I took the measurement yesterday as the owners manual describes. I guess mine has stretched out in less than a year. Do I really need to replace it? Why does a chain stretch?

 

because of the stress your engine puts on your chain think about how maney times we nail throdle
or climb a huge hill all of which takes a tol on your chain not only does it just stretch it also weakin's ofcourse you could just keep tighting the chain till it snap's! but i wouldn t your drive train you just can t be cheap about you won t need to replace it right away tho just look in the manual on how to tightin your
86 atc&4trx250R's

 

You do realize that you can adjust your chain, don't you?

 

yes, it's adjusted correctly. I measured between the 21 links like the book says and it appears to be stretched. Thanks.

 

check the side to side play in the chain if it moves like a snake its time to replace. it should be tight side to side. up and down should have a ittle play. see the manual for correct adjustment.
Also check your sprockts it they start to hook one way ts time to change them also
a good sprocket and chain combo kit is about $80-$100

 

t

 

Do you ride with someone on the back?

 

If you replace your chain, its always good to replace your sprockets front and rear, or vice versa.