I have a 1988 883 with less then 6k miles on it. I've been noticing lately when I roll on the throttle to go there's a slight jerk from my primary chain. It's not a hard bump but it's noticeable. I changed my primary oil a couple months ago and checked the free play in the chain and it seemed ok. Any other ideas or should I adjust the chain again.

 

I would check the chain again and remember the measurement should be taken at the tightest spot in the chain. If you don't find the tightest spot you will still have a loose chain after you are finished. I personally put my bike on a lift, get the back tire off the ground, remove the spark plugs, put it in 5th gear and rotate the rear wheel by hand checking the chain play in many places until I find the tightest spot. This is where I do my adjustment.

 

get a manual... get creative with google

 

This will bump before it all goes. (many things to cHarley) Does your drained plug from transmission and engine have a tell magnet on it?

 

the horror

 

This isn't by the book but I adjust my chain with the engine running. Tighten it until it starts whirring. Back it off just til it stops, then back off 1/8th turn.

Make sure the tranny is warmed up before doing it this way. I go for a quick ride and shift through all the gears.

 

http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/s...ad.php?t=10084

Third or 4th post down. This is where I found out about this method.

 

I have a manual. And I've googled. Just wanted to get some opinions. Do you think it's about to fail at 6k miles. When I changed the primary oil the plug was magnetic and there wasn't anything major on it.

 

Do the adjustment, dont be scared. Ride the pis outta it.

 

Checked the adjustment. Hot engine. Checked in multiple spots. I measured the tightest at 1/4 of an inch. And the tightest at 1/2 an inch. So should be ok. I hope. Haha.