Checking chain tension.

[corey]

Okay,
So i know i need to check my chain slack measurement from the "push down" to the "push up".
I usually do this by picking a rivet near the center of the chain, and measuring the distance the rivet moves at it's center line.

Now my question is this: How much "pressure" or "force" should i be using on the "push down" and "push up"?
I've been pressing pretty hard, basically to the point where i CANNOT get the chain to move any further by hand. Is this proper technique?

Right now on my S2R, my chain slack measures 33mm from a firm push downward to a firm push upward. I compared it to the chain slack on my lady's GSX-R, and i know hers is likely a BIT loose, but it just seems to have A LOT more slack than what I just adjusted mine to...

Thoughts?

[seevtsaab]

I make sure mine doesn't slap the swing arm from below (I've a DSS). Loose end of adjustment is OK imo.
If you're in the ballpark of 30mm seems like you're OK. I don't think precision is rewarded, just don't make it too tight.

[corey]

I make sure mine doesn't slap the swing arm from below (I've a DSS). Loose end of adjustment is OK imo.
If you're in the ballpark of 30mm seems like you're OK. I don't think precision is rewarded, just don't make it too tight.

Yea, I'm feeling like it's too tight. I'm going to slack it off a little I think. Still would like to hear others thoughts on this topic.

[battlecry]

If you really want to have peace of mind, put a longish 1/2" bar through the swingarm pivot and hold the bike up with it across a pair of stands.  Disconnect the shock linkage so the swingarm is free to swing up/down.  Swing it through its arc, it should be the tightest when the sprocket, swingarm pivot, and rear axle are aligned.  If you are loose then, you are good to go.  Adjust if necessary.  Then measure tension as you would "normally" and record it so you cannot tighten more than that. 

[corey]

this would require removal of my rearsets (SSSA)...
probably more work than it's really worth IMO.
i've been okay up to this point. i felt like my chain was stretching or something, and was paranoid about it being too loose. there's only 8000 miles on the thing, so I'm likely being an idiot. I think i just overreacted and put a bit too much tension on it to make myself feel better. but after some reading, i realize that too loose is much safer than too tight, so I will try to err on that end and "ease up" on my pressure on the chain when checking tension.

[Speeddog]

Battlecry nailed the definitive procedure. 

FWIW, comparing slack on chains from one manufacturer to another is pointless.
The geometry will certainly be different.

Even comparing your bike to someone else's exact same model, but theirs has the rear raised 1/2", is pointless.
Other than theirs should generally be looser under the same measuring conditions.