Adjusted rear wheel axle (chain slack), now creaking noises?

[tzzzel]

Hi,

I was wondering if any of you had an opinion about my situation.

I noticed my chain was really saggy (measured it to be about 2.5 inches when it should be about 1inch). So, I adjust the notches from about 4 to 5+ to end up with about 1.25 inch slack.

Well, it's all good, but now I hear a bit of low-frequency creaking from the lower side. I'm not sure what it is, but it's obviously something to do with the revolving movement of the chain, as the sound comes in cycles. Is this bad? Has my chain been worn out by the excess slack and now is not suitable for normal slack?

PS I know the slack amount was really bad, but for the most part, I keep low RPM, drive slow, accelerate slowly, and the teeth don't show any signs of odd wear.

EDIT: Manual spec is 20-30mm or .78 - 1.18 inches.

[Atesz792]

People disagree about "the right method" for adjusting the chain, so be prepared for the upcoming comments
I'll just say you can leave it on the loose side of factory spec, too tight for its liking and you'll get the sound you described.

[rg500gamma]

with my three 42 liter shad hard case luggage containers fully loaded , sure you bet I give some extra chain slack 

[tzzzel]

Thanks.Interesting. I'm 165lbs w/ no real luggage (maybe a gallon of milk sometimes), so I'm not too worried about giving too much slack. Main thing is that my chain was brushing a bit on the center stand when it's in the up position, so that's what told me I should adjust it. I might go back and try to loosen it up a bit I guess. My main concern is that my chain might snap and leave me stranded. Towing for bikes is 10x more of a hassle than towing cars...

[Jimbob]

Make sure there are no tight links in your chain.
If it comes in cycles your chain might have a tight spot

[tzzzel]

@Jimbob Thanks for the tip. I actually don't know anything about chains. It does seem a little tight when I'm  on it. Will inspect. Might even get a new chain, depending on what I see.

[tzzzel]

Update: Re adjusted my chain today. I realized I made several errors or misjudgements earlier.

1. The little notch thing doesn't actually sit 100% flush against the frame. Meaning, it can rotate a bit around and cause up to 3/4 of a notch difference. So, I sat for about 45 minutes trying to get things aligned properly and making sure my nuts were in the proper tightened spot.

2. I was not considering that the chain would have different tightness at different spots.

I'm currently sitting at around 1.5 inches of slack. No more brushing against the center stand! http://imgur.com/WzuVo5j Now, there is no more worrying creaking noise. I do worry that I may have caused some wear on the chain though.

[fetor56]

That chain really needs to be cleaned(preferably in Kerosene)and lubed.

[Jimbob]

Yeah I would give that chain a good clean. Cleaning a lubing the chains is something that youll get very good at over the years

[tzzzel]

Thanks for the advice. I actually have never cleaned a chain before. A bit embarassing since I got my moto license 10 years ago. I only thought they needed lubing. Another thing to add to my GS to do list .