My chain became tight.  I mean, I adjusted my chain and lubed it about 200km ago.  It had the 20-30mm of free play at the tightest part, and everything seemed fine.
Then yesterday I heard this awful grinding noise as I was rolling down a ramp.  Stopped to check everything and found the chain was absolutely tight.  Rock-hard tight.  Stop the suspension working tight.
I backed the adjusters off half a turn and lo and behold the chain is all of a sudden really loose.  Hanging off the sprocket loose.  Retightened it quarter of a turn and it seemed fine.
Should also say the last couple of times I have adjusted the chain it got loose really quickly.  I just thought it was wearing awfully quickly.
Any idea what's going on?

bad chain adjuster?

You're adjusting the chain on the sidestand, right (that's the correct way, in case people don't know)?

Quote from: scratchYou're adjusting the chain on the sidestand, right (that's the correct way, in case people don't know)?

I thought you sit on the bike to check tension, then get off and adjust then sit back on.  If you do it entirely on the sidestand then the chain will be too tight when you sit on the bike.  Thats how I do it anyhow. :dunno:

my chain had the same symptoms right before I replaced it. when I took it off the bike, I found 3 different sections of the chain that were pretty messed up. (binding, stretched link distances)) I had been adjusting my chain (the right way) almost every week (250-300 miles a week)

I put a DID x-ring chain with clip type link on as a replacement. No more crunching noise, and no more tight/loose/tight again problems.

I have yet to need adjusting on it (2-3k miles now) I just spray it down every once in a while with chain lube and wipe it off (mainly to get rust flakes, dirt off)

Quote from: sprint_9...........................
I thought you sit on the bike to check tension, then get off and adjust then sit back on. ....................

The Suzuki  Service Manual clearly states:

"Place on sidestand for accurate adjustment"

"20 - 30 mm. (0.8 - 1.2 in.) slack at the middle."

If your chain has tight spots as you rotate the wheel, you should replace it.
It should have a consistent amount of slack as you move the wheel.