Let’s talk Drive chain and slack

I’m not due for a new chain yet, but what chain do you guys like for normal street riding?

The factory chain is doing great, but I’ve noticed on my Dominator that the slack is pretty excessive for having only 515 miles on the bike.

On my Dominator, It has 38 millimeters of slack midway between the front sprocket center line to rear axle center line when on my paddock stand.

My Commando has 22 millimeters of chain slack mid way between the front sprocket center line and rear axle center line when checked on my paddock stand.

According to what is stated in the service manual is too tight on my commando and near to lose on my Dominator, I never adjusted this and this is how it came from the factory. Can the chain stretch this much already?

I keep them lubed well and always clean as Tony knows lol.

The manual recommends 35-40 mm as standard.
Too tight at less than 35 mm
Too loose more than 45 mm

Thanks Guys!
Scott.

Manual states to check chain slack on the side stand . So , Maybe that 22 mm will loosen up some. Are you checking the lower chain run ? You may have to adjust them but that's OK .

TonyA said:

Manual states to check chain slack on the side stand . So , Maybe that 22 mm will loosen up some. Are you checking the lower chain run ? You may have to adjust them but that's OK .

Click to expand...

I’ve checked them both on the side stand and on the paddock. Didn’t change measurements.
Yes lower chain run.

You don't have any static sag ? When over on the side stand usually the rear raises up a bit and changes the chain slack measurement . Well anyhow 22 mm is too tight and the Domi at 38 mm is OK . Manual states too tight less than 30 mm , and too loose more than 45 mm . But it also states that less than 35 mm is to tight. Stick with that 35 mm to 40 mm being good. If the chain is too loose it will start to cut into the top of the aluminum front sprocket cover.

My 961 chain appears ok although I haven't measured it, but I know the factory have adjusted it each service. My FTR was at dealers around the 350 mile mark, just for a chat, and as the mechanic was passing he commented on the slack chain.... too slack he said, so he popped her up on the lift and adjusted. That is a DID HD chain so yes, they can stretch quite a bit from new.