How do you adjust your chain?

[char393]

I'm just curious what method everyone uses to adjust your chain?

I do it like this (it's a highly scientific method , although probably not the best way) :

I use the adjusters to get it where I think it's close...which usually ends up being a little more than 2 fingers between the chain and that plastic piece on the swingarm (confused yet?), then I get Daniel to grab hold of the swingarm and compress the suspension so I can see how tight it'll get when (ya right, more like if) the suspension gets nearly fully compressed.

The reason I'm asking is, in looking at my chain recently, it looks a little loose, but if I go one up on the adjusters, it's a little too tight with the suspension compressed. I should note...I've never tossed a chain using this method.

Like I said, just curious what everyone else does.

Comments, suggestions, criticism, sarcasm all welcomed.

[KTM250rm393]

Char,

One of two ways,

#1, have someone help balance your bike as you sit on it and have that person lift the bottom of your chain against your swingarm (in the middle of the chain). If the chain almost touches the bottom of the swingarm, your good.

#2, with your bike lean on its stand. Lift up your chain on the top side of the swingarm in the middle, and attempt to place 3 fingers between the chain and the swingarm. If 3 fingers fit, your good.

[Blitz393]

i use Rick's method 2 and never threw a chain.

[Woody_393]

The official best way/correct way, is to take bike and compress (or disconnect teh suspension) and find the spot in the suspension travel that the chain is the tightest. In that tight spot, adjust the chain so it has .5" of slack.

Then take and measure the slack on the chain when it's fully extended and that's what you should adjust it to from there on out.

BTW, the 2 or 3 finger method IMOP is not a good one. Use a tape measure or whatever, but 2 or 3 fingers don't measure the same as your's. Go get you a 6" ruler and put it in the tool box, and use it for checking your chain.

[char393]

Woody...

that thought crossed my mind on the finger method....I was thinking, "Yeah, but according to who's fingers?"

Thanks for the replies.

[Woody_393]

Exactly... Bates fingers and My fingers alone are at least an inch off.

[char393]

Originally posted by Woody_CRF
Exactly... Bates fingers and My fingers alone are at least an inch off.

I'm sorry...LMAO...I don't know why...must be cuz it's Monday, but I found that SO funny.

[char393]

I'm sorry...I'll stop...go back to my corner now.

[Woody_393]

please do... :O

[char393]

on second thought....

oh ya...and i forgot to tell ya Woody...nice sig line!

[Woody_393]

Thanks :P

[char393]

You're welcome..I think.

[Woody_393]