chain adjustment

[yambutt]

I have a 1999 fz1000 rear rim 17/5.5 also have adjustable dog bones and raised the rear about a inch, the manual says .8in of chain slack is needed for the 1992 fj, so I was wondering since I have a different rear rim and raised it a bit should I put a little more slack in the chain?......Thanks.

[yambutt]

Well the rear rim might be a 89 fz1000, I forget bit its definitely 17/5.5

[Pat Conlon]

Yes, with the revised angle of the swing arm, more slack in the chain is needed.

Words to remember: A loose chain (to a point) is a happy chain.

[yambutt]

I have a inch in it right now, should I go 1-1/4?

[Pat Conlon]

Take the bike off the center stand, have someone (close to your weight) sit on the bike with their feet on the pegs, then measure.
You don't need to do this every time, just the first time to get a reference.

Do you have the oem weak sauce undersprung shock still installed? If so, the swingarm will compress a lot.

[movenon]

Pat is right on with his information. No set number with a modified bike. My bike is somewhat modified with GSXR wheel, adapted shock, custom dog bones, ride height is an estimated 3/4 to 1 " higher than stock and my chain is happy with 1 1/2 inch free play on the center stand.

Another way is to put the bike on the center stand, put a small bottle jack under the swing arm, disconnect the lower shock and run the swing arm up and down through its travel arc while checking the free play. 

Pats method is simpler and quicker.  The chain will probably be at it's tightest when the rear sprocket is level in the travel arc with the front sprocket.
At one of the rally's I took time to watch the chains on bikes that were owned by the riders with a lot more experience than me and they were all looser visually than 3/4 +- inch.  IMO as with Pat keep the chain on the looser side and also make sure the chain is in good alignment with the sprockets. I will put a plug in for a Motion Pro chain alignment tool (inexpensive tool).
George

[Dads_FJ]

Not trying to hijack this thread but it seems related.  This seems like a slick tool to adjust ones chain without guessing.  Thoughts?

http://www.tru-tension.com/chain-monkey/

[yambutt]

Thanks guys, yall definitely helped me out here, I got it about inch and half of play....thanks

[yambutt]

I have the stock shock still, but looking at a yss shock and updating the forks with randys valves and springs, looking at nitron shock also but a little out my price range

[93fj1200]

The Tru-Tension chain adjusting tool seems quite professional and much easier than try and check, try and check again, etc.