Length of drive chain and stretching

[paperslammer]

I searched but couldn't find this answer.

What should the length of the drive chain be? I'm going to check mine to see if it has been stretched too much.

Actually, I guess I should ask: is chain stretching much of an issue?

[Tango911]

try looking up the specs or a repair manual for your bike, it will tell you how much tension you should have on your chain.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3o4T1woD1-M

[LOUD MOUSE]

Usually we measure the length by counting the number of links.
A good way to determine the wear is to lay the chain flat with the rollers horizontal and bend the chain so ya can observe the amount of BOW in the chain.
Ya can do that or just look at the sprocket teeth for wear and figure ya may need both chain and sprockets. May be a photo in one of the HONDA guides which can/will explain better. ...lm

I searched but couldn't find this answer.

What should the length of the drive chain be? I'm going to check mine to see if it has been stretched too much.

Actually, I guess I should ask: is chain stretching much of an issue?

[brewsky]

If you have the standard 16 tooth front and 29 tooth rear sprockets, you should have a 96 link chain for a Dream.

If you pull the chain straight away from the rear sprocket near the middle of its engagement, it should not separate from the sprocket very much. The more it does the more the chain/sprockets are worn.

There are also indicator marks at the rear axle in the swingarm for alignment and wear. If the axle is toward the rear most marks, its time to check for replacement or chain shortening.

If you rub your finger across a tooth of either sprocket and it bleeds, its time for new sprockets!