Motorcycle Repair: Honda Chain Tightening risks, crescent wrenches, honda cm450e

Question
I attempted to tighten up my 1983 Honda CM450E chain this weekend.

I loosed the rear axle nuts with a pair of crescent wrenches, and then turned the adjustment screws on the back of the slot an equal amount.  I could see the chain slack being taken up a bit. And then I ran out of travel.  The adjustment is at the end of the screw.  So I tightened the rear axle nuts down after securing the adjustment screws, and took it for a test drive.  

All seemed ok, no rubbing, no more ringing or jingling from the chain.

So, I realize that I'm at the end of the adjustment for the chain slack....
Just what are the risks of having the chain too loose? What risk do I have of having the chain too tight? What's the worst that could happen?  The next step would be to replace the chain, right?

I drive 40 miles each way to work,a couple of days each week.  As it's now the first of September and the weather is turning cooler, I have probably a maximum of two months left. When should I consider getting a new chain? End of this season? or start of next spring season, say, April 1st?  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Kirk,

The chain should have a good inch of free play when the back tire is off the ground (on the center stand). Remember its better to have the chain a tad too loose then too tight. I always made sure my chain had a small bit of play even when I was sitting on the bike.

If your chain is too tight, it will stretch the chain and it can damage the sprockets. Or it could snap the chain when you are driving and that can do some serious damage.

If your chain is too loose, then the chain can bind up while driving and that can cause damage to the engine casing, sprokets, etc. A loose chain can also cause wear to the chain guides and could also rub on your swing arm.

I do recommend replacing the chain. You have two options when choosing a chain: Roller chain, or O-Ring chain.

A roller chain is cheaper then o-ring. It also rolls more freely = more power and better gas millage. But a roller chain needs to be checked, oiled and adjusted more frequently.

The o-ring chain is more expensive. But it will last longer and requires less attention.

If you are really tight on money, you can remove one link from your current chain. This allows you to reset your adjustment screws almost back to the start. Don't remove more then one link and remember your chain is weak, so again, this is only a temporary fix; you don't want it to break on you while driving.