I know this is a simple task, but before I do so I wanted to ask specficically how it should be done and how muxh slack is recommended. I have installed a 44 tooth rear sprocket and new chain but am unsure of the tension recommendations.
From the '00 owners manual (the only one I've got a pdf of to hand) - the new rear sprocket won't change the slack amount:
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Chain tensioning
Turn the rear wheel slowly until you find the position
where chain tension is highest.
With the motorcycle on the side stand, push the chain up
pressing with a finger at the point where it intersects
with swing arm centerline. The lower portion of the chain
should have a slack as follows:
20-25 mm/0.79-0.99 in. (600/750);
25-30 mm/0.99-1.18 in. (900).
To adjust chain tension, slacken the nut (1, fig. 33.2) of
the wheel spindle. Then tighten similarly the screw (2)
clockwise on both sides of the swing arm to increase or
reduce chain tension. If you are slackening the chain, you
will have to push the wheel forward.
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(the "nut 1" is the axel nut, and "screw 2" are the bolt heads on the ends of the swing arm arms)
There are notches on each side of the swingarm (not sure where they are now) that I know i can use as a guideline.
Yeah, but don't trust them, they often lie...
Google for "wheel alignment stringline" for a bunch of pages that'll tell you how to make sure its right before you start trusting the swingarm marks.
big