First and foremost find the correct chain adjustment measurement. The factory spec is way too tight, at least on my bike, and I find that 2.125” is the ideal spec. To find the correct measurement on your bike lift the rear tire off the ground and remove the lower shock and swing arm linkage bolts, this will allow you to lift the rear wheel/swing arm to the point that the rear sprocket is at the greatest distance from the counter sprocket. This distance can be identified by checking the chain tension as you lift the rear wheel through the stroke of the suspension. Once you find where the chain is the tightest, support the wheel at that height and adjust the chain to 0.750” slack. I will usually make sure that the rear wheel is aligned with the front before doing all of this so that once I set the chain tension, I’m done. Then reinstall the linkage and shock bolts, let the suspension hang and re-measure the chain slack, this is what the chain slack spec should be. It is important to note that if the counter sprocket has a rubber chain cushion, which my manual trans AT does have, that this measurement should be done only after a number of miles have been put on the bike to ensure that the cushion is broken down enough to not interfere with the measurement process. Chains ban be killed real quickly when adjusted to tight, if set properly then the chains should last just about forever.
As for lube and maintenance: I lube my chains every 100 miles with Maxima Chain Wax. This stuff doesn’t fling off and stays fairly clean, more so if used a lot off road. Street use tends to build up and need more cleaning, I guess that dirt gets on the chain and sprockets and scrubs the lube off. For cleaning I use WD-40 and a tooth brush, it makes a hell of a mess but rinses clean with soap and water. After cleaning and washing, I immediately ride the bike a few miles to fling the water off, blow with compressed are, and re-lube.
This definitely adds to the maintenance routines, but once accustomed to doing it, it becomes rather easy and less time consuming. Kind of like cable and control pivot lubing.
It has been about 30 years since I owned a motorcycle with a chain drive, and I am wondering what you all do as far as daily maintenance. The manual doesn't say much about it.
I lubricate the chain if it looks "dry", or if I have been out in the dirt with it, but how often do you perform a thorough cleaning with kerosene or other cleaner? Do I need to lubricate the chain every time I ride in wet weather?