Primary chain adjustment

I read the post here and still have a few questions, imagine that:

What is considered a worn shoe, needs replaced?

Can the chain be adjusted correctly from the inspection window? If yes, any helpful hints? Is it just the center nylon locking nut and not the upper allen head?

If I need to remove the primary cover to make the chain adjustment should I anticipate having to replace the o-ring gasket and where can I purchase one?

Should I use silicone on the primary cover gasket like the inspection cover?

Thanks for any insight.
 

bigdogtech01

Well-Known Member
I read the post here and still have a few questions, imagine that:

What is considered a worn shoe, needs replaced?

Can the chain be adjusted correctly from the inspection window? If yes, any helpful hints? Is it just the center nylon locking nut and not the upper allen head?

If I need to remove the primary cover to make the chain adjustment should I anticipate having to replace the o-ring gasket and where can I purchase one?

Should I use silicone on the primary cover gasket like the inspection cover?

Thanks for any insight.
Adjustment is 5/8" - 7/8". Just loosen the lock nut, not anything else. You can do all the adjustment with the inspection cover off. No need to remove entire cover. Yours will have the 2 O-rings under that cover. If needed replace with new along with a light film of RTV. Otherwise, reuse along with RTV as well.
The shoe should be ok. How many miles are on your bike?
Once you run out of adjustment, then you know it's time for a new chain and shoe.
 

BigDogBro1

Made in the USA
After adjusting the chain tension you should rotate the primary chain one revolution and check the chain tension at multiple points during the rotation. This will check for over tensioning due to a slight out-of-round clutch basket or front drive gear. This is more critical the tighter you tension the chain to a 5/8" slack.

The bike should be cold to set the tension as well.

Firedog19: Where did you get the tensioner?
 

firedog19

Active Member
After adjusting the chain tension you should rotate the primary chain one revolution and check the chain tension at multiple points during the rotation. This will check for over tensioning due to a slight out-of-round clutch basket or front drive gear. This is more critical the tighter you tension the chain to a 5/8" slack.

The bike should be cold to set the tension as well.

Firedog19: Where did you get the tensioner?
I got the tensioner from Southern Oregon hotbikes. I had one on my Heritage Springer for 40000 miles no worries
 

JeffM

Active Member
Just ordered mine, what a great idea.

So simple to install, set and forget..................my kind of wrenching.
 

firedog19

Active Member
Just ordered mine, what a great idea.

So simple to install, set and forget..................my kind of wrenching.
You may have to shave the tension shoe slightly to obtain the 1/16th to 1/8 inch preload on the spring. The guys at Hot bikes are very helpful if you need assistance.
 
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