Primary Chain Adjustment
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Tourer
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Primary Chain Adjustment
'91 XLH 1200. I've adjusted my chain several times using a lift, putting the bike in 5th, turning the wheel, and finding the tight spot, and bringing to specs. One thing I have never done is double checking the chain once the bike is off the lift (cold). This time I did (cold) and the chain was super-tight with no play at all!
From now on my chain adjustment will be done on the ground. No manual, video, or other ever mentions this difference. Anyone else knows about this?
From now on my chain adjustment will be done on the ground. No manual, video, or other ever mentions this difference. Anyone else knows about this?
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Tourer
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The tensioner has some wear, but not a lot. I'm just curious and now careful when making the adjustment. I suggest anyone who adjust their primary chain with the back tire raised, check it again when lowered.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
It's also very easy to wind up with it too tight if you allow the adjuster screw turn even a little bit as you're tightening the lock nut.
I've never seen any difference whether the bike is on the ground or on a jack. It will affect drive belt tension, but it shouldn't affect the primary chain.
I've never seen any difference whether the bike is on the ground or on a jack. It will affect drive belt tension, but it shouldn't affect the primary chain.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
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Agreed. It should not matter for the primary. It has no part that is dependent on ride height/weight like the swing arm. If it is changing, something is wrong.
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Tourer
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I wouldn't think so either. Try it. Adjust the primary with the bike raised, the lower the bike and check the tension.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Landrum, SC , elevation 986'
Unless you have a tight clutch where it grabs some with the bike in neutral.
It shouldn't matter if the motor is even in the bike when you adjust the primary chain.
I'm not saying your crazy but you might want to find out why its changing. IE: Charley's Your tightening the adjuster while your locking it down or your clutch is grabbing and needs to be adjusted.
Now you got me curious. lol
It shouldn't matter if the motor is even in the bike when you adjust the primary chain.
I'm not saying your crazy but you might want to find out why its changing. IE: Charley's Your tightening the adjuster while your locking it down or your clutch is grabbing and needs to be adjusted.
Now you got me curious. lol
Last edited by xFreebirdx; Feb 3, 2011 at 11:14 AM. Reason: cause i wanted to
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Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Central Florida
I checked mine on the ground,
Put It In gear and rolled for max slack on the top of the chain,,
then rolled off the slack and went back to Neutral.
5,000 miles,,,needed no adjustment.
Put It In gear and rolled for max slack on the top of the chain,,
then rolled off the slack and went back to Neutral.
5,000 miles,,,needed no adjustment.
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