Chain Freeplay

I have just adjusted the chain freeplay in line with the manual (20-30 mm) and the sticker on the swinging arm (25mm) - so far so good. But on all the photos I look at on the interweb, the chain seems significantly slacker (more slack?) than mine or to put it in technical terms "droopier". Plus I took the bike over to show a pal of mine who runs an xr400 and he says my chain looks a bit tight. I have just checked it again and I am bang on the max freeplay in the manual (30 mm)

Advice anybody?

Cheers

bp

To be sure you need to compress the rear shock until the swining arm is parallel with the ground. You can do this using a ratchet strap. At this point the chain is at its tightest.
If it is loose at this point it needs tightening. If it is too tight it needs to be slackened. Remember even at this point it should not be too tight as dirt etc. on the sprockets pulls it even tighter when in use Once you have done it take the strap off, check and measure again with the bike on the stand.
You will then have a reference point when you next check the chain.

If you ride dirt you will need free play more than if you ride tarmac....no point having buckets of slack on tarmac and you don't want it tight on mud/jumps etc

Thanks Folks, that all makes sense.

bp