Having trouble removing the chain slack.

[hume]

As above. I loosened the bolts and the adjusters and use screwdriver to remove the slack and then re-tighten everything. The slack appears once I remove the screwdriver.

I don't know whether any of the following are causing a problem:

1. I don't tighten the swingarm bolts at the same time. I do one and then the other. I don't know if this makes a difference.

2. The adjuster cover on the swingarm on the clutch side is not fully aligned with the swingarm. Although I was able to remove the slack the last time I tried and this wasn't a problem.

3. The indicators markings when loosing and tighten the bolts\adjusters don't move to show a change in position.

I will take the bike to a garage at some point this week, but I would like to be able to troubleshoot this myself.

[Kawasaki Jimbo]

It's all nut and bolt adjusters isn't it? What are you doing with the screwdriver?

[jaffa90]

What bike and any pics???????????????????????

[Riejufixing]

[Kawasaki Jimbo]

CBR125R, based on posting history. Oh, is this the "jam a screwdriver between chain and sprocket on the lower rung" technique? "Tighten adjusters, tighten axle, pull screwdriver out and..". apparently it doesn't work. Try a smaller diameter screwdriver, I guess. I don't use one. My top tip would be to only loosen the axle nut a little bit. Loosening too much allows the two arms of the swing arm to splay out, slackening the chain a fraction. When you tighten back up again the arms get slightly closer together, taking up slack, so now your carefully adjusted chain has tightened itself. Also bear in mind that the tension will likely tighten when the rear suspension is loaded (assuming you're adjusting with the wheel off the ground.

[P.]

Says you are London on the map, where abouts? I'm happy to swing by if you are close

[martin734]

How many miles have chain and sprockets done? It could be that the adjusters are at their limit and it is time for new chain and sprockets.
____________________
Current bike: ST1100 "Big Red"

[Nobby the Bastard]

Not sure why you would be using a screwdriver to adjust the chain but previous history says you need a new chain and sprockets.
____________________
trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Triumph Sprint ST 1050

[xX-Alex-Xx]

If you pull the chain away from the rear sprocket away from the bike (ie directly rearward), can you see more than half a tooth of the sprocket? If so the chain is shagged and you need a new one. What you may be seeing is that you’re already at the maximum adjustment.
____________________
DILLIGAF

[hume]

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

How often has the chain been cleaned and lubricated?
____________________
"Life is a sexually transmitted disease and the mortality rate is one hundred percent."

Mobylette Type 50 ---> Raleigh Grifter ---> Neval Minsk 125

[linuxyeti]

[MCN]

[Riejufixing]

hume, have you watched a couple of YouTube videos to see how the adjustment is done? There are a few useful ones, but some people's English isn't terribly accurate, so seeing a few will help get the idea.

[MCN]

[Polarbear]

It's engineering, the most logical process known to man.

Think -

To tighten the chain, you have to move the rear wheel back to increase the distance between the front and rear sprockets.

You need to keep the wheel straight so check the position of the adjusters on both sides of the swing arm is the same.

Move the chain up and down to make sure you have a bit of slack (probably 15/25mm ish).

Nip up axle bolts, check again. If ok, tighten properly.

I get some people aren't mechanically minded but unless you are a complete idiot, surely you can work out what's happening.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[Riejufixing]

[martin734]

I would hope that I really don't need to mention this, but make sure you check the slack with the bike on the side stand and not the main stand.
____________________
Current bike: ST1100 "Big Red"

[Nobby the Bastard]

[Polarbear]

[hume]

[Nobby the Bastard]

[hume]

[Nobby the Bastard]

[linuxyeti]