Adjusting drive chain tension

[bmw_al]

G'day Mutley owners!  I've just given myself a telling off for being on the computer at this time on a warm Saturday afternoon......however, needs must 

I just wondered what folks views are on the best way to check and adjust the chain tension.  I have just spent a bit of time faffing about, following the owners manual:-

With bike on centre stand, rotate rear wheel to find the tightest point on the chain.  It seems to need 2.75 wheel turns or so to 1 chain revolution
Found tightest point, noted rear tyre position relative to ground, and dropped off centre stand, rolled back to so rear tyre is in the same position, pushed the back of Bike down, then dropped it on to the sidestand
Pushed chain down at the mid-point, as per the manual (seems to be just next to the rearmost end of the lower swingarm chain slider)
Measure to centre of chain links from bottom of ally swing arm at the same mid-way point
Result: 55mm, should be 50 - 52mm (not 50 / 52 as per the Italioenglish manual  )

I have yet to adjust the chain (don't often need to with a Scottoiler) but before I do I just wanted to check my method was similar to others?

I assume we all use the sidestand, or has someone worked out an accurate way of increasing the slack figure so we can adjust on the centre stand?
When on side stand - front wheel straight or in the steering lock position ? (wheel to the left)
Do you need anyone sitting on the bike, or is the owners manual bang on?


Any other tips?

Cheers

[neilb]

Useful little tip, Al. Get an old bank card, similar, and cut it down to a length of 53 mm (if I remember correctly). Then you don't have to faff about with a ruler.

I find the tightest point when on the mainstand, mark the chain with chalk or the like. On to the sidestand with the tightest point under the middle of the swing arm and adjust from there.

Seems to work ok for me ( the original did 22000 miles). As for front wheel position...???

[bmw_al]

Cheers NeilB - much better idea to mark the chain.  Funnily enough I did look for an old piece of chalk to mark the back tyre.  Thanks for the tip re old credit card - useful.

Regarding front wheel - likely a mute point - I meant normally the front wheel is pointing straight ahead when you come off the centre stand, so would it make any difference to chain tension if the front wheel was turned all the way to the left (much like if parked/locked), instead of straight ahead.  Makes no difference as you might expect...

[20220727]

I have an easier way...... I get the dealer to check it every time it goes in, which is about every 6 months ( not always for the same thing may I add )

[David S]

 How often do those of you (without an automatic chain oiler) lube the chain? This is my first chain bike, and the dealer says I should lube it each time I ride, even if only a 20 mile sprint. He also says I should lube each time I stop for fuel on a road trip. Does this sound a little excessive?

[alex9719]

Wow, this sounds more like lubing is the main hobby and riding a way to justify the lubing hahaha!

I lube the chain every 500km and so far it al goes well. (I use Muc-off all weather chain lube)

[David S]

 I thought it sounded a little overboard, was not sure.

[Conman]

I find the difference between side stand and main stand is around 2mm so I just account for that and adjust it on the main stand. After all it's not an exact science and is only there to account for the tightening of the chain as the swing arm moves to its extremes. Can't remember the last time I bottomed out my suspension 

[bmw_al]

Good info Conman - I had thought the same myself re centre v side stand, but good to hear someone has investigated the facts!

[B1G]

Thanks Conman,

I have just completed 400 miles and am amazed how much slack there is.
So have ordered a 36mm socket and am about to clean, oil, and adjust on the centre stand the chain.

So thanks for the info. 

Cheers