XSR900 Chain Adjustment

[Jon-W]

Hi all,

Well, this could really apply to any bike and I am sure there are many differing opinions on it. I have just gotten around to adjusting the chain tension on my XSR900 (only had it a month or so). Now, out of curiosity what are peoples opinions on the importance of getting chain tension absolutely correct (I am a stickler for detail, unfortunately, so these sorts of things bug me). I've used the notches on either side of the swing arm as a guide for getting the alignment right, but I've also measured from the back of the adjuster block to the end of the swing arm (as per the pics) and found when the measurement is the same, the notches on either side don't quite line up, maybe half a notch out.

What is the consensus about what is more accurate?

[Riejufixing]

I don't trust marking on the swinging arm. Assuming the graduations are actually even each side, I treat them as a rough guide only, after looking at them and noting positions after otherwise adjusting alignment. I use a straight edge for aligning wheels.

As for tension, I try to get the manufacturer's recommendation. It is absolutely necessary to check the chain in various positions, using the tightest position (if there is one) for adjusting the tension, and I'd rather had the chain a fraction loose than a fraction tight.

[Easy-X]

Surely the important thing is to get the wheel aligned straight with the rest of the bike? The marks are just a starting point.
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Royal Enfield Continental GT 535, Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[Nobby the Bastard]

One of the advantage of a single sided swingarm with excentric adjustment is there's almost no way of getting the alignment wrong.
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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

[jaffa90]

Looking at the picture of the bike it reminds me of a trail type bike (i`ve had many) with a long swing arm travel. So i suggest you need chain slack when laden.

[grr666]

It's an MT09 in different frock. My chains taut on mine, gets a bit noisy if there's any noticeable play in it.
No extended swingarm or fork travel at all, it's a road bike dressed as a scrambler, like that Ducati thing.
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Currently enjoying products from Ford, Mazda and Yamaha
Ste wrote: Avatars are fine, it's signatures that need turning off.

[jaffa90]

Bike drive chains should not be taut, see them wagging about on MOTO GP or W,S.B.

[grr666]

When I say taut I mean about an inch of play, about right for road use. My point was that it doesn't need to be nearly
as baggy as a dirt bikes chain, it may look like a scrambler. It isn't. Same frame and suspension as mine. I should add
my first MT09 foray off road didn't end well so I have practical experience as to their unsuitability.
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Currently enjoying products from Ford, Mazda and Yamaha
Ste wrote: Avatars are fine, it's signatures that need turning off.

[Grubscrew]

I end to get a person to sit on the bike and get the slack correct in a laden situation, which I think is way to go.
The Africa twin original version required this method.
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FJR1300/CBR1000F