How do I tighten chain ensuring wheel stays straight?

[Wonko The Sane]

My Varadero needs it's chain tightening but it doesn't have a centre stand and I don't have a paddock stand so I'm not sure how to ensure that the wheel alignment stays straight.

Is the best thing to do, to have a mate sit on the bike so it's upright?

Cheers
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[lihp]

turn chain adjusters the same amount on both sides.

This won't keep the alignment correct, but it will keep it the same as it was before
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covent.gardens: lihp is my most favourite member ever

[bridgedino]

The rear wheel doesn't necessarily have to be off the ground. You could slacken slightly the axle nut then work the adjusters each side as normal. Side stand adjustment isn't a problem

My adjustment marker notches on my bike seem to keep it straight enough for my needs.

[Snorty]

I was always under the impression it's not good to do it on the side stand, however upon reading my workshop manual that's how it says to do it.

As said above, assuming it is already in alignment, turn the bolts by the same amount. Remove all distractions whilst you do this, otherwise you'll end up forgetting which one you did last and sending the wheel out of alignment!
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Current: Yamaha FZ1 '07 | GSXR 750 SRAD

Past: CB125TDC | TZR125 | GPZ500 | CBR600F3 | ZX9-R | GSXR1000 K4

[_mjs_]

Get a big mate to lift it off the ground by leaning it on the side stand and pulling on the seat rails. It only takes a minute to tighten the adjusters and make sure you tighten the axle bolt properly afterwards.
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Previous Bikes: 2006 Honda XR125L > 2003 Yamaha DT125R > 1996 Honda CB500
Current bikes: 1997 Kawasaki ZZR 600 E5 > 2006 Honda Varadero XL125V

[Rogue_Shadow]

Mark the chain bolts so you can make each side equal?

https://www.webbikeworld.com/ducati-motorcycles/multistrada-620/chain-adjustment/multistrada-chain-adjustment-bolt.jpg

[cimbian]

Once you have adjusted the tensioners equally make sure the assembly is hard against them by putting a small piece of wood in the chain at the bottom of the sprocket, rotate the wheel forward to take-up slack. then tighten the axle bolt.
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22PlusY
Current: Moto Guzzi 1100 Breva. Previous: Honda XL650V TransAlp
Bearded, Balding, Born again Buddhist Biker

[Kol]

Are you sure there aren't chain adjustment marks on each side of your swing arm where the adjustment bolts are? Can't imagine there'd be a modern bike without them, just seems retarded.
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Current bike - 2008 Street Triple R

[Wonko The Sane]

the muck on the swing arm makes a good guide!

it's pretty much even, possibly 1/4 to 1/2 a turn out so hopefully ok, and hopefully tight enough too!
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Looking to pass your CBT / Bike tests in Bury Lancashire? try www.focusridertraining.co.uk Would recommend.
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[J.M.]

Tape measure > alignment marks for doing wheel alignment.

But as said, just turn adjuster nuts the same amount each side.
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2004 R1 & 2018 XSR900

[Islander]

Adjust your chain and measure the exact distance between the centre of the swingarm spindle and the centre of the rear wheel spindle on each side of the bike. They should be exactly the same - if they aren't, then adjust them until they are.

Beg steal borrow or even buy a paddock stand - it'll make it so much simpler.

[Saltire]

You can also buy a little lazer that you put flat on your rear sprocket, point it towards the chain and it should run along the outermost side of the chain, providing it does and the lazer doesnt veer into the centre of the chain the alignment will be fine, and in turn, your sprocket wont get fucked.

There is also a method with string but fuck that. The lazer is only about 5 quid and if it can stop yer sprocket getting ruined then why not

[Islander]

[Wonko The Sane]

[Saltire]

[Islander]

[Banger]

[J4mes]

I use a steel rule to measure the length of the thread that is showing on the adjuster and make sure both sides are equal

[Saltire]

[Supermoto_Fan]

Is it fine to adjust my chain while its up on the paddock stand? Wouldn't it naturally tighten the chain while up on the stand meaning it could be too tight after adjustment when off stand?


Anyone understand or do I sound like a nub?
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Yamaha MT-09 - Triple powerrrr

[Islander]

It's absolutely fine to adjust your chain on a paddock stand - in fact it's the easiest way. Just make sure you measure the slack in the middle of the bottom run and make sure you measure it at the tightest point of the chain.

[Supermoto_Fan]

Only got the stand a few weeks ago, best bit of kit I've bought in ages!
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Yamaha MT-09 - Triple powerrrr

[Acemastr]

I use a ruler srsly
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2017 KTM 350 XC-F - 2014 Yamaha R6 - 2005 Yamaha YZ125
2016 Toyota Tacoma Limited

[Islander]

[Kol]