Triumphrat

singring

I want to find the best way to check the drive chain tension.
I've searched this forum and there seems to be a dozen different methods that are used. The owner's manual method seems the easiest, but I'm confused about one area. If the bike is on a flat surface resting on it's sidestand, how are you suppose to rotate the rear wheel to find the tightest section of the chain? Do you position yourself behind the rear fender, reach down and tug up on the rear wheel, meanwhile hoping the bike doesn't move forward so the sidestand kicks itself up, and bike falls over? Or, do you push the bike forward a little at a time until the tightest area of the chain is observed? The owner's manual is pretty vague. Some people suggest having someone close to the rider's weight sit on the bike while checking the tension. Some suggest having the bike up on a bike jack?

I had the dealer switch the 18T sprocket to a 17T sprocket ( I kept the 18T for future use) prior to shipment, but I wonder if the tension was adjusted accordingly after the switch. Right now, there is about 2.0 inches of vertical movement on the lower part of the chain, but this is without looking for the tightest part of the chain.

It was easy in the old days using a centerstand. I wish there were centerstands available for these bikes now.

I appreciate your restaint in flaming me.
thanks
singring

bobw3592

singring, the good news is you don't have to adjust these new chains very often. I won't go into the best cleaning and chain lube info as there are a ton of threads already. I would search these as well as those covering Scott oilers etc. if you are so inclined.

Too loose is better than too tight!

You can do the roll and repeatedly check tension test to locate tight spots. A friend can help balance the bike on the side stand while you rotate the wheel. Most have purchased a bike lift from stores like Sears, Harbor Freight etc. I've seen posts on homemade wood lifts that look like they would do the job as well.

Others will chime in. Here is another good site to check. Great guys that post in both forums.

BonnieAmerica