how do you do it on a 2004 zx6r i am mechanicly inclined and need a little help please, thanks

 

Loosen the massive! nut on the left side. First youll have to take the pin out if you have one. If not id probably get one! haha then take a wrench pretty sure its a 10mm could be 12mm and loosen the nut on both sides that are on that bolt then you can spin that bolt backwards to tighten your chain. Make damn sure you do it even on both sides or your chain is going to chew off your rear sprocket. Theres little markings on the swingarm that match with a mark on the square spacers on the back youll see them if you look real close then tighten up the small nuts on that bolt the front ones so it cant move then tighten the large axle nut make sure you dont do it super tight cause that can ruin your bearings and youll have issues but thats how ya do it bub

 

do i have to have the rear tire off the ground to do it and how much up and down movement should i have i thought i remembered something like a 1/2 inch

 

1/2 inch of play is fine. and i find it easier to have the back wheel off the ground

 

yes its better to have the rear wheel off the ground, also get your self a 12mm open end wrench, make sure u have both markings on the swingarm exactly the same on both sides, u want alittle slack but not a lot tho, also wouldnt be a bad idea to clean and lube the chain while u tighten the chain

 

1 1/4 inch of play is recommended measured at the center of the span between the sprockets. Adjust and lube for better/ smoother shifting too.