Hey all...

Do you guys tighten your chain to spec with or without load on the rear swingarm? Just to be clear, the quad with no load has the spec slack in the chain, but when I subject load onto the rear and check the slack, it is obviously less than spec. I've read that the chain should be adjusted to spec in both situations. Just wanted to know what you all think?

Thanks,

Bil

 

I have always just tightened the chain with no load with about 3/4"-1" slack. Then I sit on it and "load" it up and look to see that it is not too tight. With it loaded, I run about 1/8"-1/4" slack. I have never had a chain jump off or worn any sprockets out prematurely with this method over the years.

 

Just make sure that the least amount of slack is at least 1/2" and no greater than an inch max. I remember the first time I had mine serviced the dealship had it tightened up with no slack. No slack will prematurely stretch the chain. I wouldn't concern yourself about how much slack it has with a load, adjust it with no load and no pressure against the drive chain at all. Pretty much as Raptor450 stated, a little less than an inch of slack is fine, at least 1/2 an inch slack is a good rule.

 

Thanks for the advice...I appreciate it.

Bil