Adjusting Chain Question
 

I'm new to riding and I notice my chain is loose.

How do I properly tighten it? There's definitely more play than necessary.

I want to make sure I do this properly so I don't mess anything up!

What tools would I need? Does the bike have to be off the ground or on two stands when tightening the chain?

Sorry for all the noob questions!

Thanks,

-Collin

Download the Honda factory service manual (links here on forum) & follow procedures outlined. Section 3-16, pg 60-61.

Basic hand tools suffice.
Easier to do w/ rear of bike on a stand.

Chain slack = 25-35 mm or 1 to 1-3/8 inches(measured at tightest point midway btwn sprockets)
Loosen axle nut
Turn adjuster bolts equal no. of times til correct slack is obtained.
Make sure index marks on both sides are aligned w/ index marks on swingarm. (alignment)
Tighten rear axle nut.

loosen the big nut on the right side. lift the rear up. turn the adjuster screws counter-clockwise and evenly on both sides. check slack. lower bike. tighten the big nut.

Thanks for the replies!

I tightened my chain, but they don't align with the index on the swingarm. If I were to do this, then it would be to tight!(There isn't any free play)

So right now they are both a little off of the index line.

Am I doing something wrong? I cant really tell if the wheel is aligned or not since they aren't on the index lines. Any suggestions?

Thanks for the replies!

you're supposed to turn them evenly. :\ Now i think you have to reset the adjustment screws. turn both all the way in. AT this point, your chain will be so loose that it will want to fall off the sprocket. Then, and slowly screw them back out to tighten the screw. Do the latter evenly to both side.

also you want at least 1" of slack in the chain. otherwise, it will either break or wear it prematurely.

cschew, it doesn't have to be perfect...just close. ;-) The goal is to have the adjusters at about the same spot on ea side to assure alignment.

You def want that proper chain slack of 1" to 1-3/8" (at the tightest spot btwn sprockets). Better to have it a little more loose than tight.