So I needed to tighten my chain (though I should buy a new one, decided I'll ride this one till I get more money) problem is that gave me a LOT of trouble with tire alignment. My Dad said just make sure there's the same amount of space between the wheel and the swingarm on both sides, so I did, and every time I tightened the wheel nut, it slipped to the right. So after about 5 times of this, I come up with the perfect formula and tighten the wheel nut, tire is perfect on both sides, I take it out, rides well, etc. Then I get home and take a closer look at it after I put the back fender on again, and the tire seems dangerously close to the fenders left edge, not touching, but REAL close to it. Not only that, the bottom run of the chain is resting on my tire. What can I do (aside from taking it to the shop) to fix this, it's got me real down cuz I worked on it forever and then come to find out it's worse when it seemed better.

 

Did you perhaps mix the wheel spacers up? Put the left one on the right side and vice versa. I did mine like that after I put new tires on, and noticed that the wheel was closer to the chain than before. At first I thought it was because of the new tire, being a little thicker. I switched the spacers and everything was good. I didn't think it made a difference at first, but now I see it really do.

 

I never took the wheel off, I was only tightening the chain, so if the wheel spacers are different I suppose the "perfect alignment" isnt just making sure there's the same space between the wheel and the swingarm on both sides?

It rode fine before, the chain was just VERY loose and I didnt check the spaces, etc

 

i would have to assume that you just did a bad job tightening your chain. if you adjusted both sides evenly it will still be straight........

 

There should be lines on the chain tensioner. If you don't, it is probably in backwards. It is the piece that slides inside the swing arm. Make sure that you have the same number of lines and spacing on the line closest to the end of the swing arm.

 

those aren't always correct though (the lines)

I have it fixed now, put the fender back on and did it from there, no problem, no chain rubbing, etc.

Only thing now is my chain makes a LOT of noise when I'm riding, I rode behind my friend while he was driving my bike, and I have a D&D exhaust and could still hear my chain over my exhaust, does this mean the chain needs cleaned? or should I just replace it? (there's tight spots and everything too)

 

Chains stretch unevenly, wot your hearing is the differences in tightness going over the rear sprocket, just make sure you find tightest part of the chain & adjust it from there. Won't stop the noise though, but it will save your rear sprocket some. Eventually the noise will drive you nuts & you will get a new chain!