Chain Tension 86 250R

[tufftoy]

This is my first 250R, and as of now, I have no manuals for it. My question is how do I go about getting the right tension on the chain? Pictures would be great if possible!

Thanks!!!

[factoryX]

if the chain is worn out it should be replaced, to adjust the chain tension you loosing the carrier bolts
like seen here:
http://rollx.rolldesign.com/data/ROLL/SWING-ARM.jpg
and then you use the slot on the carrier to rotate it to get the chain tension your looking for.
http://i44.tinypic.com/1zfh9fr.jpg

[MonroeMike]

Manual

http://72.52.143.80/~trikes/atc250r_85-86_servicemanual.pdf

[hoser]

Once you adjust the chain, before you ride have someone heavy enough to bottom out the suspension bottom it out whilst your checking the chain tension, is the chain tight as a E string on a violin? If it is how many times you think you can jump your ATC before the chain stretches or worse breaks?

Over the years one of the biggest mistakes I see people make is over tightening their chains, I can only assume they want it on the tight side for fear of it falling off? You can run a chain loose as hell and it wont fall off it might slap your skid plate but if the sprockets are good and the swing arm and rear axle bearings are good a lose chain will not fall off.

A chain too tight causes more problems than a loose chain could ever cause.

[tufftoy]

Thanks for the replies, I thought that was the way to do it, but wasn't sure and didn't want to mess it up.

[hoser]

Thanks for the replies, I thought that was the way to do it, but wasn't sure and didn't want to mess it up.

Yeah buddy its always best to ask, how is the weather out your way good enough to ride yet?

[tufftoy]

Yeah it's been good enough, in the 50's last week 60's this week. Went out last week, threw the chain, broke the the chain slider and case saver. Not a good day that day! Now trying to get a new chain and slider...can't do much for the broken case saver though...will just have to hope for the best on that one!

[Dammit!]

I've been running 1 to 1.5 inches of slack with the suspension collapsed for 20 years. Haven't had a chain problem yet. And I do mean real slack. Just being able to move while it's still tight isn't ok. You should be able to feel the difference. Play around with it a little bit and you'll see.