ok went for a ride today and relized my drive chain was loose i have a 81 sportster xlh 1000 so when i got home i tried to adjust it. I loosen the axle nut and backed the sdjusters out an even amount when i spin the wheel with the bike jacked up it tightens at a certain spot any help will be great and asap cause this weekend is supposed to be nice

 

How many miles are on the bike? It is normal to have a bit of chain tension variance as you rotate the chain, but if it is excessive or the chain wants to bind up in a certain spot, you may need to replace the chain and both sprokets because of wear. Can you post a close up pic of the rear sprocket teeth?

 

Check between the teeth on your sprockets. You may have something in there. It only takes a little chunk of something to jerk your chain loose. Also, you shouldn't tighten your chain with the rear wheel hanging.

 

I had a guy bring me his bike and wanted the chain tightened because it was trying to jump teeth on the rear sprocket. The sprocket was so worn the teeth were sharp as razor blades. I actually had to loosen the chain so he could ride it home. Both sprokets and chain needed to be replaced.

 

I just adjusted mine today ( service guide say 1k and 10k) but it was so loose there is no way the dealer adjusted it ... Prob looked and said foo to go !!

 

All chains have a tight spot, so you should adjust it correctly at that tight spot, otherwise you risk doing damage. On old chains the tight spot can become more of a problem, if the chain doesn't wear evenly. How old are the chain and sprockets?

 

Sprockets both look good chain I have no idea

 

grbrown said it correctly. Adjust at the tight spot.

 

There's a thread on the XL forums and I tried their strategy and wow it worked like a gem ... Start the bike let it get to operating temps then adjust the primary by sound ... Quick test ride and adjust as needed ( whining loosen clunking tighten ) also you could take the chain inspection cover off ( it will spit some oil ) but then you can visually adjust it ... Mike bikes never shifted and sounded so smooth haha

 

The OP is talking about his drive chain (where you have a belt), not the primary chain.