Swing arm bolts...

[Biocruiser]

After reassembling my bike I've noticed a gap between the frame and swing arm where the swing arm bolts connect the swing arm. Is there supposed to be a gap here? I can't find it in the manual... :-?

[donbmw]

Yes there is a gap it should be about the same amount.

Don

[Biocruiser]

on each side?

[Bob_Roller]

There is supposed to be a gap, equal amount on both sides.

After you get done with the gap adjustment, with the bike on the center stand, rotate the rear wheel with the transmission in neutral, to see if you hear any noise from the universal joint area.

There's an small chance that the universal joint could be contacting the swing arm housing, if it is you will hear it.

I usually hold off on securing the rubber boot over the universal joint, until I set the gap on the swing arm bolts, just to visually see if there is any problem with the universal joint clearance.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Bob is correct on the centering of the driveshaft inside the swingarm.
That takes precedence over centering the swingarm in the frame.

[nhmaf]

I take a set of calipers and measure the gap on each side, and after reinstalling the swingarm pivot bolts and snugging up the locknuts
on each side I check that they are the same as when I started.   I think that you have some amount of lee way to either side before you
run the risk of getting driveshaft to touch the inside of the swingarm housing, but it is a good idea to check that if you didn't measure the
gaps beforehand.   Be sure to give the swingarm bearings a bit of grease !