Chain Adjustment On 2017 T120

How many miles has the bike done? You probably won’t have a tight spot yet if the miles are quite low, that tends to happen when the chain has been in use for some time and depends on how it has been maintained. You always find the point in the chain where it runs tightest between the sprockets and set the adjustment to that. If you were to set the adjustment where the chain is loose then when the tight spot comes around the chain will be too tight and can cause premature wear of the chain and also the hub and drive shaft bearings.

 

You don't need to check the chain 'slack' at various positions. You do need to check 'wear' at various positions. But you should not have to worry about wear at 500 miles. So don't confuse chain slack adjustment with wear inspection check.

The reason why you don't have to rotate the chain for slack adjustment check is that the transmission will be (should be) in neutral when checking, and the drive sprocket will naturally rotate when you push/pull on the chain at mid length to check the 1" free play. Also the bike should be fully upright (not just on the side stand) and no additional weight on the bike.

Hope this helps. By the way, have a new 2018 Street Twin (1,000 miles now). At 500 miles I did my 1st chain adjustment and it was quite loose. Close to 2". I put it back to spec at 1". I actually checked it yesterday and it was still within spec. I understand that a new chain initially stretches a bunch. Then does not stretch much after that. That is why the 500 mile check is so important. And don't wait until 10,000 miles for next check. Checking every so often does not hurt and maximizes chain/sprocket longevity.

 

Sorry for the snowy winter. I know it must be difficult with a new bike and all. Nothing but sun-sun-sun in San Rafael !! I have been able to do 1,100 miles so far since November. I ride the Napa wine country a lot. And I love my Street Twin. My 1st Triumph. My past ride was a 2006 1100 Yamaha VStar.
Welcome to the forum.

 

Me being a pedantic sod
I always thought describing the chain as 'stretching' a bit of a misleading as it is in fact where the chain has worn unevenly, in some areas it has worn more than in another area, usually due to the same chain rollers connecting with the same point on a sprocket as it cycles over. On most bike you can increase or decrease the rear sprocket by a tooth to reduce the occurrence of the same chain roller connecting with the same sprocket thereby reducing the chain wear in the same spot

You can use this calculator to work out the best sprocket to use for reducing the chain to sprocket ratio
https://www.gearingcommander.com/

Pedantic rant over

 

Always better a little loose than too tight!

 

I've been riding Japanese cruisers for 30 yrs. But I always liked the Bonnie parallel twins and finally bought one. I also wanted to downsize a bit. My previous cruiser was maybe 750 lbs. The StTwn is 460 lbs with same power so do the math. Easy to ride, plenty of power and torque (at least for me). Just love it !! I do like the T120 and looked at it, but just did not want a 1200. 900 is plenty for me.

 

One of the oft overlooked reasons for a 'tight spot' is when the rear sprocket is a loose fit on the sprocket carrier and is fitted slightly off of center.

 

I had this issue with my T100 and bought Toga silencers as part of a kit from Norman Hyde. These not only look like the original silencers from the early Bonnevilles but also solve the access problems you've experienced.