Hi All, I'm a newbie to ATV'S so bear with me. I have a brand new 04 Raptor and while checking out the machine I noticed the chain alignment marks on the case aren't on the same mark when compared to the other side. The chain adjustment seems fine. Now my question is, when I adjust the chain should I maintain the difference between the marks (its off by two marks) Or if I make them even will this throw the rear wheel alignment off. Or should I just wait till I get my first service and let Yamaha worry about it. Thanks Bob

 

I would call Yamaha and see what they say. I all ways line mine up to the same notch.

 

You'll probably have to adjust the chain at least once in the first 20 hours, they stretch a little from new. I would measure the distance from the tires to the frame or heelguard and make sure it was square right now. Then, when you need to to adjust the chain, you'll know how the swingarm marks align for square.

 

Mine always seems to be off by 1/2-1 notch, once I get the right side set, then adjust the left, it seems to pull the right side out alittle, even if the right side is tightened down.

 

My recommendation is to use the left adjustment screw to set your chain tightness. Then, torque the two main nuts to spec. Then, go back and tighten the right adjustment screw just to keep the carrier from moving back. This method guarantees that the carrier is in alignment with the swingarm.

/NotuRaptor

 

Notu - I used that method and ended up rubbing a hole in my GYT-R heelguard. 22" tires on the stock swingarm with an oversized rear sprocket doesn't leave much room for misalignment when you go fast and the tires expand:-) Your method works most of the time but you should also follow up with some sort of verification measurement like tire to heelguard or alignment notches.

 

Thanks to everyone who replied. I was afraid to post such a stupid question but I guess it wasn't so stupid.

 

Mine has always been off by 1-1 and 1/2 marks. But it runs straight and the tires are inline.

RR1

 

Face it, there's some quirky crap on the Raptor, don't get me wrong, wouldn't trade it for anything, but fact is fact.