Suzuki DR650SE Chain Adjustment

Simple and easy way to adjust the chain on the DR650SE.
Once you have set your preferred slack then just use the bottom chain position to set it each time. Chain slack is the difference between bottom and top position so slack and bottom position are related.

[@markm1984]

Just put three fingers between the swing arm and chain at that point and your done, works for all dirt bikes, have a blessed evening

[@lifelongmotorcycling]

Depends how fat your fingers are 😀
Interestingly mines are exactly 60cm 😳

[@Dastardly_X]

Very helpful,
I’m new to chains.
Just picked up a 2018 DR650 last week.

[@lifelongmotorcycling]

I haven’t adjusted a chain since 1984! 😳 I’ve been riding shaft drive beemers 😁 Was probably time to relearn…
Thanks for the comment and enjoy the DR. They are awesome bikes.

[@danglez2854]

I was looking for this.. thanks!

[@lifelongmotorcycling]

No worries mate. 😀👍

[@fireballfitness170]

Great video and diagram
0:59... Note bike fully on its own weight,
2:50... Set at about 6 cm... (Stretched to lowest and measured to topside of chain)
3:18.. diagram (seems very clear)

[@lifelongmotorcycling]

Good summary...remember to check that 6cm works for your bike. DRs are notoriously modified so just check it's right for your bike.

[@fireballfitness170]

@@lifelongmotorcycling okay thanks very much

[@ParallelCamper]

Thanks! Nice tutorial. I really don't like the cam style adjuster that is on the DR.

[@lifelongmotorcycling]

I don't like them either - they tend to slip when you go to tighten up the axle. Maybe there is a trick to doing them.

[@GertySam]

@@lifelongmotorcyclingI’m NOT speaking from experience but it might help stop the slippage to take the slack out of the chain before tightening. Running a rag between the chain and sprocket should do.

[@sainvol]

@@GertySam This is the solution that I needed.

[@mtscott]

@@GertySam I think I understand your point - might be more effort than it's worth to try and jam a rag in! Once you have done this operation a few times it gets easier. But your comment is noted :) Thanks for watching.

[@stubabyfuora5280]

Nope, wrong. Sit on bike backwards, grab swingarm with left arm and pull swingarm to level with axles or to tightest point and check tension. It should be tight but some flex, if tight loosen, if slack tighten. Perfect, every time.

[@lifelongmotorcycling]

Technically 100% correct. Practically 0% correct! Can't recall Suzuki engineers stating this technique but just to make sure I had another read of the manual 😀
Thanks for the comment and watching...

[@stubabyfuora5280]

@@lifelongmotorcycling just remember my technique works on any bike with chain without measuring or looking up manual for a recommended point to check chain tension and all that is difficult to measure and difficult to get right, but do it my way and you get it right every time on every bike and never cook your seals, bearings, counter shaft, sprockets, and chain. By the way, I am an engineer

[@lifelongmotorcycling]

@@stubabyfuora5280 Thanks...as noted theoretically correct, but practically hard. I'm also an engineer: two degrees and 40 years 😀