how loose should cam chain be

[Johnny K]

My sig is my bike. I know that there is a slack between the bridges of the cam's. But was wondering if there is a way to measure if there is too much slack? Cam tensior was rebuilt, valves are within spec, and cam timing is within spec.

[Dogma]

Is it the stock tensioner? If it's working correctly, then you should have the correct slack, which is basically none. Perhaps I'm misunderstanding the question when you say there should be a slack between the bridges of the cams. You have the little idler pulley between the cams?

[Nessism]

When the engine is stationary there may be some slack in the chain between the cams depending on the exact cam locations. For example, the intake cam can be pressing on a couple of the valve ramps trying to force the cam to rotate in one direction and the exhaust cam can be in a different orientation, with the springs trying to rotate the cam in the opposite direction. This back and forth business is normalized during normal engine operation so the slack is nothing to worry about, assuming your chain tensioner is working that is.

[Johnny K]

Yeah, I have the stock tensioner. When you rotate the engine by hand and it goes a full rotation then there is a "drop" or slack between the bridges of the cams. What is the little idler pulley between the cams?

[Nessism]

Not all GS's have the idler pulley, but it's there to increase the cam chain to cam sprocket engagement area (measured in degrees or number of teeth) and reduce sprocket and chain wear.

[Johnny K]

how would I know if I have one or not? What does it look like?

[Nessism]

how would I know if I have one or not? What does it look like?

What does your manual show? How about the parts diagram? http://www.alpha-sports.com/suzuki_parts.htm