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Thread: Primary Chain Adjustment Question

  1. #11
    Senior Member pdksh's Avatar
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    I found the adjustment by ear the easier method but I also believe the primary chain makes a bit of noise. How many Miles should a primary chain last assuming proper adjustment and care.
    Last edited by pdksh; 09-21-2017 at 05:31 PM.

  2. #12
    Senior Member Dellinger's Avatar
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    I agree with lunatic, it should never knock. At idle a loose chain will slap around a bit, chatter not knock.

    When I checked the tension in the past I would put a tape measure on the inspection port and use as much force in both directions as I could with a finger. I can remember freaking out thinking it was to tight because of the whirring noise. Not to much but a little.

    Readjust it. If it keeps knocking you've got bigger issues.

  3. #13
    Senior Member GregoXB's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dellinger View Post
    I agree with lunatic, it should never knock. At idle a loose chain will slap around a bit, chatter not knock.

    When I checked the tension in the past I would put a tape measure on the inspection port and use as much force in both directions as I could with a finger. I can remember freaking out thinking it was to tight because of the whirring noise. Not to much but a little.

    Readjust it. If it keeps knocking you've got bigger issues.
    Thank you.

    I will give it a readjust. When I adjusted it initially I basically applied a finger touch when guaging the slack. Thank you for the feedback.

  4. #14
    Senior Member Cooter's Avatar
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    That's an important point. Just like drain plugs, I see much more damage from too tight than too loose.

  5. #15
    Senior Member GregoXB's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Cooter View Post
    That's an important point. Just like drain plugs, I see much more damage from too tight than too loose.
    Thanks, I'll try not to go full Hulk.

    Does the ~1/2 inch of play have to be when force is applied both up AND down? In other words 1/4 inch of movement upwards and 1/4 inch movement downwards?

    Right now I will get the 1/2 inch of play in just the up direction and then when the chain is at rest I can apply force from the top and push it some more in the down direction.
    Last edited by GregoXB; 09-22-2017 at 02:13 AM.

  6. #16
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    how the hell can something so incredibly simple in the world of motorcycle maintenance become so incredibly complex and difficult to perform? the complexitive and transitive nature of this very thread is going to confuse alot of board novices who are interested in tackling their own simple maintenance needs. unreal.

  7. #17
    Senior Member rchuff's Avatar
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    ^^^^^word!!!

  8. #18
    Senior Member Chicknstripn's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by lunaticfringe View Post
    how the hell can something so incredibly simple in the world of motorcycle maintenance become so incredibly complex and difficult to perform? the complexitive and transitive nature of this very thread is going to confuse alot of board novices who are interested in tackling their own simple maintenance needs. unreal.
    This seems the norm for all the maintenance procedures that are easily found, and just as easy to understand, in the service manual.

  9. #19
    Senior Member GregoXB's Avatar
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    I feel so stupid. urrr durrr

  10. #20
    Senior Member Silverrider's Avatar
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    Back to basics,

    http://buellmods.com/#TabbedContent1.11
    PRIMARY CHAIN
    INSPECTION
    See
    Figure 1-
    31
    . Measure primary chain tension through the
    inspection cover opening. Adjust primary chains not meeting
    vertical free play specifications.
    1.
    See
    Figure 1-
    31
    . Remove two fasteners with captive
    washers and primary chain inspection cover with gasket
    from primary cover.
    2.
    See
    Figure 1-
    32
    . Check primary chain tension by meas-
    uring vertical free play.
    a.
    Measure vertical free play through chain inspection
    cover opening.
    b.
    Rotate engine to move primary chain to a different
    position on sprockets.
    c.
    Measure vertical free play several times, each time
    with primary chain moved so that the measurement
    is taken with sprockets rotated to the tightest chain
    position.
    3.
    The tightest measurement taken in the previous step must
    be within the specifications listed in T
    ab
    le 1-
    11
    . If neces-
    sary, adjust as described under 1.11 PRIMAR
    Y CHAIN,
    Adjustment
    .
    NOTE
    The initial primary chain vertical free play specification used
    at the assembly plant is 1/4-1/2 in. (6.4-12.7 mm) with a cold
    engine. The
    1/2 in.
    (6.4 mm
    ) minimum is only allowed at the
    absolute tightest point in the drive, as measured with special-
    ized factory equipment. If a chain has less than 1/4 in. (6.4
    mm
    ) vertical tension (with a cold engine), adjust tension to the
    "field" specification of 3/8-1/2 in. (9.5-12.7 mm). The looser
    specification will avoid overtightening, which might otherwise
    occur during adjustment using "non-factory" equipment and
    methods.
    4.
    See
    Figure 1-
    31
    . Install primary chain inspection cover
    and
    new
    gasket to primary cover using two fasteners with
    captive washers. Tighten fasteners to
    84-108
    in-lbs
    (9.



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