How To Adjust a Motorcycle Chain and Sprockets at RevZilla.com

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  • Опубліковано 20 бер 2017
  • How To Adjust a Motorcycle Chain
    www.revzilla.com/motorcycle-c...
    All the engine performance in the world means nothing if your motorcycle chain isn’t up to the task. In this guide, Lemmy heads to the garage to show his tips and tricks for how to adjust a motorcycle chain properly. From finding the right level of chain slack for your preferences, to the interaction of the motorcycle chain with the sprockets themselves, there is a lot to consider when working with a motorcycle chain that often gets overlooked. As one of the most common pieces of overlooked motorcycle maintenance, this how-to guide is all about providing riders with a list of specifics to keep in mind as they look to get the most out of their motorcycle chains.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 264

  • @Eunostos
    @Eunostos 6 років тому +222

    You made this simple enough that I managed to do this maintenance task for the first time... despite Autism. So, thanks. I will be checking your other material.

    • @ZTRCTGuy
      @ZTRCTGuy 5 років тому +6

      Ben Richards... Really? Having autism doesn't impede doing maintenance work on your motorcycle at all... On the contrary, the eye for details and perfectionism (just a few examples) makes you more likely to do a better job. I've got Aspergers myself.

    • @Sfekke
      @Sfekke 5 років тому +11

      @@ZTRCTGuy 8 months late but, while Autistic people have an eye for detail, some have trouble following steps if they aren't clearly laid out.
      It depends from person to person, I for one don't but I know someone who cannot get most things done without step by step instructions.

    • @davidverba3431
      @davidverba3431 5 років тому +7

      @@ZTRCTGuy you have no idea how bad his autism is so you should let him be happy and proud of himself without downgrading the fact that he did it and you have aspergers. maybe hes new to bikes and is really happy with himself and just wanted to share it. leave him alone.

    • @ZTRCTGuy
      @ZTRCTGuy 5 років тому +1

      @@davidverba3431 I'm not downgrading anything. Simply pointing out that it makes no sense in the light of autism that one would have trouble adjusting motorcycle chains, especially considering it's symptoms. This video is a clear step by step instruction. I do not understand how you can think I'm purposefully downgrading someone with autism, because I aren't.
      Also, I could use the same argument you did. You also don't know how bad my autism is.

    • @xaviermccloud4586
      @xaviermccloud4586 3 роки тому +5

      @@ZTRCTGuy I agree with you. People who like to point out their disabilities in situations that don't require it are usually trying to gain acceptance and attention like all humans ;).
      We all need attention sometimes bro.

  • @HeyCosby
    @HeyCosby 7 років тому +119

    I don't even own a motorcycle yet but I'll watch anything with this dude teaching me.

    • @randybone3148
      @randybone3148 7 років тому +2

      Most (all?) states have a deal where you can get your motorcycle learner's permit, then take an accredited motorcycle training course (if you can ride a bicycle, you can handle the little 250 cc bikes they use in the courses). If you pass, and pretty much everybody does who makes an honest effort, then you get your motorcycle license for a very small investment. I know people who never got around to buying a motorcycle, but are still very proud of the fact they earned the license.

    • @slimshadyowns
      @slimshadyowns 7 років тому +3

      im not sure how that is a deal...that sounds like getting your license...i live in communist canada and it is not any harder to get than that. just like getting a car license but with a bike instead...as the name would imply...

    • @RedxFaction
      @RedxFaction 6 років тому +5

      By "Communist Canada" you must mean "a nice place to live called Canada, which I have minor gripes with that I blow out of proportion" because you just seem kind of that guy. Anyway, you can get your license in the US just by showing up with a bike and taking the road test. The motorcycle course coupled with the road test is to actually teach you how to ride properly. It also lowers your insurance premium because it doubles as a defensive driving course. Motorcycle riding is inherently dangerous, and proper training can save your life. That's why it's a deal.

    • @rob3568
      @rob3568 2 роки тому

      @@RedxFaction nah I think he means shitty communist Canada

    • @johnwest8037
      @johnwest8037 2 роки тому

      Yes!! more female riders who can at least understand motorcycles, yes plz and good job for you too

  • @davidhawk19
    @davidhawk19 7 років тому +232

    Who else knows damn well how to do this, but watches anyway because Lemmy is awesome?

    • @deveshyadav5776
      @deveshyadav5776 6 років тому +1

      if you got time then compare lemmy,s way of presenting things to arrie hanning .I am sure you will get the answer.

    • @tydedrick6
      @tydedrick6 5 років тому +1

      What if you adjust too far ?
      How do you get it back again?

    • @donniebaker5984
      @donniebaker5984 4 роки тому

      I do i do i do , pick me, and meet "Beadle Juice" she's my CRF1000 to your left !

    • @vincentgizzi3465
      @vincentgizzi3465 4 роки тому

      IS a half inch to tight on your chain?

    • @willturner397
      @willturner397 4 роки тому

      Yes but Lemmy's balls need to drop. That high pitch, cracking voice requires face crush.

  • @chia-kengpeterchen5614
    @chia-kengpeterchen5614 5 років тому +12

    The most comprehensive chain adjustment tutorial on UA-cam !

  • @paycheck247
    @paycheck247 5 років тому +31

    mount the chain alignment tool before adjusting chain slack...keep an eye on it while you move the axle...much easier than checking it after everything is already tightened

  • @benjaminschack3178
    @benjaminschack3178 8 місяців тому +1

    Tbr-7 rider here. my long haul daily driver and I are on an adventure of discovery together and your video is awesome. Just had my chain slip off 200 yards from home for a scare. Luckily this is just the fix I needed thank you sir.

  • @xR0b0x
    @xR0b0x 7 років тому +55

    Ill always watch a Lemmy how to video!

  • @sammyscrap
    @sammyscrap 7 років тому +8

    I just got one of those ChainMonkey tools and have only used it once so far, but I really like it in terms of eliminating the whole guess and check approach to achieving proper tension. Chain tension is one of the most frequent maintenance items to perform so it makes sense to invest in tools that make it a breeze.

  • @DillonMartin
    @DillonMartin 3 роки тому +9

    First time adjusting my 2002 Yamaha FZ1 chain. My bike rode noticeably better afterwards. I was a 1/2 inch over the max slack measurement per my manual. This was a great demo! As the man said, look at your manual and apply the knowledge in this video. Personally, I ended up measuring off the bottom of the swing arm instead of the top. This is the only thing that was not verbally expressed in this video, but (based upon other videos) should be totally fine to measure that way. LOVE this channel!

    • @NubsWithGuns
      @NubsWithGuns 6 місяців тому

      Put the ruler and manual away and learn what your bike wants instead.
      My manual tells me to make my chain so tight that it will mushroom rollers in a week.

  • @GregoryTumaiBrown
    @GregoryTumaiBrown 5 років тому +5

    Thanks, man. Straightforward and clear to follow. Like the chain care video.

  • @aliphilipoom7073
    @aliphilipoom7073 6 років тому +2

    Why can't all how to videos be like this. So clear!

  • @maxlopez4117
    @maxlopez4117 5 років тому

    I watched at least 10 videos before i worked on my bike. This one was by far the best one. !!!!! Thanks man. Much help!!!!

  • @bradleyalexander5821
    @bradleyalexander5821 4 роки тому +3

    I have purchased many parts from your company and have found a great tool, (your how to) videos. Thankful as always 👍🏼 👏👏👏 😎

  • @szatanica1
    @szatanica1 7 років тому +8

    Perfect for a morning coffee :)) Keep up Lemmy, love the videos!

  • @diamondyorkie6973
    @diamondyorkie6973 7 років тому +3

    Ty Revzilla always appreciate your maintenance videos !

  • @waynekachur3708
    @waynekachur3708 3 роки тому +1

    Lemmy good instruction. I'm an instructor for safety and you do a fantastic job, both with your voice and knowledge.

  • @jared123123
    @jared123123 Рік тому

    Great videos. Very impressed at the balance of efficiency/ no-nonsense and detail to these tutorials.
    Not too long or jabbering on about somewhat irrelevant stuff but doesn’t leave out any detail that’s even slightly important. A++

  • @sandersho4008
    @sandersho4008 6 років тому

    Thanks for this video! The most detailed and helpful I've seen on this simple but fundamental topic.

  • @gvs5318
    @gvs5318 5 років тому +2

    Thanks for the infectious enthusiasm Lemmy

  • @zacharymaneja1207
    @zacharymaneja1207 Рік тому

    I love all the extra details and point you went over throughout the video

  • @zigzigler5111
    @zigzigler5111 2 роки тому

    This man talks like an actual motorcycle technician. I like it. 👍

  • @outuvcontext
    @outuvcontext 4 роки тому +6

    The beard scale had me laughing. Love it!

  • @AAproductions1994
    @AAproductions1994 7 років тому

    Saw this when it first came out, but watched again because it's a revzilla video haha. Keep up the great content guys!

  • @keithdighton
    @keithdighton 4 роки тому +1

    Thanks for the video, I'm totally new to motorcycles and hadn't a clue how to do this until I watched this

  • @danieltull3622
    @danieltull3622 4 роки тому

    Lemmy at it again! Well done.

  • @showtime813
    @showtime813 5 років тому

    Information in this video is priceless.

  • @svalson
    @svalson 4 роки тому +1

    You're a master teacher. Thank you.

  • @dale-fi1fi
    @dale-fi1fi 5 років тому

    Thank.god lemmy does these videos as im new to all this an he makes it so easy to learn

  • @zeez9053
    @zeez9053 3 роки тому

    Cannot begin to think off a better how to video instruction

  • @brandonchrisco9617
    @brandonchrisco9617 4 роки тому

    He is a very good teacher to learn from very understanding

  • @jimbo92107
    @jimbo92107 5 років тому

    Thanks Lemmy. Your videos really make sense.

  • @bueller48
    @bueller48 2 роки тому

    excellent. just getting back into dirt bikes and this is perfect info. thanks.

  • @Bass1923
    @Bass1923 2 роки тому +1

    Terrific maintenance videos, Lemmy. One suggestion for this one. Go ahead and let your ruler rest on the top of the swing arm because this is the only way to hold it steady when measuring the slack. You can't hold it steady in mid air while raising the chain. The starting point for the pin will now be at say, 3/4 inch. Lift the chain and see the upper limit of the pin, say it tops out at 2 1/8 inches. Subtract those two and you have 1 3/8 inches with the added benefit that this is accurate because you can be sure the ruler didn't move during the process. I will watch your other vids because they are always informative and give me confidence to do my own maintenance. Thank you.

  • @yonathanlapidot8598
    @yonathanlapidot8598 3 роки тому

    Veryyyy noice man! Been riding for a long time and always had to go to the shop to do this...gonna give it a try myself! Thank you!

  • @ttantrum7948
    @ttantrum7948 2 роки тому

    Watched this video, went out and worked my 2000 Honda ACE about an hour later. Good shit, mate. Cheers

  • @australianbleach8594
    @australianbleach8594 3 роки тому +17

    Lemmy: So what we are doing today is an engine rebuild to replace the piston, if you have seen someone do it, its very simple. Probably a 1 on the beard scale of difficulty

    • @Jabooty_Williams
      @Jabooty_Williams 2 роки тому +1

      It's actually really easy. Just so long as you mark your timing. Everything just comes apart.

  • @johnsmith-gk4td
    @johnsmith-gk4td 6 років тому

    Awesome video.....very professional and informative!

  • @syednameen
    @syednameen 3 роки тому +1

    Dude you have spent lot of time and slogged a** to build this beautiful video

  • @172389
    @172389 5 років тому

    Even though this is a "one bearder", for someone who isn't good with tools or with mechanics in general it looks like it would be really easy to F this up. Video was very helpful so I know what I'm getting into before I take everything apart and realize I'm in over my head.

  • @mysteryport
    @mysteryport 4 роки тому +2

    8:10 most important Tip of all time.

  • @winnieboi
    @winnieboi 6 років тому +15

    Lemmy try this......

  • @MykMallett
    @MykMallett 6 років тому

    This guy is a legend

  • @allaboutricerockets4881
    @allaboutricerockets4881 4 роки тому

    This dude's the real deal and not just pulling our chain. Sorry, that just came out. No pun intended :) lol

  • @MrJohnnynapalm7
    @MrJohnnynapalm7 4 роки тому

    Very informative video - thanks for sharing 👍

  • @rce2288
    @rce2288 Рік тому

    Thank you for this video. It is very helpful!

  • @refranklin
    @refranklin 5 років тому +2

    Good video and good instruction

  • @ThatThrottle
    @ThatThrottle Місяць тому

    Excellent video. Thank you!

  • @connoraldridge7335
    @connoraldridge7335 2 роки тому +2

    Thanks so much for this video. First time having to adjust my chain, I’m not mechanically minded at all but this video made it so easy!

  • @sailorking9480
    @sailorking9480 2 роки тому

    Great explanation great job god bless you

  • @kawabungah20
    @kawabungah20 2 роки тому

    Thanks. I learned a lot. I need to buy a Motion Pro Chain Alignment tool. It's faster than a string alignment check . Thanks again.

  • @forrestculver7301
    @forrestculver7301 6 років тому +1

    Lemmy gives me, the least handy person ever, the confidence to get stuff done.

  • @blob2092
    @blob2092 2 роки тому

    Lemmy the legend

  • @GreatSS4
    @GreatSS4 5 років тому

    I like this guys style

  • @jayadevns10
    @jayadevns10 3 роки тому

    Need a video on Engine Flush.
    Thank you.

  • @idnic19
    @idnic19 3 роки тому

    Thank you so much!!!! 60 year old woman who's mechanic backed out on me this year as my bike is a 1980! Says he had to make a cut off year for old bikes!!!!WTF been going to him for years!

  • @alialnasri6972
    @alialnasri6972 2 роки тому

    Excellent and very informative 👏👍

  • @petercrooks4984
    @petercrooks4984 Рік тому

    Thx it was as easy as you showed 👍🏽

  • @houseofcheung
    @houseofcheung 7 років тому

    wow, super clean bike!

  • @petebusch9069
    @petebusch9069 6 років тому

    Lemmy is the best.

  • @MarksOAM
    @MarksOAM 6 років тому +1

    Thanks Lemmy :D

  • @DarxusC
    @DarxusC 5 років тому +1

    I'd love a video on what to do when, for some reason, the manual's specs aren't useful. For example, on my bike, when tightened to spec, the chain gets way too tight at its tightest point. So, maybe a suggestion of amount of slack at the tightest point (possibly with both sprockets and the swingarm pivot lined up, if you don't have any tensioners).

  • @ghoztedkid
    @ghoztedkid 7 років тому

    Revzilla...I Love You 💙

  • @brianlyle5266
    @brianlyle5266 3 роки тому +1

    Great tutorial on chain adjustment! Thank you! Appreciate the detail.

  • @shanetconnor
    @shanetconnor 7 років тому +50

    "Be free little axle nut, be free"

  • @memine5723
    @memine5723 7 років тому

    The KLR comes with the tools you need, less a measuring stick. So if you bike comes with a tool kit you can check it to see if it comes with the correct sized wrenches.

  • @nomadpi1
    @nomadpi1 Рік тому +1

    Noticing comments - some applause. However, as a math teacher, I critique this as you skipped two points. (1) you didn't show, or tell the distances, the marks on the bar , along the guide forward/backward are in lengths. (2) Putting on the chain link guide, there was nothing said re: what to do after mounting it - how to read, or where to examine the data. Also, show an example or two of common error someone might encounter. Rock on!

  • @MrFameone206
    @MrFameone206 6 років тому

    Thank you I knew I needed too adjust the on 2k R1 but didn't really have the confidence to do it... but watching this made me realize it's not that difficult to do... love your video bro thanks for all the great tips

    • @jessiedivincenzo5215
      @jessiedivincenzo5215 4 роки тому

      I wouldn't trust the stealership to do it. Recently had a blowout on a ride up in the canyons and had to get towed back to the stealership and I don't believe they got my rear wheel perfectly aligned it's off to the naked eye. Better to do it yourself rather than put your life in someone else's hands. There are good mechanics and then there are those that in no way should be working on bikes.

  • @0616ko
    @0616ko 7 років тому

    Excellent. Thanks.

  • @DonLafontaine62
    @DonLafontaine62 6 років тому

    Excellent content!

  • @Delecom
    @Delecom 4 роки тому

    is amazing

  • @SupraRyu
    @SupraRyu 5 років тому

    Awesome video!

  • @anamikariders599
    @anamikariders599 2 роки тому

    Thank you buddy

  • @Finding-Fish
    @Finding-Fish 3 роки тому

    awesome, thanks for the info

  • @patdennis3751
    @patdennis3751 Рік тому

    The motion pro alignment tool is nice, but for those of us without all the fancy tools you can just eyeball it for square and spinning the wheel. Spin the wheel and the sprocket teeth should self center on the chain rollers if the wheel is squared up

  • @TheOmegaRevolution
    @TheOmegaRevolution 5 років тому +1

    Am I the only one here who loves the simplicity of snail adjusters?

  • @packgrog
    @packgrog 2 роки тому +1

    My god I miss Lemmy.

  • @halmain7406
    @halmain7406 6 років тому

    Great video

  • @luckymetal3929
    @luckymetal3929 3 роки тому

    Thank you

  • @broderp
    @broderp 2 роки тому +3

    Hey Lemmy, it's not so simple if you dont have the nice lift and are having crouch down and do this. Also "floating" the ruler is a bad idea. You can be off by a considerable amount leaving the chain out of speck. I use the back side of a tape measure, or paint stir stick. Using your bike as an example, rest the stick or tape measure on the swing arm. I mark the low point of the chain on the stick then mark the high point. I now have two marks that I can accurately measure. Because the stick was resting on the swing arm, its repeatable with no floating ruler to mess with. Many manuals stay to measure the chain slack while on the kick stand. Isnt this the same as being on a paddock stand? The point is to have the suspension compressed. How much difference is there in chain slack between a motorcycle on a kick stand vs a paddock stand? I will tell you there is s ton of difference in the labor required to recheck and readjust! Awesome video Lemmy, as always.👍

  • @tedgagas9529
    @tedgagas9529 3 роки тому

    Thank you sir!

  • @MASKINA
    @MASKINA 4 роки тому

    Thanks for video.

  • @PC-nk7xv
    @PC-nk7xv 3 роки тому

    Very helpful

  • @food123123
    @food123123 7 років тому

    lemmy is my jam

  • @julianp.2840
    @julianp.2840 7 років тому +3

    Yes! Thanks Lemmy!!

  • @Ladosligese
    @Ladosligese 2 роки тому

    Torque levels in my part of Denmark .. 1 grunt for easy .. 2 for medium .. and 3 for hard torque value

  • @wbrownati
    @wbrownati 6 років тому

    Great video. Very professional sounding.

  • @CBRRR-eh3ky
    @CBRRR-eh3ky 4 роки тому

    Great well presented info. Do you have a video on valve clearance adjustments?

    • @RevZilla
      @RevZilla  4 роки тому +1

      Thanks. Currently, no, we do not have a video on valve adjustments, since that can be very bike-specific. -DrewZilla

  • @jbean530
    @jbean530 Рік тому

    If you need a bike stand to do this, how are we supposed to do this on the side of the road? That’s the main part I’m confused about. Good video.

  • @WILLY52368
    @WILLY52368 3 роки тому

    Ok here's my question, when will someone do a video explaining how to adjust chain but with a snail type adjuster instead of these type of rear axels? Or there is but I just haven't seen one, if that's the case can someone post a link please?

  • @thealvaco
    @thealvaco 7 років тому +8

    watch out for uneven chain slack people. One part of the chain may be slightly longer than another. Find the tightest spot on you chain and work with that slack.

    • @chrisc6874
      @chrisc6874 7 років тому +7

      thealvaco yes, he should have mentioned that. it's often overlooked. also, the trick with the screw driver in between the sprocket and chain when tightening. I'm also wondering about the floating ruler as he's measuring. that's kind of inaccurate cause your hand is moving around. i didn't understand why he didn't just set the ruler against swing arm, push chain down and measure range of travel from where center of pin was. that way the ruler is held steady

    • @thealvaco
      @thealvaco 7 років тому

      ZLA Lemmy thanks for the reply.

    • @paulkazjack
      @paulkazjack 5 років тому +1

      @ZLA Lemmy if your chain has tight spots its because there's ovality in the running gear.

    • @172389
      @172389 5 років тому

      Kawasaki Vulcan S owner here, just bought it and haven't had to adjust the chain slack yet. The owners manual says "set the bike up on it's side stand (bike does not have centre stand), rotate the rear wheel to find the position where the chain is the tightest, and measure the maximum chain slack by pulling up and pushing down on the chain midway between the sprockets"
      My question is, how do you rotate the rear wheel when the bike is on it's side stand? The wheel is under weight in that situation.

    • @Hermelin.G1
      @Hermelin.G1 5 років тому

      172389 ask a buddy to help you. he should lift the back slightly and then you spin the wheel.

  • @billbob9304
    @billbob9304 9 місяців тому

    Is it ok to run with the adjustment of the axle blocks inside of the hash marks, or is that not recommended?

  • @jitsu5478
    @jitsu5478 4 роки тому

    I need help finding the right chain size for my 2017 KTM 690 Duke. I was looking at the EK chain 525 ZVX3 which says it's compatible with my bike on your site but I don't know what size. Also a compatible rear sprocket to go with it.

  • @jelleschele4398
    @jelleschele4398 2 роки тому

    I need to tighten mine as wel but if i put my axle way back my chain is still to loose but im concerned if i take 1 piece of it will be to short

  • @fizzy_b8532
    @fizzy_b8532 3 місяці тому

    So how do you loosen the chain if too tight .. would u have to u loosen the wheel and push foward and start over ?

  • @AndrewBoundy
    @AndrewBoundy 7 років тому +1

    Great help (noob) - thanks!

  • @frabcisbaez3681
    @frabcisbaez3681 4 роки тому

    Dode I'm suscribing to your channel now

  • @themza912
    @themza912 3 роки тому

    You should've mentioned the chain alignment check tool when you mentioned special tools.

  • @skidz8426
    @skidz8426 5 років тому +1

    btw when you measured the chain slack 5:45 you said it was 2 3/4" it was more like 2 1/4. you had the ruler on the swing arm so the bottom of the chain and you were measuring to the top of the chain I'd say the chain was about half an inch. you should either measure from bottom to bottom, or top to top of the chain.

    • @drew657
      @drew657 5 років тому

      Out of spec is out of spec. Could've been 5" and the result is the same: needs adjustment.

  • @phantomshtter
    @phantomshtter 8 місяців тому

    Okay... what if you've changed rear sprocket size? Factory spec goes out the window. What then? Total deflection (bottom to top) isn't a listed spec for my crf300. Increasing diameter of the rear sprocket moves the chain further away from the swing arm. How much at the measurement point I don't know.

  • @stevegriffith7236
    @stevegriffith7236 6 років тому

    Would love to see a video for single swing arms.ie...ducati.