My friend is going to do this for me and I was wondering do you need to loosen the rear axel bolt (as you can tell I may know how to ride but not how to maintain the bike) and if so what is the torque spec for that.

Thanks guys

 

93 NM or 69 FT/LBs

 

Its a 2003 Superhawk if that matters

 

All the same...

 

just loosen the axle bolt. fiddle the adjusters making sure that the markers on either side are equal. once you like your amount of chain tension, then make sure your sprocket and chain are lined up.(I eyeball it, but there are more exact ways) lock that axle bolt down tight(never used torque specs) then lock down the adjust locking nuts. make sure you measure the chain tension at the longest run of the chain. better too loose than too tight.

 

I usually go for 1.25 inch deflection when adjusting the chain. Puts it at the low end of the spec.