Chain adjustment?
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 419
Likes: 223
From: Florida
Chain adjustment?
I'm about to adjust the chain on my 81.
The HD maual suggests having someone sit on bike to approximate normal weight.
I'm alone
So, bike is raised, tire free spinning, what should chain tension be measured at?
The HD maual suggests having someone sit on bike to approximate normal weight.
I'm alone
So, bike is raised, tire free spinning, what should chain tension be measured at?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 2,591
Likes: 2,168
From: australia
do what i and others do..... find the chain tight spot.....put bike on jiffy stand....from the right hand side lean over the bike with your gutz on the seat put all your weight on the seat then you may need a screwdriver or a steel rod and check your chain slack like that.....its a bit of a yoga manoeuvre but it works for me
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,561
Likes: 7,907
From: Long Island, New York
Depending on your bike it may be hard to reach the chain. My FLH with all the stuff, not happening, my brother's chopper, no problem.
I raise the bike on the jack, find the tight spot, then lower the bike down onto a Condor so it stays up right but wheel is on the ground. Then I have my wife sit on the BACK seat and adjust as needed. Works for me and she usually has the patience to sit there while I do what needs doing.
I raise the bike on the jack, find the tight spot, then lower the bike down onto a Condor so it stays up right but wheel is on the ground. Then I have my wife sit on the BACK seat and adjust as needed. Works for me and she usually has the patience to sit there while I do what needs doing.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
Likes: 1,524
From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
I use a bent copper pipe, I sit on the bike, with upright (after first finding the tight spot) and use the bent pipe to lift the chain and I measure the slack off the end of the pipe (which is at eye level).
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,110
Likes: 51,396
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Chain's will have tight spots, think you got it right, roll the wheel a little it'll get sloppy or too tight suddenly. And that will change in 50 miles. Adjust it where you think it's right and go or it'll wear you out overthinking it.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,239
Likes: 1,171
From: St. Catharines, Ontario
Get the tight spot on the lower span of the chain, lower the bike until the center of the trans sprocket and the wheel axle are in the same horizontal plane. Adjust for 1/2" deflection of the chain.at the center of the lower span.
Last edited by Baird; Aug 14, 2024 at 07:19 AM.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 419
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From: Florida
Just sayin........what should the deflection be WITHOUT anyone sitting on it so it will be adjusted properly WITH me on it?
Or is that not a good way to go about it?
The frame and motor are original 81 Lowrider.
Or is that not a good way to go about it?
The frame and motor are original 81 Lowrider.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
Likes: 1,524
From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
Don't even try, too many variables. Assuming you have at least one friend, you could get a buddy to check the slack with you sitting on it...I have no friends and so learned to do it myself lol!
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: NC USA
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