Adjusting the Primary Chain.

Did all the oils today 25k service and the oil filter, new pads on the front and thought I better check the distance of movement on the primary chain...2003 Road King.

Cold...3/8 - 5/8 - inch (9.5 to 15.9mm) * * * Hot...5/8 - 7/8 - inch (15.9 to 22.2)

It was well loose and cold when I got around to it after I had got it hot for the oil changes...

So I thought no way José am I gonna take the whole chaincase cover off to get me grubby fingers under the tensioner pad I tried lifting it through the small gap after loosening the nut to raise it. But to no avail.

Brainwave.....Metal coathanger bent just what I needed the 3rd hand....Mrk 2 Version. ;D



Then after making this bit of kit I located it under the pad...






Then I managed to lift the pad to the desired height and tighten the nut and again check my play along the top of the chain.... ;D ;D




All sorted and today I have saved a lot of money..I'm getting there now I am doing most of my own servicing... ;D ;D



BaZa. ;)

[kiwidave]

great post! good tip!

[robbiemac]

Hi BaZa, cool tip. BTW what's the make of bike lift that you are using ?

Originally Posted by robbiemac

Hi BaZa, cool tip. BTW what's the make of bike lift that you are using ?

Machine Mart 'Clarkes Bike Lift' CML2 Hydraulic Motorcycle Lift
£99.95ex.VAT £117.44 inc.VAT


See here:

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/product...2051&g=107






BaZa.

Like you Baz I do my own Oil gaskets etc cost me £40 as opposed to nearly £200 quid for a service if they dont find any extras

Very good tip there Baza......perhaps u could do a whole series with pictures for us who would like to undertake our own servicing.I want to be able to do them but just need someone to show me because im afraid of breaking something or doing it wrong.

Hi Baza
Wot an excellent idea, you are now entering the world of nurge/bodgologists who do this because they have to ( ie. broke ).
Take a tip, dont be too pedantic about the chain tension. Be content to find the tight spot (theres always a tight spot even in almost new chains) and adjust to approx half inch play with tension taken up on the bottom run of the chain. better to err slightly on the slack side. Even better, get an M6 tensioner which when fitted correctly means you can forget the adjustment chores and get a smoother engine as a bonus.

Me thinks this calls for one of these!


Baza...make sure you get a copyright on your coathanger thingy ;) :

Originally Posted by Bibjo

Baza...make sure you get a copyright on your coathanger thingy *;) :

Thanks Jo I have actually got a Blue Peter Badge from 1977 when we (Fire Service) were on Blue Peter with Lessie Judd showing off our BIG HELMET!










It was made at ATV studios in Borehamwood and it covered a Butlins 4 wheel bike that was ridden from Watford to Mainz in Germany.. ;D ;D



BaZa. ;)

[robbiemac]

BaZa, thanks for the info on the bike lift.

What colour was the big helmet, purple by any chance ;D

cheers.