Chain adjustment.

[ae]

I was recently told that my bike needs chain adjustment desperately. I was wondering if you guys know of anyone who does a good job. Thanks.

[rvtjonny]

do it yourself, its kinda simple

[ae]

do it yourself, its kinda simple

Really? I heard that there might be some issues with a misaligned tire if I mess it up .. (noob here)

[idratherberidin]

where do you live? I can help you if you are near Danvers Ma 01923

[Jim]

What kind of bike? I have an alignment tool to make it exact on both sides

[ae]

where do you live? I can help you if you are near Danvers Ma 01923

Brookline MA.

What kind of bike? I have an alignment tool to make it exact on both sides

SV650

[06gixgirl]

it's very simple, you can just use a measuring tape if you want to make sure it's the same on both sides.

[Stromper]

I am sure someone up there will volunteer if you ride over to their house ,

Chain adjust with tire service I would think 6 pack quality imported beer would be the medium of exchange. Or if you are of the feminine gender probably you will get comped

[OreoGaborio]

You and google work wonders together. There are a bunch of different methods. Find some video on youtube or somethin.

Adjusting a chain is one of those things that every single motorcycle owner (that has a bike with a chain) should learn how to do.

[ae]

I guess I'll try to do some research and figure out what to do. If not, the 6pack beer idea doesn't sound that bad.


Tools Required:

Can someone help me make a list of tools I would need to do this?
Also, would be great if you guys can let me know of the tools I would need for chain cleaning and oil change. Thanks.

[06gixgirl]

I guess I'll try to do some research and figure out what to do. If not, the 6pack beer idea doesn't sound that bad.


Tools Required:

Can someone help me make a list of tools I would need to do this?
Also, would be great if you guys can let me know of the tools I would need for chain cleaning and oil change. Thanks.

all the tools you need are or should of come with the bike. it's the little kit that comes with the bike, all the stuff you need to adjust the chain is in there. very easy. if a girl can do it...you can also. I can help you if you need it, but I'm on the NorthShore.
to clean the chain you just need WD40 or you can use some dawn soap & a scrub brush, & then some chain wax for after.

[Ray-Ray]

I guess I'll try to do some research and figure out what to do. If not, the 6pack beer idea doesn't sound that bad.


Tools Required:

Can someone help me make a list of tools I would need to do this?
Also, would be great if you guys can let me know of the tools I would need for chain cleaning and oil change. Thanks.

I pmed you. I'm free Monday and am right down the road.

[SVRACER01]

what year SV? 99-02 all you have to do is break loose the rear axle nut and then use an allen wrench on the back of each side of the swing arm (bolts facing backwards). there are lines on the swing arm that you use to line up the plates with. just count the lines to be sure everything is even. if they are even now then just count how many turns you do with the allen wrench. there should be about 1" or so of chain play while sitting on the bike.

[ae]

Thanks everyone. I'll try to get the grunge brush kit and see what I can do.

I pmed you. I'm free Monday and am right down the road.

I'm at work all day during weekdays. I'll pm you after I get a few things today. In the end I do want to learn how to do it by myself.. so thanks for all the replies. You guys are awesome as usual

[BrianC]

Can someone help me make a list of tools I would need to do this?
Also, would be great if you guys can let me know of the tools I would need for chain cleaning and oil change. Thanks.

While your toolbox will grow w/time... some essentials are screw drivers, a metric socket set, metric wrench set, and metric allen wrench set. If you can only afford the minimum, just get individual tools that fit the most frequently serviced parts of your bike i.e. oil filter, drain bolt, chain adjusters, etc... . If you can find a service manual for your bike online and download it, you'll be all set to do all the simple stuff yourself, and it can be a good time wrenching on your bike. You'll feel good about it, and over time won't trust anyone else doing it!

[Jim]

8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 17mm sockets and wrenches. 4mm, 5mm and 6mm Allen keys. Flat and Philip screw drivers in various sizes and length.

[ae]

Update:

I might have failed to mention that.

a) I don't have a rear wheel stand.
b) I do have the stock kit.
c) I still need to buy some cleaner (I was told that my chain is extremely dry and needs some lube)
d) I do have the original manual.

So, I'm off today to buy a whole bunch of stuff.

My list so far.

Oil Replacement:
1) Oil
2) Oil filter
3) Funnel

Chain Cleaning and Lubrication:
1) Cleaner
2) Grunge Brush Kit (don't need it but I'd like to buy it)
3) Lube (already have it)

General: (Thanks to Jimmy 2 Shots)
1)8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 17mm sockets & wrenches
2) 4mm, 5mm and 6mm Allen Keys
3) Flat and Philip screw drivers.

Please let me know if I'm missing something. Thanks.

[Jim]

bottle of kerosene & a spray bottle - hardware store
roll of blue shop towels - hardware store, home depot, autozone, etc
bottle of Maxima Chain Wax - any motorcycle dealer


grunge brush is nice, but not necessary.

clean and re-lube your chain every 300 miles. i use my 2nd trip meter on my odometer for chain cleaning.

[Jim]

i'm in quincy, if you want to swing by my place this week/weekend and i'll show you my process. i needed a 1/4 turn chain adjustment after 10k miles. and yes, i clean my chain every 300 miles.

[ae]

i'm in quincy, if you want to swing by my place this week/weekend and i'll show you my process. i needed a 1/4 turn chain adjustment after 10k miles. and yes, i clean my chain every 300 miles.

That sounds great. Please let me know when you're free during this week/weekend. Thanks.

[Jim]

That sounds great. Please let me know when you're free during this week/weekend. Thanks.

Weekdays after 6:30. Weekends, whenever.

[FZR]

If you want to ride up to the Lowell area I can do it/help you out, I also live in the Quincy area but no tools down at that house. My garage/working area is up here

[rice_rocket]

Why don't you find out when Ted is around at duncanmoto, go buy all the stuff you need there, and I'm sure he can show you what to do Maybe get a rear stand too !

[ae]

Thanks for all the advice guys. Jim helped me out with it and he even taught me how to do it by myself when I get the tools. Very patient and helpful guy.

I'm going to start building my toolkit soon.

[Kitt]

what world do we live in where Jim is giving people maintenance advice? and clean your chain every 300 miles???

haha, carry-on