If you’ve ever tried to install the rear wheel of your motorcycle, you’ve probably had some difficulty getting the chain to tension exactly as it was before you got started. Sometimes, using the old screwdriver between the chain and rear sprocket trick doesn’t always work, even if you didn’t play with the chain adjuster blocks. The problem, while not entirely obvious, lay in the OEM axle blocks … those cheap, mass produced, er … axle blocks.
In the interest of high-production capacity and cheap parts, your motorcycle’s OEM chain adjuster blocks (you can use chain and axle adjuster block interchangeably) aren’t made with quite the same precision as something like a piston or connecting rod, for example. In fact, the adjuster block’s inner diameter is slightly wider than the axle itself. So, if you don’t put the exact same amount of tension on the rear axle nut, the screwdriver between the chain/rear sprocket and twist the wheel with the same force from the last time the wheel was installed, with everything else the same – you’re going to end up with a chain tension that’s less than ideal.
Gilles TCA-GT Motorcycle Chain Adjuster blocks solve this problem, and have some added benefits as well. For starters, the hole through which the axle must pass is precision machined to a much higher tolerance for a tight (but not too tight) fit for the axle. That, and there’s a unique worm gear adjusting mechanism for repeatable, millimeter-perfect positioning every time. The TCA-GT Chain Adjuster supplants your bike’s OEM axle positioning marks, so you can ignore those. It’s also possible to add Gille’s own swingarm sliders as well as their handy “GP-Lifters” for a positive feel every time you put your bike up on the rear stand. Pit Bull even makes rear motorcycle stands specifically for lifters just like this.
Installation is simple. It starts with removing your bike’s OEM axle blocks, including the set-screws and then you add the Gilles adjusters. Reinstall the rear wheel and you’re all set. There’s no trickery, all you have to do is be sure that the number scale is facing right-side-up. Assuming you’ve accounted for your bike’s wheel alignment beforehand, you’ll always know the rear wheel is straight.
A quick side note on OEM axle alignment marks – these are notoriously inaccurate in relation to the front wheel and we’ve always made our own using a simple technique. To have the TCA-GT adjusters take this into account, simply add your bike’s known axle error to the scale on the Gilles pieces and you’re all set for perfect wheel alignment, reduced tire wear and ideal handling.
Setting the correct chain tension according to your bike’s specifications couldn’t be easier. And now, with the precision cut axle guide in the TCA-GT, your chain won’t inexplicably tighten when you torque the axle nut to spec. No more playing with the axle blocks to get perfect chain tension. This makes changing wheels and tires much more simple and, for the racers out there, it is WERA Superstock legal equipment.
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