I know how to adjust the chain - and the right torque for the axel bolts/nuts! However, I can't seem to get a good answer out of the 'repair shop' guys regarding the correct amount of slack and how to measure it.

Should the chain be barely resting on the 'plastic' square piece up by the front sprocket? or not quite touching it?

Is the chain being too loose the 'ticking' noise I hear when driving down the road?

Is it better for the chain to be too loose, maybe resting on the plastic piece - rather than being too tigh?

Is there any way to be accurate when adjusting the chain!?

Thanks, Baja

 

Not sure if your "newer" model is the same, BUT on the older chain drives the adjustment is to 1/4" freeplay (vertical movement) with the suspension "fully loaded". - the travel of the swing arm is at it's longest point when the shock is compressed.

I use a ratchet strap from the back rack to the hitch off the axle carrier to compress the shock, then adjust the chain (this works good for the old style metal racks - you may need to find another point up top to tie to with the composite rack).

 

Baja, Your swingarm is consentric. The chain stays the same tension regardless of the weight in the saddle because the front sprocket is in line with the front swingarm bearings.

My chain barely clears the upper front plastic piece you speak of. The chain will slap on that piece - no big deal. Polaris wants the chain pretty tight. Just tighten it till it will lift up and down 1/4" or so on the top side between the sprockets from it's resting position. I wouldn't worry about the clicking chain. Check your chain guide/guard on the bottom of the chain and adjust it and everything else per the manual.

All will be well,

Lukester

 

baja, I myself have a 2000 trailboss 325, and I tighten/check the chain at least once a year. IT will tell you how to do it in your service manual, I myself keep the chain about 1/4" of freeplay. My opinion is that, it is bad for the chain to be TOO LOOSE or TOO TIGHT. You measure it by compressing all the shocks (tie it down, with strap) and checking the freeplay of the chain. Then you measure at the middle of the chain. any more questions, make sure to msg me I would be glad to help.