loose tight chain

[cyndemgum]

I only use the marks for initial setup. When the bike is stting straight up and down on a stand or a centre stand, it is perfectly acceptable to sight down the length of the chain. If you need proof of this simply get the alignment perfect and then pull one adjuster back one or two mms out of whack. Then sight down the chain and the misalignment will stand out like the third ball on greyhound. Also whilst the thing is out of whack, lube the chain up well and spin the wheel reasonably quick by hand. You can clearly hear that all is not good. Whereas a well aligned chain that is in good nick runs remarkably quiet. This method has served me well for almost 40 years. The profile of the sprocket teeth are also designed in such a way that a whisker of misalignment will have no real effect on the overall operation. Obviously the closer to spot on the better. We live in special times as far as the quality of stock parts go. I can remember when you were hard pressed to get 10 000kms out of chains and cogs on 40hp bikes. Now anywhere from 30 to 50 000kms is common on lighter components absorbing 150 hp. Jusy my thoughts, Paul.

[ross79]

I use this to make sure mine is perfectly aligned:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Profi-CAT-Las...45fb394959

[Shifu]

I would rather have the whells aligned perfectly as this affects the handling and braking, and then worry about a chain. Providing that the frame is straight chain should be no problem whatsoever as it has a sufficient side clearance to the sprockets. If it is out too much it easy to adjust with spacers rather than rear wheel . Otherwise you will be riding sideways with a long lasting chain and wondering why you like turns to one side more than the other and why the rear is dancing under braking.
It is like telling a mechanic to align the wheels so that the steering wheel is straight and dont worry about the front 's geometry.