Fixing Chain Tension

[Dave Dark]

Hi All!

Hopefully somebody might be able to help me with this. I'm a mechanical noob but want to learn so I've decided to do all routine maintenance myself. So far it has been quite easy. I've only had the bike for a couple of weeks though so we will have to see how things go.

I want to fix the tension in the chain because it is quite slack. I bought it new and have ridden it 550km and I've heard it is not uncommon for have a loose chain as it wears in.

Anyway, I have no problem loosening or pulling back the tire. I've read on this site how to do it and I feel very comfortable. My only concern is when I torque the rear axle nut. There is not enough space to fit my torque wrench because the exhaust is in the way.. Do I need a special attachment to get under there? Some sort of swiveling extension thing-a-ma-bob? Or should I take out the screw holding the muffler to the side of the bike, torque the axle nut and then replace the muffler?

Please let me know what you all advise. Hopefully, there will be some consensus as to the right plan of attack.

Thanks!

[blaine]

I wouldn't unbolt the muffler,as this will put all the weight on the front pipe and header bolts.With the weight off the back wheel,if you still don't have enough clearance,unbolt the bottom of the shocks and you can drop the wheel down to get clearance.
:) :2tup:

[Dave Dark]

Thanks for the advice Blaine!

I'm trying to do this all on the sidestand because I live in downtown Toronto and don't have much space therefore I have no lift or anything. For this reason I don't think unbolting the shocks will work for me.

I had a an idea. What if I hold the nut on the side of the muffler with a wrench and then torque the bolt on the opposite side. Would this work and not possibly damage my bike?

Thanks!

Dave

[blaine]

Good thinking!That will work just fine.Also a small scissor jack placed under the right side of the front or rear of the bike will work with the side stand to lift the bike.The bike will not fall over because the side stand acts like a tripod.Wrap a piece of Velcro around the front brake lever to keep the bike from moving. :2tup: :lol:

[Water Warrior 2]

Do keep in mind that the required measurements for chain tension are with the rear wheel on the ground with the suspension compressed due to bike weight. Always go to the max end of the measurement, it is easier on the drive train components. A chain that is too tight can reek havoc if/when you hit a pot hole or big dip in the road. Found that out on my first bike.

[bonehead]

I put the torque wrench on the other side and back up the castle nut with a wrench.

[geezer]

just tightn from the other side, it wont hurt anything. then you wont have do deal with a ton of bs :lol:

[5th_bike]

I undid the muffler so the torque wrench fit on the right.

Ye, do leave enough slack in the chain. Also when you turn the rear wheel, you may notice the chain getting tighter and looser. This is normal. make sure to tighten it at the tightest point. Then, leave some slack.

[Dave Dark]

How much force do I need to use in order to loosen the nut? I put in a lot of effort trying to turn it counter-clockwise (I double-checked my direction twice) and it didn't budge.

Shoud I go to the gym for some strength training or just get a longer wrench so that I can give it more power? Should I be afraid to really give 'er?

Also, it looked liked there were additional metal grooves on the nut holding it in place to the bolt. Is this normal?

Thanks again! Everybody has been so incredibly helpful!

[blaine]

How much force do I need to use in order to loosen the nut? I put in a lot of effort trying to turn it counter-clockwise (I double-checked my direction twice) and it didn't budge.

Shoud I go to the gym for some strength training or just get a longer wrench so that I can give it more power? Should I be afraid to really give 'er?

Also, it looked liked there were additional metal grooves on the nut holding it in place to the bolt. Is this normal?

Thanks again! Everybody has been so incredibly helpful!
You may need to use a longer wrench to get it loose.Don't be afraid to put the pressure on.I'm not sure what you mean by "additional grooves" on the nut.If you mean the groves on the outside of the nut,they are there for the cotter key to fit into.
:) :cool:

[Water Warrior 2]

How much force do I need to use in order to loosen the nut? I put in a lot of effort trying to turn it counter-clockwise (I double-checked my direction twice) and it didn't budge.

Shoud I go to the gym for some strength training or just get a longer wrench so that I can give it more power? Should I be afraid to really give 'er?
I just use big long tools for ease of effort. They aren't cheap but a couple box wrenches to fit will make the job a lot easier and no need for big muscles.
I am very fortunate in having room under the Vstrom seat for a 22mm and 24 mm pair of box end wrenches if I need them on a trip. Another reason the bike weighs in at a lot more than factory specs.

[Dave Dark]

Thanks so much everybody for all your help! You are all awesome!

[Water Warrior 2]

Thanks so much everybody for all your help! You are all awesome!

Must be that awesome GZ that led us here. :2tup: