I posted this in the 1198 section, but maybe it should go here... Admin: please feel free to delete my other post if you want. Probably a stupid question, but anyway... I need to adjust the chain on my 1198S (the Owners Handbook says take it to a dealer - that's not going to happen!). Apparently there should be 33-35 mm slack, measured between the centre of the chain and the metal of the swing arm - correct? On my bike, there appears to be a plastic bit attached to the bottom of the swing arm, so I can't make the measurement - I guess it has to be removed? TIA Andrew PS - had another look, it's not just the lower chain guide I'm talking about, there is a plastic bit going half way ip the side of the swing arm. Could be some sort of protector I suppose, but the workshop manual doesn't show anything like this, and I can't find any similar images on google.
a relatively easy job you can do it with the back wheel on the rear stand you need to slacken the two pinch bolts at the back of the swing arm you can rotate the eccentric hub ideally with a correct tool or gently with a hammer and punch. Make sure you rotate it the correct way ie standing to the nearside of the bike rotate anti clockwise for best results get an assistant to do it whilst you sit on the bike( or visa versa) as the swing arm goes through an arc and with your weight on it it will naturally tighten the chain anyway.
Thanks andyb - I know how to do the adjustment (I used to have a 916, everything was easier on that!) - I'm just wondering about where to make the measurement, given that I can't get at the bottom of the swing arm because it's all covered with plastic...
how did you measure the 916 then as that would of also had the bottom chain guard too do it the same..
I don't think you have to be so precise Andrew. Hold the bike upright with both tyres on the ground. As long as it's not tight (that's bad) and there's about an 1" to 1.5" play when you push it up and down, you'll be fine.
