You should also check the straightness of the rear axle. A great way to do it is to measure from the swingarm pivit bolt to the rear axle... like this.
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l3...ld/Day6038.jpg

Thanks for the photo as usual Gas Man, wouldn't I need to measure both sides of the axle to insure that the length is equal on each side?

I have decided to take the cage to class tomorrow and when I am done, I am going to clean up the chain (again, but using kerosene) and then try to get it right with a proper method of measurement. I will also record the sound the bike is making when I rotate the rear tire.

Can this be done without getting the bike in a stand? My chain needs adjusting and I no longer have my Pit Bull.

I believe so, in fact my service manual recommends that final adjustments are made using only the kick stand.

I bought kerosene and a good metal ruler this morning, hopefully I can get all of this figured out tomorrow.

yes, chain adjustment can be done on the side stand.
and as stated, measurements should be taken while it is on the side stand.

Yes measure both sides... that is very important.

Loose is wayyyy better than too tight. I run my chain at the slack side of the measurement spec because I ride hard and do track days, both of which use more of the suspension's travel... when shit gets bottomed out your chain gets tighter...

The spec for my bike is 35 to 45 mm.... I run it at 45mm.
Ding ding! Winner.
No way... not for me at least. My service manual says to make this measurement with the rear wheel elevated. When the bike is on the sidestand the suspension is compressed a bit, causing you to set your chain more slack.
Wow, you made a helpful post AND I agree with you. WTF?

Guess I should close this thread up too.

I bought a ruler and was sure to remeasure everything properly. What seemed to be happening was that I was measuring the slack while the bike was on the stand and this wasn't working properly.

Once the bike was put on the ground the slack was way to tight. I can only imagine it go worse once I put my measly 160 lbs on it. Loosened it up and all is normal again!:rockwoot:

I agree - but my R6 it is 1-1/2" to 2"

as far as lining it up on both sides they have a chain tool you can use or a pair of calipers. the sure fire way is to move 1 flat at a time on the hex nut is how i do it. move 1 flat on left then 1 flat on the right. after each left and right turn check the tension each time then repeat until the tension is right.

That is my other lesson learned as well. Since I use a 10mm bolt on each side to push the axle out I will not just carelessly loosen both sides up as I did this time. Now that I have it measured properly I will be sure to turn each side proportionately. :dthumb: