South West Bikers | Motorcycle Forum

Don't trust the markers!! Measure to the end of the swinging arm and make sure equal both sides. i measure from the back edge of the sliders. Chain tension sould be about 1 and half to 2 inches. To stop chain going tight when you tighten the spindle nut pull the bottom of the chain up to the swinging arm and hold tight with chain and s/arm between your fingers and thumb. Or you could wedge an old spanner between the sproket and chain and push the wheel so chain goes tight. Remember lube little and often (too much will just just throw it all over your tyre) Hope this helps. Mike

only way i reckon to be absolutely sure is to get a proper laser pointer for the job bit expensive but if it saves on set of sprockets and a chain it more than pays for it self, as for the marks measuring, well after reading in ride recently that some people have new bikes jigged amd they find em out by up to 5 mm (i think it was ) i would not trust measuring or marks
Merv

hmm well I know it is often said dont trust the markers but thats what I have always done.

if the bikes on a paddock stand just eye the sprocket teeth on the inside of the chain rollers as you turn the wheel slowly with your hand - if the chain runs true your fine, if the sprocket teeth appear to pull to the sides of the chain edges as you slowly turn the wheel then your rear wheel isnt straight. If its out to any relevant degree you will probably be able to feel it when you rotate the wheel.

..if not then its fine, which it usually is whenever I check it. Unless of course I have been using the wrong method for years....