Adjusting the Chain

[Diablo]

Hi Guys and hopefuly Gals (Can't think of anything sexier than an Aussie beauty on a S1000) - I am getting this racketing noise which I believe is the chain being a bit loose. I have checked the manual and have measured the sag which is right on 40mm - the manual reckons that 30-40mm is about right but I am not sure. If a put the bike on the stand and get the bike going I can see the chain hitting one of the guides/protectors (on the top of the chain loop, near the shift assist) at least once every revolution.

I am kind of embarrased to say this but I have only had my bike for a couple of months and is only my second bike. Never had to adjust the chain on my previous bike (then again I only had it for a few thousands k's). My question is given the tools provided by BMW, tho owners manual and a bit of common sense and technical ability should I attempt to adjust the chain or should I take it to the shop and get someone who knows what they are doing (perhaps watch and learn?)?

Thanks,

Fred

[Karlb]

chain adjustment is pretty basic stuff, if you dont feel comfortable with it yourself do you have any riding mates that you could watch them adjust the chain on their bike (as long as it is a chain driven double sided swing arm bike the process is the same) as to the tools in the tool kit, I dont think you can adjust the chain with just them as it takes two wrenches to tighten everything up (one to hold the adjuster and one to tighten the lock nut) get a basic set of metric open end wrenches and you should be good to go for chain adjustment.

[Depths_of_Mind]

You do not need 2 wrenches to hold the adjuster/axle, it is keyed as to not spin when tighening the left side 36mm nut.

[LiterBoy]

Originally Posted by Depths_of_Mind

You do not need 2 wrenches to hold the adjuster/axle, it is keyed as to not spin when tighening the left side 36mm nut.

True, but it takes a 13 mm and a 10 mm wrench to loosen/tighten the adjuster blocks. The tool kit includes a double-sided wrench of the correct sizes, but it's a PITA to go back and forth trying to get that lock nut tightened without the adjuster nut moving. Buy a separate 10 mm wrench and it will make the adjustment process a bit easier.

This IS among the more basic tasks. Go for it, Diablo.

You can make the job practically mindless if you install aftermarket adjusters. They are also very finely indexed allowing much more exact matching of the left and right side adjusters; they're easier to use than the hash marks engraved onto the swingarm. It's a reasonably priced, useful, easy to install, and fun first modification, if you're of a mind to mod your bike.

Also, the procedure calls for tightening the axle nut to 100 Nm (74 ft. lbs.) which translates to "pretty darn tight, but not standing on the end of the wrench" tight. It would be handy to have a decent torque wrench for this.

[LiterBoy]

Originally Posted by Diablo

Hi Guys and hopefuly Gals (Can't think of anything sexier than an Aussie beauty on a S1000) - I am getting this racketing noise which I believe is the chain being a bit loose...

Agree with you about gals on bikes 100%, but we totally ignored your symptom.

You're getting the noise only when the bike is in motion? If so, is it the same noise regardless if you're under acceleration, coasting, or riding with the clutch pulled in? It seems to me the chain would make a similar noise under all these conditions.

Others who have 2010 models have described a "baseball card in the sprockets" noise coming from their engine top end that might be the precursor to the infamous 2010 cam failure. Just wanna be sure we're not overlooking something really serious!

[Diablo]

Originally Posted by LiterBoy

Agree with you about gals on bikes 100%, but we totally ignored your symptom.

You're getting the noise only when the bike is in motion? If so, is it the same noise regardless if you're under acceleration, coasting, or riding with the clutch pulled in? It seems to me the chain would make a similar noise under all these conditions.

Others who have 2010 models have described a "baseball card in the sprockets" noise coming from their engine top end that might be the precursor to the infamous 2010 cam failure. Just wanna be sure we're not overlooking something really serious!

Thanks LiterBoy,

Only under acceleration but "baseball card in the sprockets" noise is exactly what it sounds like. It stops as soon as the clutch is engaged tho. I can see the chain being jumpy if I put the bike on a rear stand and engage first gear and I believe thats were the noise is coming from but...

To the other guys who have replied as well thank you. I spoke to a couple of mates last night and they all have bikes and have offered to help. I have a set of wrenches in the garage but not a torque wrench but I guess I can do "pretty darn tight, but not standing on the end of the wrench" :-)

[A.B.]

how often do you lube the chain? you might just have a stiff link there somewhere - can also be felt by extra vibes in the phs footpeg...

[Karlb]

Originally Posted by Depths_of_Mind

You do not need 2 wrenches to hold the adjuster/axle, it is keyed as to not spin when tighening the left side 36mm nut.

its the 10 and 13 I was speaking of, two wrenches one to hold the adjuster one to tighten the lock nut

[Karlb]

Originally Posted by Diablo

Thanks LiterBoy,

Only under acceleration but "baseball card in the sprockets" noise is exactly what it sounds like. It stops as soon as the clutch is engaged tho. I can see the chain being jumpy if I put the bike on a rear stand and engage first gear and I believe thats were the noise is coming from but...

To the other guys who have replied as well thank you. I spoke to a couple of mates last night and they all have bikes and have offered to help. I have a set of wrenches in the garage but not a torque wrench but I guess I can do "pretty darn tight, but not standing on the end of the wrench" :-)

a nice torque wrench or even two (different ranges) are a good thing to have for lots of stuff. torque values are listed for lots of the common fasteners on the bike and using a Tq wrench is just nice piece of mind everything is properly tightened

[Depths_of_Mind]

Originally Posted by Karlb

its the 10 and 13 I was speaking of, two wrenches one to hold the adjuster one to tighten the lock nut

Ah.. ok .. I thought (wrongly apparently) you were refering to the 36mm axle nut..