thread count then tighten the inner nut against it, then twist the wheel to eliminate the space.

Ya, then check the right side again.
 
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Old Apr 21, 2011 | 11:10 AM
  #3  
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83XLX
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On my '83, I can use a tape measure to check the distance from the rear axle to the swingarm pivot on each side to verify alignment.
 
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Old Apr 21, 2011 | 06:55 PM
  #4  
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From: London, ON Canada
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On the older frames you cannot access the left swingarm pivot as it is behind the case.

On my 1980 i measured along the swingarm from the rear to a convenient spot on each side and drilled a small hole. My 1998 had this.
 
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Old Apr 22, 2011 | 05:27 AM
  #5  
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i measure swing arm to tire tread on each side make em match and look behind make sure it looks gd. As my new adjusters are in the mail as a p.o must have ground one down.
 
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Old Apr 24, 2011 | 10:26 PM
  #6  
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I agree with Mick..adjust the chain 1/2 turn at a time. Another thing to consider is your sprocket. If the tips are pointed, I would replace it. A worn sprocket, IMHO will stretch and wear out a chain . Harley suggests you replace both sprockets if worn out.The main thing you want is for the chain and sprockets to be straight vertical an horizontal. I usually eye-ball it, but you could use a staight edge. If your tire is not square with the bike, I would think your swingarm is damaged or an optical illusion from fender being off.
 
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Old Apr 25, 2011 | 01:21 PM
  #7  
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Neal Perez
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From: Houston Texas
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I do the same as TIMBERJACK,

I have done a little counter adjusting ( very little ) to adjust engine torque on the rear wheel so to keep the bike going straight as an arrow with no pull to either side.

This is something that works for me an dont want to share on the forum so it wont start anything.

So its SWING ARM TO TIRE THREAD FOR ME also
 
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