SIGH, Hawk 250 chain adjustment issue. Six attempts and I give up. - Page 2

Megadan · Today, 05:42 AM

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.

bigdano711 · Today, 06:06 AM

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:

Do©Hawk · Today, 08:51 AM

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".

Today, 05:42 AM	#16
Megadan Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 8,086	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. __________________ Hawk Information and Resource guide: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=20331 2018 Hawk 250 - Full Mod list here. http://www.chinariders.net/showpost....62&postcount=1 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 https://chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=34124
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Today, 06:06 AM	#17
bigdano711 Join Date: Jun 2023 Location: Big Piney, WY Posts: 481	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: __________________ 2023 Hawk 250 from XPRO off of Amazon MOUNTAIN MAN RC + MOTO on YouTube "If there were more bloody noses, there would be less wars." - Hagbard Celine "Someday, after mastering the waves, the winds, the tides and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies of love and then, for the second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire." - Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
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Today, 08:51 AM	#18
Do©Hawk Join Date: Oct 2023 Location: Western PA Posts: 254	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". __________________ 2022 Hawk DLX EFI * 17T Front / 47T Rear / 428 x-ring chain * Kenda K-760 front + rear * Banjo brake light switch * LED headlight + front turn signals * Custom cutting board skid plate * Debadged (I don't like to brag about the superior strength!) * Top speed, GPS verified, as equipped: 68 mph (so far)
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