Quote:
Originally Posted by zero_dgz
This is correct, for the future reference of anyone reading this. Chain slack is generally set on all bikes, not just the Hawk, with the rear wheel on the ground and the bike on its side stand. As the rear suspension compresses and the rear tire and swingarm move up relative to the frame, the chain is effectively tightened. This is why there needs to be slack in it in the first place. In the case of a dual sport bike with a long suspension travel the difference will be a lot.
If you set your slack with the rear wheel dangling in the air you will find that it is then too tight once you set the wheel back on the ground. Trying to compensate for this by setting the chain really lose before putting everything back together and the wheel back on the ground will be a frustrating process. Just adjust it with the wheel on the ground in the first place.
This will also help prevent it from walking away on you while you tighten the axle nut. (Hold both ends of the axle with a wrench: its head with one wrench, and tighten the nut with the other.)
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Explains why I never had a problem. I have never taken the bike off the ground to adjust the chain. Ever.