2 Quick questions regarding chain adjustment

[Wade90]

What size socket/spanner fits the rear axle nut?

Check slack on side stand as in Haynes and service guide, normal method!
OR - below taken from Owners manual:

To check the drive chain slack

1. Place the motorcycle on the centerstand.

2. Shift the transmission into the neutral position.

3. Spin the rear wheel several times to locate the tightest portion of the drive chain.

[font=]4. Measure the drive chain slack as shown [/font]
[font=] :rolleyes [/font]

[Fazer Jake]

on the chain ubject, where and how do i measure it? also what should it measure

[Major Rant]

Use the centre stand..
Measure the slack at the mid point between the 2 sprockets.

I simply put my finger under the chain somewhere under the rear hanger and lift it . If its more than 4cm of slack then I'll go and look at the book to see what it really should be.
Its never needed adjusting in 10 years.... Engine oil is a fine chain lubricant 

[Wade90]

Sounds good to me!
Can you tell me what size socket/spanner fits the wheel nut?

[marksfazer]

I think its 27mm, but havn't had to adjust anything recently so I might be incorrect.

[Fazerider]

Yes, it is a 27mm nut.
Measure with the bike on the centrestand as the manual says, the 30 to 40mm of slack specified takes account of the fact that the sprockets and pivot aren't in a straight line with the suspension unloaded. It's easier to measure and adjust the chain than with the bike on the sidestand anyway.

[red98]

yes 27mm nut...when checking for slack push the chain up and down and adjust for 30-40mm of slack..dont forget to find the tightest part of the chain as you may have a tight spot,if thats the case adjust the chain with the 30/40mm measured at this point....also a good time to lubricate the chain and to make sure the wheels are aligned....these simple measures can transform the way the bike handles and also prolond the life of the chain

[red98]

Use the centre stand..
Measure the slack at the mid point between the 2 sprockets.

I simply put my finger under the chain somewhere under the rear hanger and lift it . If its more than 4cm of slack then I'll go and look at the book to see what it really should be.
Its never needed adjusting in 10 years.... Engine oil is a fine chain lubricant 

cant belive you have never adjusted your chain in 10 years...do you get someone else to do it ?....for a lubricant i always use chain lube....engine oil is just going to fly off and make a mess of the back wheel

[Fazerider]

cant belive you have never adjusted your chain in 10 years...do you get someone else to do it ?....for a lubricant i always use chain lube....engine oil is just going to fly off and make a mess of the back wheel

Chain wear has more to do with mileage than age, but I'd agree with the Major that (new) engine oil works well. The slow drip from my Scottoiler means it's always lubricated and the old gritty stuff flings off. Sure some of it gets on the back wheel, but being oil rather than sticky goop it cleans off much easier than the chain lube I used to use. I typically get 40,000 miles from a chain since buying the oiler... it means it's paid for itself as well as making the bike easier to clean.