Adjust rear drive chain on 961 Commando

General procedure is the same as any motorcycle (with a chain).

35-40mm of movement is the spec for 961.

It’s very well documented in the owners handbook, pages 83-87.

Computers not normally required for chain adjustment ;)
 
Don't have an owners handbook. What I meant was after loosening the axle do I just turn the nuts on the end of the swing arm? The bikes I work on have a locknut + bolt you loosen from the side + retighten the locknut after turning the bolts as needed.
 
Yes , Draw up those bolts for the correct tension . Measure with a ruler to get them straight . Tighten up the big axle nut and re-check tension . After this , don't forget to snug down the adjuster bolts so you won't loose them when driving ! The service manual goes over this procedure as well.
 
Chain adjustment time. Do people adjust chain on side stand or paddock stand? Manual says side stand but shows pictures of bike on paddock! I'm thinking paddock stand as easier.
 
It might be worth checking whether the chain slack is any different on the paddock stand vs the sidestand before you adjust.
 
I just replaced the tyres. Measured the slack before I removed the rear wheel. On the side stand as per the manual it was correct, on the paddock stand all slack gone. So I went with the words in the manual not the picture! I'll email you a copy of the manual Iain.
 
Adjust rear drive chain on 961 Commando
Yes get it right chaps,don’t leave it too long like I did or this may happen ! Chain jumped off ,jammed in between swinging arm & wheel,off side 90mm adjuster bolt snapped off & wheel went on a twist,see the adjuster has moved forward,fortunately was only going 15/20mph
 
BLIGHTYBRIT/SF said:
View attachment 12842 Yes get it right chaps,don’t leave it too long like I did or this may happen ! Chain jumped off ,jammed in between swinging arm & wheel,off side 90mm adjuster bolt snapped off & wheel went on a twist,see the adjuster has moved forward,fortunately was only going 15/20mph
Click to expand...
Sit on bike upright ,if you carry pillion get them on as well,
Have friend measure the slack.
The chain tension will increase with more weight.
Slack is better than tight but not too slack.
Also the chain will have a natural tight spot so don’t check on that part.
 
Checked the slack on its side stand and chains fine. Looked slacker than it actually was. Probably because my old Hayabusa didn't have nearly as much slack.
 
I recently got an Immaculate Honda VTR 1000. Much loved and pampered by PO . Checking it over the chain tension was perfect but a little dry and waxed. I oiled the chain as per the book with EP90,and went for a 5 mile bimble at low speed. On return the chain was dragging on the ex pipes,very slack. The oil had freed up all the tight joints. Wax is not a lubricant . Oil is messy but works.
 
BLIGHTYBRIT/SF said:
View attachment 12842 Yes get it right chaps,don’t leave it too long like I did or this may happen ! Chain jumped off ,jammed in between swinging arm & wheel,off side 90mm adjuster bolt snapped off & wheel went on a twist,see the adjuster has moved forward,fortunately was only going 15/20mph
Click to expand...

Hello Richard , Did this happen because there was too much slack ?
 
TonyA said:
Hello Richard , Did this happen because there was too much slack ?
Click to expand...
Hi ya Tony , yes indeed , I had the intention of taking to a friend who’s a Honda mechanic & popping bobbins on & a paddock stand , but was aware it was quite stretched ,I’d adjusted myself b4 via the manual on the side stand , maybe that’s the best way & most accurate Way.
Odd thing was , it was one of hottest days in the summer & the “ RAC”( our breakdown service) was busy & couldn’t get me for 4 hrs , so I ended up pushing the bike 1 Mile to my sisters house, when I got there I looked down & saw the chain had put it self back on the rear sprocket.
Anyway I’m all gold plated up now , & ready to roll , new set of waterproofs inc over gloves & boots ,so will be riding in all weathers .
 


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