Newb: Record for worlds loosest operable chain?

[Grainbelt]

93 with 29k miles, about 3k of which are mine.  I've lubed the chain four times or so, but hadn't gotten around to checking the tension.  How bad could it really be, I mean the previous owner must have adjusted it, right?

Had a revelation while riding today: "what is that little rattling noise?  And why is the bike so jerky on and off the throttle - I'm fairly smooth with the clutch now, but it's still really abrupt."

So tonight I put the bike on the centerstand, got out the tools and checked it out.  I think the chain is ORIGINAL and has NEVER been adjusted.  :guns:  I'd say the slack is somewhere around 2.5 inches and the links seem to hold their position (kink?) more than I'd expect.

So, who knows the size of the rear axle nut?  I do not have the toolkit, and now I'm terrified to even ride it to the shop to have the chain (and likely the sprockets   replaced. My largest metric socket is 19mm, and the axle nut is a bit bigger. Need the exact specs so I can purchase the socket and a torque wrench and adjust this bad boy.

Also, what size are the adjuster nuts on the swingarm? Feels like 11mm, but I don't want to damage them.

Greatly appreciate any help, would like to get some riding in this weekend.

[scratch]

22mm, 17mm on the other side and 12mm for each of the adjusters.

[Grainbelt]

My utmost thanks, scratch.

I guess I'll see if I can get it adjusted down to a reasonable level and order up a new chain.

I had planned a ~150 mile ride for tomorrow (to my dad's garage to perform an overdue oil change) but I'm a little wary now. Granted, I've ridden 3,000 miles on it with no catastrophes, but its freaking me out right now.

Ignorance is bliss...

[Grainbelt]

Its a whole new bike!

Turns out I do know how to start from stops, match revs on downshifts, and ride smoothly. My useless effing chain was just keeping me from enjoying the results.

Love this board. Thanks all.

[pandy]

Now it's time to tear that puppy apart and look for what else might be loose or unsafe.

pandy  :mrgreen:

[GSRider]

[Knowing from experience]

Check your front and rear sprocket. If the chain was that loose for that long (Had to be a long time to get the tension out of whack that bad) it is very likely the sprockets are cooked too.
If there are a lot of kinks in the chain, I strongly recommend you replace the chain...and if there is kinks, replace the sprockets too. A worn chain will wear away sprockets quick, and worn sprockets will prematurely wear a chain away in no time flat.

Lube every day you ride, check tension weekly