Just put a new chain and sprockets on. Was wondering if the chain should be ajusted with the rider on the atv. I noticed that the tention of chain changes quiet a bit with the rider on it.

 

This is one of those questions where everyone has their own opinion. Some will say with a rider on the bike, others say no rider. Then some will tell you to adjust it with the back wheels off the ground.

I personally adjust the chain with someone sitting on the quad. Like you said, when someone is on it, a lot of the slack is taken up. When I changed my sprockets and chain, I was wondering the same thing. I did a search of this forum and found a lot of posts on the subject and most agreed that one should adjust the chain with a rider on it.

HTH.

 

To tight, the chain puts an astronomical amount of stress on the counter shaft and rear bearings(rear bearings are week on the ex's), to loose, well, I haven't had a problem with to loose yet but it could present a problem, if the chain came of on a 75\80 degree hill !!! You choose!

 

Compress the suspension until the swingarm is parallel to the ground, then adjust the chain, this is the tightest position it will be through the arc of suspension travel.

 

Thanks for the info I think I'll try ajusting it with the rider on it. Thanks for the replies.