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While it is fine to lift the back of the bike to adjust the chain, you can also adjust it with the bike on the side stand without any consequences. Position the rear axle so that the chain is looser than you want it and so that both sides of the axle are close to the same indicators on the swing arm. Snug the axle bolt (but do no more than snug it). Use the adjustment bolts to back the axle out until you have the proper chain tension. Make sure that both sides of the axle are equally positioned in the swingarm by checking the alignment marks. Once both sides are aligned and you like the chain tension, torque the axle nut to spec. Double check to make sure that both sides are still in alignment. Then tighten the adjustment bolts.
I can see where using a paddock stand or center stand might help keep things better aligned while adjusting, but I don't see how adjusting the bike on the side stand can have an impact on the final adjustment. The axle pressure would far outweigh any force from having the bike on the side stand.
btw--Don't forget to find the tightest section of your chain to use as your baseline for adjusting.
hth
Kurt
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"I have kicked myself mentally a hundred times for that stupidity.... I didn't understand then how foolish quick assumptions like that are. Now we are on a twenty-eight-horse machine and I take the maintenance of it very seriously." R. Pirsig, Z&AMM
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