I never had to take chain maintenance very seriously because I've never owned a motorcycle until June of last year. I've put on a thousand miles since then and didn't realize that the chain lube intervals are at 500 to 600 miles.

I bought the bike at 6018 miles and I don't think the previous two owners ever took care of the chain. I put together back-to-back vids of how much deflection is visible when the deflection is in and out of spec.

2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R
6300 miles

Before: 1.5" to 1.6" of chain deflection (spec is .8 to 1.2")
http://s299.photobucket.com/user/in_...951d1.mp4.html

After: 0.8" of chain deflection
http://s299.photobucket.com/user/in_...e19aa.mp4.html

I used WD40 for cleaner and Bel-Ray Super Clean chain lube. The best features are that it goes on white to demonstrate coverage and leaves a dry finish to prevent fling.

 

Just FYI, too loose is better than too tight as far as chains go. Too tight will make it stretch and hook your sprocket.

 

I went too tight on the first time. You definitely know when it's too tight because you can hear the drivetrain more than the engine and exhaust.