I have a 1997 300 EX and the old chain needed replaced.
I cut the new chain to 85 links, the same as the old chain. I
loosened the two allen screws and rotated the axel forward to the loosest setting.
I put the chain on the sprocket and turned the wheels to put the chain on.
The chain is way to tight, about one link to short.
I think the axel isn't rolling forward as far as it should and can't add just one link.
I tried adding two links and the chain is way to long.
The dealer said I should get enough adjustment to cover 3 links worth of chain and it sounds like my axel isn't rolling far enough.

Has anyone experienced this and if so how did you fix it?
Does anyone have a diagram of the rearend so I can take it apart?
Should the axel roll forward easily? I have to wedge a wrench through sprocket and into slot and roll quad forward to rotate me axel for adjustment.

Thanks in advanced for your help.

 

Get a shop manual....it will have full instructions. Probably lots of grit and stuff in there binding it up.

I say while you have it apart, change out the bearings. It will save you having to do it later, and on a machine that old it is long overdue anyway.

 

Appreciate it, last night I soaked it in PB Blaster and got it to roll all the way. At first I thought I got the wrong chain and wasted $50 since I cut it but it fits fine now.