Chain Adjuster Marks...

[greenmonster]

Anyone use these factory markings to adjust their chain? Conventional wisdom on these is that they're a joke...don't use them!!!
There's the string method...the rod method...the eyeball method....the laser method, and the time honored Hail Mary method.

But really, has anyone actually used them with success? Can it be done?
Your thoughts, please...

[schleppy]

The guys on the Versys forums mostly use the marks and said they've been fine. I think it's worth measuring if you can, but I wouldn't lose much sleep over using the marks alone.

[DuncanMoto]

It really depends on the bike.
I use a laser at the shop. Once a bike checks out that the marks are good you can use them.
If anyone wants to come borrow the laser, drop on by. It takes 2 minutes to check.

[Stan]

I use them and its fine

[richw]

Never had a problem

If they are removable etc maybe don't switch them

I have axle nut snug

use the screws to drive the assembly to the marks

tighten the axle

tighten the adjuster lock nuts

[Stan]

I use them and its fine

[Ericthejet]

Had 4 different bikes from 4 different manufactures.
Have used factory marks.
No issues yet.

[greenmonster]

It's all good, then. Thanks!

[Jim]

never used them, never found them accurate. i use the wheel alignment tool for accurate measurements.

[DaveZX6r]

I had two swing arms on my fzr. First one that came with the bike had a dent in the side and was slightly tweaked. Marks didn't work on that one. Second one straight, marks were close still had to sight down the chain. My zx6r I have now has no visible damage to swingarm, but the marks are about half off when i alighn my wheel. You can use the marks to get you close, but I'd recomend you allways at the least sight down the chain and don't get freaked if the marks don't line up to make the chain straight. When i picked up my zx6 it was aligned to the marks and when i pulled the wheel to get a new tire the sprocket had alot of side wear from the chain.

[Jim]

talk to Jimmy Chance on WERA. Here's the thread for the alignment tool.



basically put these through the rear axle & swingarm pivot, then measure.

[Billy]

Jim,

I saw Degsy use those rods on my bike when I got new tires put on. Much easier then using the marks on the swingarm. Do I just email Jimmy and say I want a set of those rods?

[Jim]

Jim,

I saw Degsy use those rods on my bike when I got new tires put on. Much easier then using the marks on the swingarm. Do I just email Jimmy and say I want a set of those rods?

page 9 shows the newest pricing, which is $77 plus $10 shipping. he uses paypal, and i believe it's listed on page 1

[Billy]

nice, thanks for the tip.

[Kham]

whats the laser look like or what's the method?

It really depends on the bike.
I use a laser at the shop. Once a bike checks out that the marks are good you can use them.
If anyone wants to come borrow the laser, drop on by. It takes 2 minutes to check.

[Jim]

i heard a rumor that the Trickster may make some in the off season, but dont quote me on it. I havent bought these yet from WERA, since i'm hoping to support someone more local.

[greenmonster]

Thanks for the link, Jim. Gonna be adjusting the chain, bleeding the brakes, etc., this coming weekend with Sean....I'll first try using the marks, and sight down the chain. This may sound crazy, but the idea came to mind that once you have it where you think it should be visually, how about measuring the distance between the outer edge of the sidewall (assuming you still have chicken strips, no matter how small they may be ) and the inside of the swing arm, at the same location point on both sides, and see if there is even the slightest difference in the gap? (using a ruler in 1/16's) Maybe then tweak a bit...before the final tighten down? Sound feasible or did I put too my crack in my coffee this morning?

[Jim]

for those who use the alignment tool, you're best buying a measuring tape that does millimeters. i'm picky, and wont be happy until each side is less than 1mm different. others would be happy with 3mm-4mm difference.

[brendanp]

I use a dial caliper.

[CBR929RE]

Thanks for the link, Jim. Gonna be adjusting the chain, bleeding the brakes, etc., this coming weekend with Sean....I'll first try using the marks, and sight down the chain. This may sound crazy, but the idea came to mind that once you have it where you think it should be visually, how about measuring the distance between the outer edge of the sidewall (assuming you still have chicken strips, no matter how small they may be ) and the inside of the swing arm, at the same location point on both sides, and see if there is even the slightest difference in the gap? (using a ruler in 1/16's) Maybe then tweak a bit...before the final tighten down? Sound feasible or did I put too my crack in my coffee this morning?

measuring the tire is probably less than ideal. you could probably measure at one point then spin the tire and measure again and get different measurements.

I usually go by the marks and sight down the chain. not the most accurate way of course but haven't had a problem yet. If its too far off you should be able to feel it when you're riding.

[Kham]

I use a dial caliper.

do you find it hard due to different shape edge?

[brendanp]

do you find it hard due to different shape edge?

I dont understand your question Sir

[Kham]

i dont know how to describe it.

[DuncanMoto]

whats the laser look like or what's the method?

Like this Profi Laser Cat

[nt650hawk]

Motion Pro CHAIN ALIGNMENT TOOL For $15-$20

Have kept the chain and sprockets on my bike for 27,000+ miles.