I had 1.5' of slack before doing anything .It was sloppy . The 1> or so inch I have now is after everything was said and done with both wheels on the ground .

 

+1 Jeff, been adjusting my chain on my dirt bike for 10 years on a stand. Thanks for the info for my 636 been looking for a thread tonight on how much tension becuase it looked a little sloppy.

 

Hi. nEw user.
KLX 250 2007 New main drive chain 2 yrs ago How do I know if it's in correct tension. No stand so is there a method I can use to set tension on the ground?
MRex

 

I find the true slack required by the bike this way:

1. Loosen the axle.
2. Tie the rear of the bike down, pulling until the centers of the axle, swing arm pivot, and counter shaft are lined up.
3. Adjust the chain until you have about 1-2" of play up and down about mid-way on the swing arm.
4. To make sure the wheel is aligned, measure from swing arm pivot to axle, it should be the same on both sides.
5. Tighten down the axle.
6. Release the chassis to allow the suspension to extend.
7. Measure how much play is in the chain now at a known spot along the swing arm.
8. That measurement is what your proper adjustment should be.

Now you can adjust your chain as the bike sits. It does not matter if it seems too loose, it isn't. It is better to run a bit loose than too tight. A decent chain that is loos will NOT derail, but a chain that is too tight can damage wheel or counter shaft bearings and cause premature chain sprocket wear, even chain breakage.

 

Measuring from center to center is a really nice and handy tip. Next i'll do the same.