I used to watch your videos around 10 years ago, before even buying my first motorcycle. Brings back memories of shopping for my TS Taichi gear! Great well produced content and so informative!
Brian you produce the best, most sensible maintenance videos our there. I love your attention to detail and quality. Always inspired to DIY a job after watching. Keep it up as your tips to use and fit are priceless.
@@sportbiketrackgear just bought your 3 step Maxima chain cleaning kit and the brush, my chain is looking pretty sad 2 months after buying the bike. Just bought a full Akrop exhaust too. Should probably get the frame sliders next so I can do it all at once. God knows I'll drop the bike again and fuck up my new exhaust haha
Great video Van! Maybe one of the “old school” ways that how checked alignment from the 90’s is just running string lines front to year to ensure proper alignment after chain adjustments. 👍😎🇦🇺
I have a laser tool that I bought at the end of the MotoAmerica season I am excited to use this year. That should help me get the alignment as close to perfect as possible. - Van
@@sportbiketrackgear Yep. Technology has certainly moved up a few notches... That sounds great! It’s actually how the wheel alignments of brand new trailers for semis get signed off for nearly 20 years... Didn’t think of it for bikes due to the front and rears being different widths. Would love to see you do a video on that one! 👍😎🇦🇺
IMO the best way to adjust the chain slack is using the method outlined in the OEM manual. The two finger method is not going to work on a lot of bikes. - Van
I think its a good tool, once you get the slack dialed in and the tranny shifts perfectly, you just go to that make each time, very consistent, just remember what mark you need to go to and how tight chain is when you use the tool, its easier than the motion pro, but either one works, I've always eyeballed mine after I get it where it wants to be I give it the toe tension test ... lol
I'm confused about something you aid a couple of times while utilities the chain monkey. You said that the bottom of the ut should be lined up with the number 1. However the bottom of the nut was actually closer to what I believe was the 2 or 3. Now, it did appear to me that the bottom of the nut "dome" was aligned with the 1. Just looking for clarification on that. Thanks for the video..
I have a Honda CB1000R and this may be a good solution because you can't fully push the chain up and down to measure slack because the chain hits the bent swing arm at the low point when pushing the chain up.
Well damn... I used to eye ball my chain for the last couple of years... I am thinking of getting one of these...my chain last pretty long too, and I do maintenance on the regular...let's see how calibrated my eyes are lol
You will need to spin the rear wheel and measure the slack in a couple of different spots. If there is a massive difference parts will need to be replaced. - Van
That is much easier to do when the bike is on a rear stand (or center stand if your bike is so equipped). You can rotate the rear wheel and check the slack in a couple different spots. You can typically see if there is an issue with this by looking at the chain while you spin the rear wheel. - Van
@@GRT1005 When using this tool you slide it on the chain at any random point. If you have a tight spot the chain (most likely the sprockets as well) needs to be replaced. While I don't hate this tool I feel using the manual chain adjustment method is the way to go. Here is a link to a page on our site where we cover that: www.sportbiketrackgear.com/520-chain-and-sprocket-kit-guide/
you all probably dont give a shit but does someone know a way to log back into an Instagram account..? I stupidly forgot my password. I would love any tips you can give me!
@Romeo Marley i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and im trying it out now. Takes quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.
www.sportbiketrackgear.com/motion-pro-slacksetter-pro-chain-adjustment-tool-08-0674/#pv__tabs Take a look at the video in the link above. We feel this is a more effective method of chain adjustment than this tool. - Van
At some point I would like to get the Profi laser tool to see how that compares to what we are using currently. Not sure when we would get that done, long line of videos that need to be shot in front of that now. - Van
Does it matter if you put the wrench on the top or bottom of the sprocket when tightening the axle? I've always done it from the bottom but the chain still loosens a bit, with my axle the same way as yours
That laser tool is not even close to being worth the money. I brought one in to check it out and found the laser was way off. Took it apart and found it glued in crooked. - Van
How on earth is this easier than the Motion Pro Chain Tension Tool that you used at the beginning? This looks like it makes it ridiculously more complicated!
Can I get this straight...the arc in the chain created by the CM is effectively the required slack..? So you mount he CM and then tighten the chain...err to what tension..? Sorry I just don't quite get this...
Yes, that is how this works in a nutshell. Personally I found this a little wonky to use and feel you can get a better result with conventional methods. Here is a link to a page on our site where we break down this process using Motion Pro tools that we use on our bikes here at STG. www.sportbiketrackgear.com/520-chain-and-sprocket-kit-guide/ - Van
When I set the slack on a race bike I start by removing the rear shock and raising the swingarm until it is flat. Once I have the swingarm flat I adjust the chain until there is a little slack to compensate for uneven chain stretch or minor sprocket variance. Once I have this set I reinstall the shock and take a measurement. Whatever number I arrive at will become the new chain slack baseline. This is especially important when you have a race bike that has had the rear ride height modified. - Van
i hope you guys relise when you do whot you did on the main stand when you rool of the stand the chain tightens as the suspension linkidge takes up chain slack
Hi Brian. I recently bought Chain Monkey to set chain in my Transalp 700, BUT with that kind of bike the problem is that CM is kinda "taking slack" from upper chain. Infact Honda specify a freeplay of 35-45mm on lower chain part. If I put CM at nr 2 mark (39 - 51mm) on my chain, when I remove all slack from chain, in the end I'm not having specified Honda freeplay, but much less....about 25-30mm (half of necessary freeplay) in the lower part of the chain. So I tried to put the chain to required slack with the "old" ruler and without taking slack from upper part of the chain and then I measured with CM and bolt stopped at setting mark nr 4! Maybe CM is not ideal for slacken upper chain bikes? Sorry but I hope I explained well the problem I experienced
When measuring the slack after the adjustment with the chainmonkey (without plastic dome) it is much too loose. According to me the table is not correct. E.g. position 1 results in a slack of about 35 mm. So please calibrate the device for yourself. From then onwards it is perfect.
IMO you really need to measure the slack the first time you use it to verify the end result. I agree the table is not accurate for all makes and models. Once you establish what you get on your bike in position 1 etc... make note of that and you are good to go on future adjustments on that bike. - Van
Sportbike Track Gear okay I noticed mine tightens when I tighten the axel nut yesterday so I gave it a little bit more slack and it worked out. Thanks for the tips.
Being on the side stand or on the rear stand the end result should be the same. We do everything on the rear stand as our focus leans towards track riding. - Van
This looks like a way to complicated solution for a simple task. Their scale is simply not accurate enough. Maybe if you put double nuts under the rubber stopper as a blocker,after determining your ideal spec, than it would work much better. Also the motion pro is 20 bucks cheaper. Thx for the info tho.
I make all of my chain adjustments with the bike on the rear stand (race bikes). With this tool on a street bike no rider on the bike and the bike on the kick stand is the way to go. - Van
No way does this product look like something i would use. I would have to double check the slack with a ruler everytime. For a beginner this looks like something that would cause more harm than good.
The manual for the fz 07 requires that slack be measured with the bike on the kick stand and it says 52 mil of slack from the chain guard to the chain with 15 pounds of pressure downward on it. How do I relate that to the chart? chain
Here is a link to a page on our site where we run through chain installation and adjustment. www.sportbiketrackgear.com/520-chain-and-sprocket-kit-guide/ Scroll down to the Motion Pro SlackSetter and Chain Alignment Tool videos. I feel these tools are better suited for chain adjustments than this one. I like the concept but found it a little tough to use. - Brian Van
I bought one when it first came out(two years ago next week).....I like it, but is it worth the $35 price tag??....to me seems more like it should be $19.99, considering now that I have access to a 3D printer and lots of old nuts, bolts, knurled knobs, etc. laying around I could make it for probably half that price. I noticed back when I bought one they were out of England so this could be the reason behind price, in the US at least. I do the same, always bring the bolt on the tool all the way out and push the rubber stopper(rubber washer from Lowes, Ace HW, etc. is all it is) up against the plastic base and then adjust it to the number you need. I am such a perfectionist, or maybe just retarded(ooops not PC), with stuff and double and triple check things(I am the guy that will put something together and take it apart 4 times and put it back together to make sure it went together exactly right each time), the tape measure method always took me 3 or 4 tries and alot of frustration, this to me reduces the time I spend adjusting the chain to get it in that perfect "sweet spot" usually the very first time. Especially after the first time using it and finding that spot on the guide and marking it for future.
You don't need a 3d printer to make one of these. You could make one from some aluminium or steel plate, a bolt and a domed nut. Tools needed are a hacksaw, bending brake or vice + hammer, drill and a tap. You could also use another nut to avoid having to tap the hole in it.
I have the chain monkey and to be fair I think it's shit it's to vague the motion Pro chain measurement tool is way better pure accuracy over sort of 25mm to 32mm
So now what happens when the rider and all his gear gets on - chain to tight. See this crap all the time. I set chain tension with rider on if you don't the chain will be stressed the entire time your riding. This will significantly shorten the life of the chain let alone putting stress on output shaft bearing.....not right
2018 or up, its pretty new and there still using that dumbass bolt and jam nut design. Exceptable for my 94 zx9r but bicycles have better designs then this.
I used to watch your videos around 10 years ago, before even buying my first motorcycle. Brings back memories of shopping for my TS Taichi gear! Great well produced content and so informative!
Thank you for watching! - Van
Brian you produce the best, most sensible maintenance videos our there. I love your attention to detail and quality. Always inspired to DIY a job after watching. Keep it up as your tips to use and fit are priceless.
Thank you for watching and the kind words. - Van
I appreciate your honesty in your reviews
The only way to do it IMO. - Van
You should find the tightest point and adjust at that point to avoid overtighten.
happy dog 100% correct.
You're really good at helping people understand bike maintenance and things.
Happy to help out! - Van
@@sportbiketrackgear just bought your 3 step Maxima chain cleaning kit and the brush, my chain is looking pretty sad 2 months after buying the bike. Just bought a full Akrop exhaust too. Should probably get the frame sliders next so I can do it all at once. God knows I'll drop the bike again and fuck up my new exhaust haha
Great video Van! Maybe one of the “old school” ways that how checked alignment from the 90’s is just running string lines front to year to ensure proper alignment after chain adjustments. 👍😎🇦🇺
I have a laser tool that I bought at the end of the MotoAmerica season I am excited to use this year. That should help me get the alignment as close to perfect as possible. - Van
@@sportbiketrackgear Yep. Technology has certainly moved up a few notches... That sounds great! It’s actually how the wheel alignments of brand new trailers for semis get signed off for nearly 20 years... Didn’t think of it for bikes due to the front and rears being different widths. Would love to see you do a video on that one! 👍😎🇦🇺
I knew about that tool but just learned about that motion pro tool from this video. Will order that one from you guys. Thanks!
We appreciate your support for sure. That tool is real handy IMO. - Van
I like your videos! Always informative and educational. Thanks for your hard work and efforts!
You are welcome and thank you for watching. - Brian Van
Kool tutorial - best I've seen on this subject - going to try all three with my Street Triple R.
You are welcome and thank you for watching! - Van
OMF my chain is so loooose. Great camera work. I really need to watch more of your vids.
Is it ok to use two finger method? This has worked for alot of other things in life to determine tightness.
IMO the best way to adjust the chain slack is using the method outlined in the OEM manual. The two finger method is not going to work on a lot of bikes. - Van
Thanks for great, honest video, what is your experience of BPA Racing Motorcycle Chain Slack Tensioner Tool?
I think its a good tool, once you get the slack dialed in and the tranny shifts perfectly, you just go to that make each time, very consistent, just remember what mark you need to go to and how tight chain is when you use the tool, its easier than the motion pro, but either one works, I've always eyeballed mine after I get it where it wants to be I give it the toe tension test ... lol
Thanks for watching. - Van
I'm confused about something you aid a couple of times while utilities the chain monkey. You said that the bottom of the ut should be lined up with the number 1. However the bottom of the nut was actually closer to what I believe was the 2 or 3. Now, it did appear to me that the bottom of the nut "dome" was aligned with the 1. Just looking for clarification on that. Thanks for the video..
IMO this tool is not very effective. - Van
I have a Honda CB1000R and this may be a good solution because you can't fully push the chain up and down to measure slack because the chain hits the bent swing arm at the low point when pushing the chain up.
Well damn... I used to eye ball my chain for the last couple of years... I am thinking of getting one of these...my chain last pretty long too, and I do maintenance on the regular...let's see how calibrated my eyes are lol
so as we all know a chain wears unevenly, some spots will be loose as other spots will be tight... how do i know which spot to measure?
You will need to spin the rear wheel and measure the slack in a couple of different spots. If there is a massive difference parts will need to be replaced. - Van
What do you do about checking for tight spots in the chain. Thanks. 👍🏼
That is much easier to do when the bike is on a rear stand (or center stand if your bike is so equipped). You can rotate the rear wheel and check the slack in a couple different spots. You can typically see if there is an issue with this by looking at the chain while you spin the rear wheel. - Van
@@GRT1005 When using this tool you slide it on the chain at any random point. If you have a tight spot the chain (most likely the sprockets as well) needs to be replaced. While I don't hate this tool I feel using the manual chain adjustment method is the way to go. Here is a link to a page on our site where we cover that: www.sportbiketrackgear.com/520-chain-and-sprocket-kit-guide/
@@sportbiketrackgear Can you do the same thing using rear tire roller wheels???
Great video. I've had one for awhile, I like it, and you did a great review and how to make sure you use it right and still use proper techniques
you all probably dont give a shit but does someone know a way to log back into an Instagram account..?
I stupidly forgot my password. I would love any tips you can give me!
@Tadeo Will Instablaster :)
@Romeo Marley i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and im trying it out now.
Takes quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.
@Romeo Marley it worked and I finally got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D
Thanks so much, you really help me out!
@Tadeo Will you are welcome :)
I use a ruler, 40'000km on my chain so far
When Measuringthe slack to you pull down as well as up or just up? How much pressure do you apply or is it just what moves freely?
www.sportbiketrackgear.com/motion-pro-slacksetter-pro-chain-adjustment-tool-08-0674/#pv__tabs
Take a look at the video in the link above. We feel this is a more effective method of chain adjustment than this tool. - Van
@@sportbiketrackgear thanks man, roughly 10 pounds didn’t pull down. Are you working in USD?
Can you make a video comparing the Monkey Chain laser alighment tool and the Profi D-CAT laser tool? Thanks
At some point I would like to get the Profi laser tool to see how that compares to what we are using currently. Not sure when we would get that done, long line of videos that need to be shot in front of that now. - Van
@@sportbiketrackgear ok its good to know it on the waithing list :) Thanks and keep up with the good work!
All the best!
Ivan
@@sportbiketrackgear what are you currently using now?
Does it matter if you put the wrench on the top or bottom of the sprocket when tightening the axle? I've always done it from the bottom but the chain still loosens a bit, with my axle the same way as yours
No both are gonna put tension on your drive and force your wheel forward.
Your a very interesting guy great detailed videos thank you , I see they do a lazer monkey also
That laser tool is not even close to being worth the money. I brought one in to check it out and found the laser was way off. Took it apart and found it glued in crooked. - Van
How on earth is this easier than the Motion Pro Chain Tension Tool that you used at the beginning? This looks like it makes it ridiculously more complicated!
Because once you set it just right for your bike (the first time) - it's then just a matter of tightening it up setting and forgetting.
Great video
Thank you for watching! - Van
Cool little tool but i havnt seen a brake presure switch vid yet!
I blame Video Steve for this 100%!
So far in the video the Monkey isn't throwing its own poo yet so looks good lol.
LOL, thanks for watching. - Van
Excellent video thanks 😊
You are welcome and thank you for watching! - Van
Can I get this straight...the arc in the chain created by the CM is effectively the required slack..? So you mount he CM and then tighten the chain...err to what tension..? Sorry I just don't quite get this...
Yes, that is how this works in a nutshell. Personally I found this a little wonky to use and feel you can get a better result with conventional methods. Here is a link to a page on our site where we break down this process using Motion Pro tools that we use on our bikes here at STG. www.sportbiketrackgear.com/520-chain-and-sprocket-kit-guide/ - Van
i got one of those a few weeks ago
25 seems tight? what about suspension movement so forth, I run mine loose i guess?
When I set the slack on a race bike I start by removing the rear shock and raising the swingarm until it is flat. Once I have the swingarm flat I adjust the chain until there is a little slack to compensate for uneven chain stretch or minor sprocket variance. Once I have this set I reinstall the shock and take a measurement. Whatever number I arrive at will become the new chain slack baseline.
This is especially important when you have a race bike that has had the rear ride height modified. - Van
I dont understand why you use one of those chain Monkey tools if you can check it with the Motion Pro one so easily?
I do not use this tool. We shot this video to show how the tool works (or doesn't work). - Van
i hope you guys relise when you do whot you did on the main stand when you rool of the stand the chain tightens as the suspension linkidge takes up chain slack
Hi Brian. I recently bought Chain Monkey to set chain in my Transalp 700, BUT with that kind of bike the problem is that CM is kinda "taking slack" from upper chain. Infact Honda specify a freeplay of 35-45mm on lower chain part. If I put CM at nr 2 mark (39 - 51mm) on my chain, when I remove all slack from chain, in the end I'm not having specified Honda freeplay, but much less....about 25-30mm (half of necessary freeplay) in the lower part of the chain. So I tried to put the chain to required slack with the "old" ruler and without taking slack from upper part of the chain and then I measured with CM and bolt stopped at setting mark nr 4! Maybe CM is not ideal for slacken upper chain bikes? Sorry but I hope I explained well the problem I experienced
I do not like nor endorse this tool. IMO you are better off using conventional methods to set the chain. - Van
When measuring the slack after the adjustment with the chainmonkey (without plastic dome) it is much too loose. According to me the table is not correct. E.g. position 1 results in a slack of about 35 mm. So please calibrate the device for yourself. From then onwards it is perfect.
IMO you really need to measure the slack the first time you use it to verify the end result. I agree the table is not accurate for all makes and models. Once you establish what you get on your bike in position 1 etc... make note of that and you are good to go on future adjustments on that bike. - Van
Check out the BPA slack setter. You're welcome.
That looks pretty cool. Have you used one yet? - Van
@@sportbiketrackgear yes, it works good.
When you tighten ya axel nut doesn’t it make it a little tighter? So shouldn’t you give a little more slack for that?
Every bike is a little different. Some will do this while others will not. - Van
Sportbike Track Gear okay I noticed mine tightens when I tighten the axel nut yesterday so I gave it a little bit more slack and it worked out. Thanks for the tips.
Shouldn't you be measuring the chain slack when the bike on the sidestand? That's what I'd always heard.
You can do it on a stand or on the side stand. Either way you are loading the swingarm up. - Van
My Honda manual says to have it on a side stand
Being on the side stand or on the rear stand the end result should be the same. We do everything on the rear stand as our focus leans towards track riding. - Van
use the rubber ring to set the position so you aren't eye balling it every time
This tool is a good idea but no easier to use than other tools commonly used for setting chain tension. - Van
What license plate bracket is that ?
New Rage Cycles Suzuki GSX-R1000 17-21 Fender Eliminator
www.sportbiketrackgear.com/new-rage-cycles-suzuki-gsx-r1000-2017-fender-eliminator/
This looks like a way to complicated solution for a simple task. Their scale is simply not accurate enough. Maybe if you put double nuts under the rubber stopper as a blocker,after determining your ideal spec, than it would work much better. Also the motion pro is 20 bucks cheaper. Thx for the info tho.
Second the motion pro - hell, everything they make.
@@rosscannon9151 even the motionpro tool is overy complicated. Nothing beats using a tape or 6" ruler.
@@mcgman8058 I haven't used a tool to measure chain slack in 15 years. Just a recommendation over this one.
Good vid, honest, cheers
Id like to see that chain monkey, motion pro into one tool.
I prefer using the Motion Pro tools to set the chain myself. - Van
Can you do a video using the BPA slack adjuster tool please vs the Motion Pro tool
Sorry we do not have any plans to sell or review the BPA tool. IMO the best way to get this job done is using the Motion Pro tool. - Van
Great video, thank you 👍🏻
You are welcome and thank you for watching! - Van
Are you suppose to measure when your on the bike? And not off?
I make all of my chain adjustments with the bike on the rear stand (race bikes). With this tool on a street bike no rider on the bike and the bike on the kick stand is the way to go. - Van
@@sportbiketrackgear added to my cart plus its on sale 🙂
No way does this product look like something i would use. I would have to double check the slack with a ruler everytime. For a beginner this looks like something that would cause more harm than good.
True tension do a laser alignment tool now.
I would count flats.
Personally I would not use this tool. - Van
The manual for the fz 07 requires that slack be measured with the bike on the kick stand and it says 52 mil of slack from the chain guard to the chain with 15 pounds of pressure downward on it. How do I relate that to the chart? chain
Here is a link to a page on our site where we run through chain installation and adjustment. www.sportbiketrackgear.com/520-chain-and-sprocket-kit-guide/
Scroll down to the Motion Pro SlackSetter and Chain Alignment Tool videos. I feel these tools are better suited for chain adjustments than this one. I like the concept but found it a little tough to use. - Brian Van
The perfect channel, for the person with a lot of money to spend on unnecessary items.
If you are a motorcycle rider these things are 100% necessary. - Van
I bought one when it first came out(two years ago next week).....I like it, but is it worth the $35 price tag??....to me seems more like it should be $19.99, considering now that I have access to a 3D printer and lots of old nuts, bolts, knurled knobs, etc. laying around I could make it for probably half that price. I noticed back when I bought one they were out of England so this could be the reason behind price, in the US at least.
I do the same, always bring the bolt on the tool all the way out and push the rubber stopper(rubber washer from Lowes, Ace HW, etc. is all it is) up against the plastic base and then adjust it to the number you need.
I am such a perfectionist, or maybe just retarded(ooops not PC), with stuff and double and triple check things(I am the guy that will put something together and take it apart 4 times and put it back together to make sure it went together exactly right each time), the tape measure method always took me 3 or 4 tries and alot of frustration, this to me reduces the time I spend adjusting the chain to get it in that perfect "sweet spot" usually the very first time. Especially after the first time using it and finding that spot on the guide and marking it for future.
You don't need a 3d printer to make one of these. You could make one from some aluminium or steel plate, a bolt and a domed nut. Tools needed are a hacksaw, bending brake or vice + hammer, drill and a tap. You could also use another nut to avoid having to tap the hole in it.
Think they are £30-£35 at least in Halfords. A UK motoring/bicycle shop.
"I'm retarded with stuff." Yes. Yes, you are.
Harder on the r1 swing arm.
I like the idea but feel you are better off using conventional methods to set the chain tension. - Van
But the buttons on his shirt are screaming for more slack
No buttons were harmed during the filming of this video! - Van
Tank top screamin, Lotto, I don't fit you!
meh a metal rule does the job just fine and probably just as quick + more precise
This tool is a neat idea but I agree you can get a better result manually. - Van
Well out of range. what 7 mm?
This tool leaves a lot to be desired IMO. Best to use a rigid ruler and standard tools to sort out chain tension. - Van
You didn't just use a spanner instead of a rag to lock the chain in place before doing up the axle 😑
I have done this thousands of times over the years. There is not enough force to damage the chain or the sprockets. - Van
You need a tighter shirt Homey.
I put on a few lbs, don't bully fat people. - Van
yamaha uses 25-35mm much more. so there's a lot more wiggle room in there than you're making it out to be. it's not that critical.
I run all of our bikes to the loose site on the track. - Van
It's pointless if you still have to measure and everyone using it will get a different reading. Just measure it and be done. No gimicks.
I like the concept of this tool but still prefer the manual method. - Van
Looks like it's trying to solve a problem that doesn't exist in the first place
This tool is not very effective. - Van
So much for something so simple?
Like I said in this video I think there are better ways to get this job done. - Van
I have the chain monkey and to be fair I think it's shit it's to vague the motion Pro chain measurement tool is way better pure accuracy over sort of 25mm to 32mm
I am with you on this. - Van
So now what happens when the rider and all his gear gets on - chain to tight. See this crap all the time. I set chain tension with rider on if you don't the chain will be stressed the entire time your riding. This will significantly shorten the life of the chain let alone putting stress on output shaft bearing.....not right
Waste of money, chain tensioning is a basic maintenance skill, always use a a metal ruler and eye, most precise method.
I prefer that or the Motion Pro Slack Setter as well. - Van
2018 or up, its pretty new and there still using that dumbass bolt and jam nut design. Exceptable for my 94 zx9r but bicycles have better designs then this.
This tool is only OK IMO.
Dude u have made this so complicated and long for a 2 min process