Swingarm marks in relation to chain alignment

[SwiftTone]

I've always adjusted my chain using the marks next to the axle on my swingarm. I replaced my chain 10k miles ago. Recently started to hear clicking/clunking noise at slow speed. Sounds like the chain getting caught on the sprocket. Looked at my swingarm marks and they are dead on match left to right, chain tension is perfect, and each link moves freely and . Also checked for play in the wheel bearing with wheel installed, no play. I did have some play on the cush drive but read its normal. Removed the wheel and checked the 3 bearings and they role smooth.

I've always read that the markings on the swingarm are not accurate but never believed it. How could something like that not be accurate. Anyways, broke out the tape measure and measured from center of the rear axle to the center of the swingarm pivot and it ended up being off by 4mm. Didn't believe it. Measured again from center of rear axle to rear subframe. Again, off by 4mm.

Adjusted the chain so that the measurements matched left to right. Now the markings on the swingarm are off by 4mm. Took it for a short ride around town and the noise is gone with a little driveline noise

I did order new cush drive to see if I can get rid of some more driveline noise. Also getting the MotionPro chain alignment tool to double check the alignment.

So my question is: Does anyone else use the swingarm marks for chain adjustment/alignment? Are you having any issues with chain noise? Do your markings match left to right?

Link to pics attached

https://photos.app.goo.gl/6M5Cc8YZdGrQoz4t9
https://photos.app.goo.gl/kV8gTrQHfzs95nZ97

[RyanGTXR]

On ANY bike, the swing arm marks are only a guide not to be trusted. Best way to check is 2 long straight edges, one either side of rear wheel (against front and rear of tyre) running length of the bike, then see that the straight edge are equal distances from the front wheel

[Gothrick]

Never trusted the manufacturers alignment marks. Always used physical measurements till I got a laser chain alignment tool.

[Crosshairs]

I have a laser alignment tool..I've never trusted the stock marks on any bike.

[SwiftTone]

To those who have answered and used another method of alignment; do your swingarm marks match left and right? If not, how much are they off?

[Antares]

Poor man's method is just count the threads, the bolts are standard and are perfectly equal (or at least enough so that any difference is insignificant) It's the markings themselves that are inaccurate not the swingarm itself, Even with counting the threads and the turns of the bolt it's a similar difference for me, adjustor is just before the mark on 1 side, just after the mark on the other.

[Mareng1]

I use one of those trammels that clamp to the rear sprocket.   The Swing arm markings are like chisel marks - and when the adjusting screw thread makes a difference to the alignment with only half a thread-pitch - I don't trust the markings at all.

Get it wrong and you'll only find out after you have worn the sprockets and chain.

[Diavel]

I read all the contributions on this topic as I have just ordered a new chain and sprocket and was going to use the swingarm mark as my guide when refitting the chain etc.Then I read the comments about the laser alignment and it seemed to be a good investment.Hunted around on ebay and could not find anything that shipped to SE Asia. However the manufacturer website can ship and for good prices. Outside of the EU/Brexit UK it is shipped without VAT/Sales tax. For anyone that might be interested this is where I ordered it.

https://www.profi-products.de/en/drive-chain-alignment-laser/motorcycle-chain-belt-alignment/321/new-magnetic-12mm-chain-alignment-dot-laser?c=6

[Salem]

  and have basically the same. But be aware they have various versions:
- the D is Dot, it projects a laser dot
- the L is Line, it throws up a narrow vertical beam so you see the laser being reflected on the whole (bottomside) of the chain.
And the latest one is magnetic too. I have the magnetic L version
Might as well add when I used it my chain was perfectly aligned, so you can do it with any other tools but this is so much easier

Edit, this thing is tiny at about 1"long. Would have preferred a 2-3" version. Make sure the chain wheel surface is clean before using

[Diavel]

This is good advice for potential purchasers 😎.I bought the Laser unit with the dot but would have preferred the Line so I need to read the description more carefully next time 😊.Anyway I am sure that the Laser dot will still be much better than the sidearm marks !