For bikes (1993 onwards) with both stock cans still fitted, how do people check chain slack? As far as I can tell the best way is to peer through to the chain from the right hand side of the bike. Also, the specified chain slack of 15-25mm (0.6-1 inch) seems quite small to me. What's the score here folks?

 

A looser chain is better than a chain that is too tight. A chain too tight can wear bearings in the drive assembly (counter shaft and rear wheel).

The way I check mine is to stand on the left side of the bike (chain side) at the rear (with a beer in hand) and with the toe of my right foot I lift the chain (this way I don't need a rag or have to bend over) and notice how much slack is there. It should not lift too much and it should not feel tight. Here's my thought process, Kick the chain, turn the key go get beer.

 

At least an inch if it is measured as static adjustment. If static slack is measure with you on it, then go about an extra 0.325 inches. TimBucTwo's toe method, the toe technique, is good. Right before I have had to adjust, I have had about 1.5+ inches of slack. Just made sure the chain was well cleaned and waxed.

 

Bike on centerstand, 1 inch of up and down play in center of lower chain run. I also lube the chain after running and let it sit overnight.

 

I do it the Haynes manual way setting it to 25 mm with a tape measurer on the center stand (also checking it on the side stand) and oil it every 500 km with chain spray and sometimes with automatic gearbox oil.
You get a much smoother ride specially in curves when first motor brake then throttle if the chain is tight.

 

Thanks for all your responses. I'm used to adjusting the chain on my CBR954RR where the chain is much more accessible. Also, the 954 specifies 40-50mm of slack, so in comparison to this , the slack specified for the CBR1000F seemed a little on the small side.