How tight (or loose) should a sumo chain be?

[AVI8_636]

I had done some reading before buying my DRZ that the chain should be looser than on a normal street bike due to the suspension travel, but I'm curious how loose should the chain be? I feel like my chain is way too loose, but I've seen some pics online where it almost seems right. I can take a pic if it helps, but it's nothing like my street bike chain.

[nhbubba]

Should be in your owner's manual.

[Arcee-51]

I can look in my owners manual when I get home today.

[AVI8_636]

Should be in your owner's manual.

Didn't come with one when I purchased it unfortunately. I've been looking online for one and keep coming up empty.

[Paul_E_D]

I adjust mine to fit three to four fingers between the chain and swingarm halfway down the upper run.

[Pigman]

With the Sumo's there is a bit more suspension travel so there needs to be a bit more slack than a street bike but here is mine...you want to see a slight dip in with about a 1-1.5 of travel and check it while you sit on the bike...tight is worse than a bit loose and I like posting pics of mine

[Chippertheripper]

If it doesn't fall off, it's not too loose.
Shawn's looks about correct. I ran mine with even more slack.

[Kurlon]

Use a set of straps, suck down the rear end until the countershaft, swingarm pivot and rear axle are all in a straight line. This is where the chain will be it's tightest. Adjust the chain so you've got a little slack. You don't need much, just enough that you're not pulling on the countershaft in this position. Release the straps, measure slack and remember it for next time, that's you're target.

[Kitt]

You have chip's method, then you have Kurlon's method, well yea - what idea of his isn't wayyyyyyy over-thought?

about a 1-1.5 of travel and check it while you sit on the bike...

I use this rule... Sit on the bike, so race sag and have 1.5" of movement of the chain as you lift and press on the center of the chain, below the swingarm... I would say Paul's method probably works out to the same, but he doesn't weigh anything... so I am going to confirm that - would make it easier than sitting on it!

Nothing is more ridiculous than folks who limit their suspension with a tight chain - I'm realizing this is common among rec. riders.

[Kurlon]

Have I told you about my plan for breakfast?

Bacon. It goes on a pan in the oven, 20 minutes later I eat it. No flippin stuff, no watching it, no grease all over the place, 3 seconds of effort, 20 minutes waiting, then bacon.

[csmutty]

Have I told you about my plan for breakfast?

Bacon. It goes on a pan in the oven, 20 minutes later I eat it. No flippin stuff, no watching it, no grease all over the place, 3 seconds of effort, 20 minutes waiting, then bacon.

I am going to have to try this...

[JettaJayGLS]

I am going to have to try this...

You've never had oven bacon???

Its a glorious process and if you add up all the time it takes for reloading the pan (unless you have a freakishly large pan that can fit a whole pound of bacon) the time to cook one full package of bacon is nearly identical whether you cook it in the pan or oven.

[csmutty]

You've never had oven bacon???

Its a glorious process and if you add up all the time it takes for reloading the pan (unless you have a freakishly large pan that can fit a whole pound of bacon) the time to cook one full package of bacon is nearly identical whether you cook it in the pan or oven.

Does it taste different? And can you bring me an oven to the track?

[Kurlon]

Does it taste different? And can you bring me an oven to the track?

Flavor is the same, easier to get it all cooked to your desired consistency, no char chunks either.

[csmutty]

Dayummm. Why have you guys been holding out?!

[CBR929RE]

Have I told you about my plan for breakfast?

Bacon. It goes on a pan in the oven, 20 minutes later I eat it. No flippin stuff, no watching it, no grease all over the place, 3 seconds of effort, 20 minutes waiting, then bacon.

you could be dead to me depending on the answer to this next question. does it leave enough grease to coat a pan and bits to flavor some pancakes?

[Paul_E_D]

I like my bacon TIGHT

[csmutty]

you could be dead to me depending on the answer to this next question. does it leave enough grease to coat a pan and bits to flavor some pancakes?

Fuck pancakes. I cook my eggs in that shit!

[CBR929RE]

Fuck pancakes. I cook my eggs in that shit!

that's good too.

[JettaJayGLS]

you could be dead to me depending on the answer to this next question. does it leave enough grease to coat a pan and bits to flavor some pancakes?

Yes, I like to use a broiler pan, so all the grease drips down and gets caught in the catch basin below.



I also recently purchased a portable propane grill that should be able to perform said bacon cooking technique at the track.

[AVI8_636]

So I've learned how to properly check the chain on the DRZ, and more importantly, how to cook bacon!

[nhbubba]

I like this Jay guy...

Just decided I'm having some bacon in my sandwich for lunch.

[Chippertheripper]

Preteen, put that shit on a cookie sheet and chuck it in the hot box.

[Kurlon]

Yes, I like to use a broiler pan, so all the grease drips down and gets caught in the catch basin below.



I also recently purchased a portable propane grill that should be able to perform said bacon cooking technique at the track.

I use cookie cooling racks when I'm feeling fancy. Yes, you get plenty of grease but not very many bits, so you'll want to crumble a slice or three for that job. Our grease is normally used for frying hashbrowns, in which case we start with pepper bacon. That stuff drops greasy peppery goodness no matter how you cook it.