Adjusting AT RD07 chain

[lumbr]

HELP!!!!
I have being told that if cut a piece dowling 70mm log and put
between the swing-arm and chain just level with front of the back
tyre the 70mm gap when adjusted is just right. i have just had a
look and it doesnt seem right plus there is a lot of play in the
chain on top. does any one know if i'm doing it right or not or by
the way its on a AT RD07

THANKS RIK

[rob4]

there's always a lot of discussion about the tightness of chains,haven't heard of the one you are describing.The best way I have found is to check the slack in the chain when you are sat on the bike.I once had a new chain and sprockets fitted by a garage,when I got home I checked the slack when I was sat on it and it was far too tight which would put too much strain on the front sprocket shaft,its better to have it too slack than too tight.
The manual says you should check the chain with the bike on its centre stand (which not many at's have) the slack then should be between 35-45mm on the bottom run of the chain.My AT has maybe 20mm of slack when I am sat on it.
By the way I only live about 2 miles from you so if it would help I could give you a 2nd opinion

[YEN_POWELL]

The measurement given in the handbook is for the bike leaning on the side stand. I got so sick of not being able to easily adjust the chain in this position that I tensioned it correctly, then placed it on the centrestand and remeasured from the centre of the chain (pulled down) and the underside of the swingarm.

I then cut a piece of copper tube to this new length. I now just turn the wheel (on the centrestand) until I find the bit of chain with the least slack and hold the tube between the chain and swingarm. If I have any space then the chain needs adjusting. If I can't get tube in (just refitted the wheel say) then it needs slackening.

Must be right cos I'm still only on my third chain at 99,000 miles. Ahh scottoilers!!!!

In the morning I will go out to the garage and measure my copper tube and let you know what length it is.

[YEN_POWELL]

My piece of copper tube is 70 mm long.

[paultheold]

Thanks Yen,
Ime off to find some tube, I get fed up adjusting the chain while the Bike is on the C/stand, then checking it on the side stand.

[YEN_POWELL]

If only I'd invested in copper before posting. This is why I can't afford a new bike.

I've just paid for a rear brake master cylinder rebuild kit(£42). The bloke in the shop asked me to come round to his side of the counter to point at his computer screen because he didn't know what I was talking about.

I was still standing there when I paid. He hit the final button on his credit card machine, which made the till under the counter shoot out suddenly(open all hours!). Unfortunately my testicles were in direct line of fire.

Luckily I've just got out of hospital after an attack by a particularly vicious kidney stone and am on super dooper painkillers. Didn't feel a thing, although my wallet is stinging.