The tightest point of the chain in the swing-arm travel is when the counter-shaft (Front sprocket shaft), swing arm axle, and rear wheel axle centers all line up. The 15mm chain slack figure is actually the specified adjustment when the swing arm is in this position.

If you ever want to know what the slack should be when the swing arm is hanging down you can unbolt the lower half of the rear shock and then lift the rear wheel up with a ratchet strap over the top of the bike. This will allow you to set the 15mm slack figure, and then once you finished and put it all back together you can measure the chain slack again.

In my experience the slack adjustment done this way ends up being around 38-42mm (1 1/2"-ish) on a 428 chain.

How do you guys put tension on the adjustment bolts before tightening the axle bolt? I saw a guy put a wrench between the chain and rear sprocket, then roll the wrench deeper into the sprocket by lifting the rear tire and spinning it. Then I saw a guy use a rag and I liked that better. I remembered doing something similar on my BMX bikes when I was a kid.


I found the video. I think this will help the OP tremendously:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFnSetAxhbM

If you rise to the challenges that the Hawks (and others) present, you will eventually succeed.

I had similar problems. I approach my Hawk like a puzzle. It is an engaging challenge to overcome with rich rewards if you can.

Definitely helpful to have a "can do attitude".

You mean bringing the rear wheel and sprocket forward, so the plates are touching the ends of the swingarm? Just stand behind the bike and give the rear tire a good kick. Put the bike in gear first so it won't roll and you don't kick it off the sidestand.

I was pretty clear with what I meant. Here, let me repeat it:


"How do you guys put tension on the adjustment bolts before tightening the axle bolt?"


Then I posted a link to a video that makes it CRYSTAL clear. That's what I meant.


Yeah, tried that kicking the tire with the bike in gear nonsense, tried holding the tire in place with my foot while sitting behind the bike and reaching forward to tighten the axle bolt in some kind of bastardized rowing technique, tried using a ratchet strap...nothing worked until I saw that video I linked above. The 'ol rag in the chain technique works EVERY time and now I look forward to adjusting my chain because I kick that chain's ass 100% of the time, on the first try.

Yeah, what bigdano said. That's exactly how I do mine. Just don't throw too much 'rag' in there where it might kick the opposite side off the tensioner. You just need enough to keep both sides snug against the tension stops and then tighten the axle.