chain length on 390 or

does any one know correct length and procedure for tensioning chain on my 79 or 390 as it didnt hav one when i brought it,i allso hav the large chain tensioner fitted (big roller) wich makes it awkward to guage length of chain ?

I would say squash down the suspention so that the front sprocket swingarm pivot and rear axle are all in a line. Adjust the chain adjusters after cutting the chain so that the tensioner is close to fully out. Of course there is no link number without sprocket numbers. Has always worked for me. There is an owners manual in the reference section for 1983 which has that tensioner if you want to check what the factory suggested at the time.

Fran

On the stand: no more than 2 fingers between the bottom of the swing arm & the chain. Also, where you put the rear axle is important. In other words moving it up (closer to the c/s sprocket) actually makes the bike turn worse than all the way back which necessitates a longer chain. Having it all the way back essentially moves the engine forward putting more weight on the front end thereby making the bike turn better.

YEP

I know about chain lengths and sprockets ect just its easyier said than done trying to gauge length with the large chain roller just thought there may be some easy option im missing .