So I have been planning on replacing my chain because it is kinda loose. Someone mentioned to me that I could tighten it for now so I wouldn't need to replace it as soon. Is this true? If so, anyone know how? I haven't had to mess with anything on the rear wheel or swing arm so I am novice in that area.

 

Loosen the big onegoing through the axle, loosen the rearmost jam nuts then slowly tighten the nuts under the jam nuts to tighten the chain. MAke sure the bike is in neutral. You should have about 1/2" of deflection on the topside of the chain at the midpoint with the bike on the ground. about 3/4" on the bottom side. Weird I know.

That said, A new chain is the correct way to fix your problem, a little bit of stretch over 17-20 years is ok, but if you have to seriously move the axle, get a new chain. www.sumofallparts.net has an inexpensive sprocket/chain set that will only run about 150 shipped. And will increase accel, but lower top speed.

 

Excellent. Thanks. I plane on replacing it, but it is down the list for a little bit.