[MagnusVer]

I spent Saturday installing a 40-tooth steel rear sprocket in place of my stock 38-toother. I also took the opportunity to raise the rear about an 1 1/4".. both went well.

However, the final step is to adjust the chain tension. This went well until I tried to tighten the axle nuts. My manual says 72Nm... so I went with that. I tightened little by little, alternating sides. Eventually the plate (used to line up with the notches on the swingarm so that you know the wheel is straight) on one side moved with the nut and bent, scratching the swingarm in the process. I backed the nut out a little, and had to hammer the plate back into shape.

I tried the other side, but the plate started to move there as well. It's tight, but not quite 70Nm. Has this happened to anyone before? I probably need to get new plates since I'm not really sure if the wheel is straight now after bending them.

 

[test-reg]

those guide plates are real junk. i use an impact to loosen, which keeps them from bending when loosening. i haven't had a problem tightening. is there grease on the nut? there should be. you only need to loosen the left side nut for chain tension or wheel removal. when tightenin. hold the right side nut and tighten the left.

 

[Guest]

Gawd I hate those plates!.......but yep ya need grease...feel free to pound back into shape, off the bike of course.......I am actually making some billet parts to replace them this winter.....
not sure what you mean about not sure if the wheel is straight...if you are using the guides on the plates....especially on a 2000 m900 I would bet they are not accurate anyways......

 

[Guest]

a simple way to check if your rear wheel is straight, measure from rear axle to swingarm pivot on both sides.

 

[CRASH!]

One of my plates spun last time I was loosening the nuts for an adjustment.

The Hynes manual specifies torque WITH MOLY GREASE.
So while you're at it, slap some grease on the plate where the nut will contact it. That should help keep it from dragging the plate when you torque.

 

[MagnusVer]

I greased the plate where it meets the nut... it still shifts ever so slightly at 70Nm of torque... enough to throw off the alignment reading. Those plates are really flimsy...