Chain slack is something that will be different from model to model, look in the service manual for the chain slack for a particular bike. Run the chain at the very outter limit of slack, a chain that is run near the loose limit will stretch less than one that is too tight or near the tight specifications.

 

I would leave EXACTLY the amount of slack in your chain that is recommended by your manual. Chain simply does not stretch that much, if at all. You'll replace your tires more often than you have to adjust for chain "stretch".

Plus, setting your chain tension too tight is a BIG no-no. Better too loose than too tight.

 

All depends on how you ride it. If your putting around, it wont stretch that much. If your hammering it around, you will have to adjust it after the first ride. I've had to adjust my chain at least 5 times in the 6k miles it has on it. When it was brand new it needed an adjustment after 20 miles. Usually after a drag strip weekend, it will need an adjustment too.

 

my '07's chain came from the dealership with only 1/4 inch slack! I'm going to need to adjust it before I take it on the first ride. I'd imagine having only that much slack in the chain can't be good for the engine/transmission.

 

The problem with having a chain that is too tight is that when your swingarm moves, it changes the geometry between the two sprockets... sometimes the distance between them decreases (making your chain looser), and sometimes it increases (making your chain tighter). If your chain is already tight in the "loose" position, when you go for a ride you are going to pull the shit out of your primary (small) sprocket shaft and possibly bend/break something.

Just adjust it to the recommended amount in the manual and you're good to go.

 

I know the term 'stretch' is commonly used by most if not all (including myself) but honestly its not stretch at all but rather 'wear' that increases the length after use/abuse.

BD

 

I've found that a new chain will need to be adjusted more frequently than a worn in one.
with the stock chain it seems I need to adjust it every few rides.
with aftermarket chains I will adjust it a couple of times when it's new & then rarely have to touch it after that.

 

A couple times at most when new for me:dunno After that, almost never.

 

Inch and a half of slack is the standard.

 

I think the service manual actually says 0.98 to 1.38 inch of slack on 04-06 R1 bikes. Not sure on 07 though.
The 04-06 service manuals say to adjust the chain slack while the rear tire is on a rear stand (elevated).
Was doing this tonite and thought I would post this. :thumbup

 

I had to adjust the new chain (07 R1) 2 times. After that, I didn't have to adjust it any more. So, in the first 150 miles the chain is stretching a little bit. After that you don't have to adjust it. That was also with my previous bikes.

 

Something that hasn't beeen mentioned yet is; Alot of times a chain will have a tight spot, found by slowly turning the rear wheel while on a rear stand. You want to adjust the chain to spec at the tight spot.

 

IF you have a tight spot on the chain, I think I'd be looking into what is causing it. There should NEVER be a tight spot on the chain. This indicates an improper wear pattern, or something not aligned properly, and is not typical.

 

If there is a tight spot and a loose spot your chain is toast and its time to replace.

 

while I've never been able to discern a tight spot in any of my chains, I've certainly heard about it dozens of times.

 

Well, I guess I actually needed to rephrase my original question... I was putting on a new chain, and was wondering about about how much it will "stretch", not how many times or when to adjust. Just trying to figure out how far from the desired position that I should adjust it at to start.
ex. If I want it at point A, and the chain will stretch about 1/2 inch, then I should adjust it -1/2 inch from my desired position.

 

depends on chain dennis. i have seen some like stockers stretch 1/2 - 3/4 of inch. i would be prepared for at least 1/2 over time. initially i would say it will move 1/4 inch or so after first few 100 miles.or so.if you hit it pretty hard.

 

naw, that aint how it works.

you don't compute how far it's going to stretch & then "plan ahead" adjust.

you adjust it to the correct tension & then when it stretches you adjust it again.

 

bsr i think he might be talking about putting the extension on he bought and try to keep it within wheelbase he wants. im not sure but that maybe reason.

 

got it.
I guess I was confused

 

Thanks Brandon (1longR1), that was my question. I finally put on the extensions, and will be putting on the NOS kit hopefully next month... then time to play.

 

cool dennis.. let me know how it does. mine stretched first time pretty good then was good. im about to add some lengths and make it 2 inches longer. it keeps wheelieing violently with even small nitrous shot. i have to slow nitrous down with controller.