Are there different ways of adjusting a chain?

Tastevodka · Derestricted Danger Joined: 18 Jul 2016 Karma :

So I was talking to someone the other day about adjusting chain tension and they said what you had to do is loosen the wheel axis and move the wheel back (They were looking at my bike at the time) So I looked online on how to do it properly and it doesn't sound like at all what he was suggesting.

I have a suzuki 125 gz marauder ( I also looked online for a owners manual and couldn't find anything )

andy_uk · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Aug 2011 Karma :

That's the usual way...
Slacken the rear spindle (and torsion bar if it has a rear drum brake).
Tighten the chain adjusters (the same amount each side) a bit at a time and keep checking the chain slack.
When it's done, tighten and re-torque the spindle (and torsion bar), re-check the chain slack.
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kgm · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Jun 2015 Karma :

Commuter_Tim · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 May 2013 Karma :

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...this thread has a 99.999999% probability of turning into a bitchfest about centrestand, sidestand, sitting on the bike or HAYNES BRUH.

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The above post is most likely nonsensical.

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Tastevodka · Derestricted Danger Joined: 18 Jul 2016 Karma :

Thanks for the help guys and clearing stuff up Very Happy

Nexus Icon · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 Aug 2010 Karma :

You could also try holding the back wheel still and using the adjusters to move the rest of the bike forward.

Seriously though, what meggark said. Doing it methodically is the name of the game. It's not impossible to get it back into alignment if you bollocks it up but it can be interminable, winding the nuts back and forth for hours, so tiny adjustments the same on each side is the way forward.
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Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

The best way to do it is in a Workshop.
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talkToTheHat · World Chat Champion Joined: 21 Feb 2012 Karma :

On the marauder there's adjuster nuts to the rear of the swingarm. Loosen the spindle (i think this is what you called the axis) then turn both adjuster nuts half a turn clockwise and observe what happens. Keep making half or quarter turn adjustments. Same each side. If you screw that up compare the length of exposed thread each side with vernier callipers (or perhaps tyre depth gauge has enough reach?). Before you tighten the spindle, put an old screwdriver or similar between the sprocket and chain and turn the wheel slightly so it pulls the chain tight, don't swing on it, the idea is to pull the spindle and adjusters up against the end of the swingarm, as the adjusters only pull, they don't push. This will help the wheel stay aligned. Tighten the spindle, remove screwdriver and check tention is ok all the way around the chain. It helps to have a pit-stand on for this rather than keep pushing the marauder back and forth. Same item also makes chain clean and lube 100 times easier.
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kgm · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Jun 2015 Karma :

Screw driver between chain and sprocket to tighten after adjusting is a good tip. If you do knock the alignment it doesn't have to be perfect in a bike like yours. I normally use the straight edge method. I've never liked the string or little sprocket clip on thing methods so if I don't have a straight edge I just use the alignment marks on the swingarm and have a visual inspection to make sure the chain is running straight.