I'm getting mixed input. One guy tells me 2 inches on my rk 520 o ring chain, one guy says an inch. I can't find anything solid in writing...

 

Honda manual says 1" of slack on the drive chain. That's the amount of travel
measured from the same point on the chain (top or bottom, your choice).
I actually run mine at about 3/4" of slack.

Typically, the top run of the chain is taut (this is the 'pulling' side of the chain).
Unless, you've rolled the bike backward. You check slack on the bottom run.

Ern

 

1" measured from the bottom of the chain.

 

ive got slack on both sides??? i was actualy about to post a thread asking about this. i think the chain is shot. it pops when riding. ive moved the rear wheel back and the chain was tight when done riding it and if i push it at all in nuetral it loosens back up. thanks guys. new to bikes

 

Make sure it is lubed up real well. That may fix the popping. If not it is time for a new chain. Replace it as a set though for best results and longer life. Front and rear sprockets and the chain all at once.

 

cool deal thanks. i just bought this bike and it has a little blue sticker on the rear of the swing arm that says "replace chain" and it looks like its been slid back a couple times. i do not kno the history of this bike. thanks again.

 

also make sure you tighten the stops on the back of the swing arm to keep it from loosening back up it should hold the wheel from moving.

 

replace everything you can if you dont know.
new fluids, oil, filter,
rebuilds on the shocks and forks if you can afford em,
and the chain is a big deal,

id say get a sprocket/chain set, preferably a steel 525 or 530 set will usually last you the longest, and make sure its 108link, and o-ring or above.

personally, i run a 520 steel rk x-ring chain with a vortex/jt combo (-1,+2) setup.
and its lasted me a very, very long time.



i do clean it every week though.

 

You should check chain slack at multiple points, because it won't be uniform, and go by the tightest spot.

Also ideally you measure it with a rider on the bike.

 

Do you cruise on the freeway much? Is it bearable? I'm contemplating the -1,+2 setup myself, but I commute.