How Tight Should The Chain Be?

["thenewguy"]

i just bought a 99 banshee for 2200. its got a few things wrong with it but nothin majore as far as i can see so far. but the rear end is a mess the chain tensioners that keep pressure so the chain doesnt get loose is wabbling around. i would like to know how tight to keep it. thanks

 

i know thats in the owners manual but i dont have one yet.

[brugal]

The drive chain free play measurment is.

mm/15 in.0.6 half a inch off the rear sprocket no more then that...

[BansheeBrian]

Keep messin with the tensioners.Check you chain by sitting on your shee.If it's too tight and you like to jump, tragedy will strike.Check to see if your chain is shot.See if it has "side to side" movement.A healthy chain means more immediate power to the rear and wont interrupt a good days ride by braking.

[Ducman]

I sit on the grab bar, compress the suspension, and feel the chain. You don't want it to be rock solid tight when you do that. It needs to be able to move up and down like 1/2 in when the suspension is compresseed. I weigh like 240 so it squishes down pretty good.

[00BANSHEE]

I sit on the grab bar, compress the suspension, and feel the chain.  You don't want it to be rock solid tight when you do that.  It needs to be able to move up and down like 1/2 in when the suspension is compresseed.  I weigh like 240 so it squishes down pretty good.

That is exactly how I check the slack in the chain.

[nater006]

Service manual says 15mm or .6".. brugal is right.

[MotulMonsta]

I have to laugh at everybody still using the stock chain adjusters.HA HA HA..Man those days were NIGHTMARES. Best money I ever spent was on a round house style swing-arm. Another way to check chain tension is you should have about 1 - 1 1/2 inch chain deflection when you simply pick up on it midway between the front and rear sprocket. I like that method better then mesuring off the sprocket itself, if your sprockets are worn, you'll never get it to read right.