[SpudRider]

Indeed, it is important to verify the rear axle is the same distance from the swingarm bolt on each side of the motorcycle. Otherwise, the rear wheel will be canted. The canted wheel will accelerate wear of both sprockets, the drive chain, and the rear tire. In addition, the canted wheel will rob power from the engine.

After removing the plastic cap covering the swingarm bolt, I use a tape measure to determine the distance from the center of the swingarm bolt to the center of the axle on each side of the motorcycle. If the two distances are not the same, I tighten/loosen the axle adjusting nuts until the two measurements match. The rear axle is now parallel to the swingarm bolt, and the rear wheel is not canted.

After aligning the rear axle with the swingarm bolt, I once again check the slack in the drive chain. If the slack needs to be adjusted, I tighten/loosen each axle adjusting nut the same amount on both sides of the wheel. Since the nuts are hexagons, I measure the adjustments in 1/6 turns of the nut. For example, I might tighten each nut 2/6 turns, then check the drive train slack. I continue this process until I achieve the proper drive chain slack.

If you turn each axle adjusting nut the same amount every time you adjust the slack in the drive chain, you will maintain the proper, parallel orientation of the rear axle and the swingarm bolt.