2023 Ninja 650 Chain Clean/Lube and Chain Slack Adjustment

[@BlackArroToons]

Keeping the chain clean and loose is really important, I agree. Great to have a regular routine for it. Here is something many will disagree with, but for 20+ years, I've used WD40 on my motorcycle chains, spraying them with a nice coating after every single ride before storing them overnight. Amazingly, my 2nd Ninja 250R which was a 2008 motorcycle that I traded in, from 0 miles to 36,000+ miles, still has the original factory installed chain and it was working great as usual. At 14,000 miles, I was thinking it was probably time to replace it as recommended, but I decided not to and kept going. I also almost never adjusted it but I think part of that is because I never did wheelies on that bike, so I think it spared the chain of more severe, sudden jolts. With my newer '21 Ninja 650, I'll see how it goes since it's a much stronger bike, but still using the WD40 (just the regular lubrication spray) on my chain. On my old 2003 Ninja 250R, I'd do wheelies that stretched the chain faster, but also used a motorcycle Chain Lube brand, but that made the chain stiff and rigid for some reason. I had to replace it with a new chain after 14,000 miles as it stretched too far. Enjoy the ride!

[@StreetMotoZ]

Wheelies definitely stretch that chain. It seemed like after every wheelie session, so far 4 of them, I had to do a chain adjustment. And WD40 is great stuff! I used it on old car engine compartments to bust and stop rust and also keep things lubed and in good condition... If there was a lot of dust, the WD40 would somewhat attract it and after a year would require a light cleaning and respray of WD40. Your 20+ years of experience carries the weight for using WD40 too. I think you spraying your moto chain with a nice coating after each ride does a cleaning and lubing at the same time!

[@BlackArroToons]

@@StreetMotoZ Thanks! How long have you enjoyed riding motorcycles? As you know, years of riding experience aren't always as important as being ready for anything on the roads, which you definitely have through practicing. Nice work and a good reminder to always be ready to find a path out of a dangerous situation or avoid it entirely by riding slower and more alert, visualizing an exit path on the bike. Thanks!

[@StreetMotoZ]

@@BlackArroToons I got my motorcycle license and first moto, Ninja 650 7 months ago... Been riding hard ever since! I am doing those level slow exercises to get my muscle memory built up. V-Blogging along the way too!

[@BlackArroToons]

@@StreetMotoZ Awesome. My first year back in 2003 is when I also learned the most. Getting through the first month is a big accomplishment too, and then staying alert for the remainder of riding being the next step. You're doing well, nice work! Thanks.

[@StreetMotoZ]

Thanks@@BlackArroToons ! Some days when riding my brain wants to tune out and go into daydream mode and I when I catch it doing that, I tell it to wake the $^&* up! LOL

[@Manny-b163]

Excellent video! I’m going to clean the chain on my ninja 650 for the first time today after watching this, thank you!

[@StreetMotoZ]

Thanks Manny! There are a few ways to do this. This is a super clean way using the pressure washer... The pressure washer may not always be necessary. Here is another way to do it too... kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4bEhYhqidRsfMU Also, I have learned that it is better to leave your moto on the kick stand when you adjust the chain slack and not on the lifts.

[@oddballchic]

Thanks for this, I need to readjust my chain and I needed a refresher. I got a 2021 Ninja 650 so this was perfect!

[@StreetMotoZ]

Thanks for your kind words oddballchic. This Ninja 650 is awesome.

[@gmbmedia28]

Thank you for this tutorial video specially for the chain adjustment. I own a 2023 Z650 and from the looks of it it has the same method for adjusting the chain slack. Ride safe and cheers 🏍🏍🍻🍻

[@StreetMotoZ]

You're welcome @jinmikerideyourbikes! Hope all goes well with the chain adjustment... it gets easier the more you do it too.

[@Scotth44]

Great video really helped me out👍

[@StreetMotoZ]

Great to hear! Cheers!

[@buzzyaiki]

Cardboard box idea, LIKE! Probably need a tad more cardboard where it's leaking. Power wash...GREAT!!

[@StreetMotoZ]

Hi @buzzyaiki! Those pizza boxes come in handy! lol!

[@jonnathanjean7071]

Thanks for the video! 🏍💨💨

[@StreetMotoZ]

Thanks Jonnathan! I just put out a new video on the chain maintenance that is more of a quick chain maintenance clean.

[@cloudybiker]

great video.

[@StreetMotoZ]

Thanks @cloudybiker for the kind words. Hope you have a great day!

[@kevincooper3830]

Great video thanks!

[@StreetMotoZ]

Thanks, and cheers to you @kevincooper3830!

[@danielpye7050]

I did my first chain adjustment today on the same bike, I had a bit of a nightmare to start though, I couldn't quite figure out why the wheel alignment indicatora was not pointing at the same marker when I was tightening both adjusters, the markers only seem to move when you tighten, so when I loosened them I was trying to understand why the marker wasn't moving while I was trying to match them up, then I pushed on the wheel a bit and I think I managed to do it. They seem aligned now but couldn't help but stress whilst doing this today! Gunna take it for a little spin tomorrow to make sure it's ok

[@StreetMotoZ]

Hi Daniel! Yes, the first time is always a little scarry. The marker indicators on both sides of the bike are not very good indicators as they shift one way or the other a little, and they are not accurate enough. The best way to tell if your rear axle is lined up square is to measure the distance between the swing arm pivot point (center, or back edge) and the center of the rear hub on both sides of the bike and they need to be exactly the same within a 1/16th of an inch. That is much more accurate than those side markers. It does get easier the more you do it too.

[@danielpye7050]

Ever since I did my first chain adjustment I've had this strange feeling that I might have done it too tight. I only say that because when I'm in gears 2-4 my bike seems to be louder than normal in the 3-4k rpm range, I don't know if that's normal but it does feel like it's screaming at me a little differently I checked the tension on a stand like you but what I didn't take into account is when I sit on the bike does the tension tighten even more? I'm like 200lb in weight so I'm thinking when I sit on the bike the chain is getting too tight and might be the reason my bike is roaring a bit louder. Then again I'm getting confident on my bike now so dont know if its a normal sound

[@StreetMotoZ]

@@danielpye7050 You should check the chain slack out with the bike on the kick stand, and then sit on the bike too and have someone check the chain slack. When checking the slack don't pull and push hard stretching the chain, just light medium down and up, and it should be between 20 and 30 mm *(about an inch) when checking from the middle in-between the engine and rear axle sprockets. A tight chain will be noisier. You can print out a paper ruler or use a short one if you have it too. Also, I found out to check the slack after you tighten up everything too because sometimes the tightening on these Ninja 650s will tighten the chain a little more. If you find that the case too, just make sure the slack is 20-30 mm after torquing the axel bolt. 10 mm is too tight, and 15 mm is too tight. minimum of 20 mm and maximum of 30 mm

[@jasonmarkham8677]

paddock stand is fine as its got the same load on the chain. different if you use a raise like an abba stand....

[@StreetMotoZ]

Cheers Jason! Yes, totally agree. I have found that it is easier to tighten the chain with the kick stand, aka paddock stand, down. When the back tire is off the ground when on lifts or abba stand or center stand, you have to sinch up a rag in the back sprocket before tightening the rear axle. I should have rolled a rag in the back sprocket in this video when tightening the rear axel nut.

[@krooked89]

It would be nice if you stated the axle nut size!

[@boomba-rh4ss]

It’s 27mm for a ninja 650

[@machineabart]

I'm not sure but on my Z650RS which is tech identical to the Ninja the chain slack has to be checked on a side stand with the wheel down on the ground hence the extensive slack on your chain with the wheel up in the air.

[@StreetMotoZ]

Hi machineabart! I have heard this from another person. I just checked the owners manual and it says "Set the motorcycle up on its side stand....Rotate the rear wheel to find the position where the chain is tightest, and measure the maximum chain slack by pulling up and pushing down the chain midway between the engine sprocket and rear wheel sprocket. ..." Not sure how the tire could be rotated if on its side stand? Maybe rolling the whole bike. I do adjust it on a rear stand then set the bike down and check the chain slack with the tire on the ground, and it is in spec. 10-30 mm Drive chain slack. Your point is valid though as that is what the technical manual says.

[@danielpye7050]

This is a great video thanks. We have the same bike i only bought mine a few weeks ago, just trying to understand how to maintain my bike as im completely new to the biking world. May I ask what tools do you need to carry out this work? When i type in torque wrench on amazon loads of different sizes show up and the wrenches/spanners, what size were those? Im from UK so the lingo/language is probably slightly different

[@StreetMotoZ]

Hi @danielpye7050 An inexpensive 1/2 in drive torque wrench will do the job. I probably paid $20 for mine. Also used another 1/2 inch ratchet. I was on the road the other day 2 hours away from home and noticed my chain was super loose, probably stretched from learning to do some wheelies, and I went to the local power sports store to see what they would charge to tighten the chain. They said $30, so I had it done by them as I had no tools with me at the time.

[@danielpye7050]

@@StreetMotoZ thanks man. Have you done a video regarding cleaning this bike? In UK people have been advising that after you clean the bike you need to reapply ACF 50 (Anti corrosion spray) everywhere apart from the disk brakes. Just wondering how you looking after yours? Also says in manual about applying motor oil to the pivots on the clutch lever, front brake lever, rear brake pedal and side stand.

[@StreetMotoZ]

Hi @danielpye7050 ... I have not done a bike cleaning video yet, but my bike could use a good overall cleaning. I may give it a good cleaning in the next few days and video what I use. I don't use ACF 50 as I live in a non damp area where it is 50% humidity all the time and I keep it in a closed garage when not riding. I usually use Zip Wax car wash to clean as it does leave a protective coating. After the wash I usually wax the painted areas. ACF 50 does look very interesting tough. Thanks for the info! Will keep looking into ACF 50.

[@Zepplin76]

To do the measurement the wheel has to be on the ground no on paddock stands. I learned this the hard way on my 2019 z400 .

[@StreetMotoZ]

Agree! And nice bike!

[@Zepplin76]

@@StreetMotoZ I loved it but it was a magnet for being hit at work. Veteran spot? Yup. Now I have the olive and tan 24 ninja 650 with slide pucks on bars, axles, engine mount (no cut) and "Turn signals ⬅️Use them➡️" on the windshield. Haven't gotten knocked over yet.

[@StreetMotoZ]

@@Zepplin76 I saw one of those olive and tan 24 Ninja 650s at the D2 Power Sports store in Spartanburg SC 3 weeks ago. It looks nice!

[@tomclakai4]

Great Video. But Im not sure where the top of your ruler is touching. Is it the bottom of the upper chain?

[@StreetMotoZ]

Yeah, I should have done a closeup on that... am still learning how to make videos. That long ruler was sticking up into the bike not touching anything. That ruler is kind of too long, you only need to measure 20-30 mm of slack. Measure from the middle of the bottom chain in-between the engine and rear wheel sprockets. Not pressing nor pulling hard on the chain, just medium light pull and push of the chain with your finger. A slightly better video angle is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oV7RfoN5oLKHsJo on a Vulcan S but the same procedure and method used. Hope this helps!

[@danielpye7050]

Can I ask, what rear stand are you using and what size swing arm spools (bobbins), do you have links for both products? I'd like to get some green myself

[@StreetMotoZ]

Hi Daniel Pye! Just getting back from a 7-day trip. These are the Amazon Affiliate Links. Spool - Motorcycle Accessories Aluminum Swing arm Spools Slider Stand Screw Fits For KAWASAKI Vulcan S 650 2015-2021 (Green) amzn.to/46WqMQ5 (Amazon) 2023 Vulcan Rear seat, pegs, and rack: amzn.to/47grjMz and amzn.to/3SmnaCC (Amazon) The rear seat and pegs are priced right for what you get. "Four wheels move the body; two wheels move the soul."

[@d.kuhlman]

How do you like your bike? I have the 2024 model same color scheme.

[@StreetMotoZ]

Hi @d.kuhlman! Congratulations on your new bike! I am a new rider, starting riding 6 months ago. The Ninja 650 is spot on for my learning. It is great for street riding and fun! I did a review video on this bike too! "I don’t really feel like going for a ride today. Said no motorcycle rider ever."

[@kingzslayer4996]

Chain got loose twice what do you think the problem is??

[@StreetMotoZ]

Chains will stretch over time like a few months. If you do wheelies they stretch faster like in one or two sessions. over the past year I have had to retighten my chain 5 times due to wheelies and getting on it.

[@xinyu5007]

I have a big question to you guys, I have the same bike and after tighten the axle nut, I found out that the left marker is like 1mm different than the right marker and when driving feel like the bike is leaning to the right a little, what should I do, just release the left nuts and make sure it's the same as the right marker or I also have to release the locknut too ? thank you all !

[@StreetMotoZ]

This is a rear axle alignment issue. The rear axle is a large bolt inserted on the right (side without kickstand) of the motorcycle with a nut and washers on the left side (side with the kickstand). Slightly loosen the axel nut without the cotter pin, adjust the right, so the distances from the swing arm pivot point and the center of the rear axle are exactly the same making sure the chain has the correct slack. I have a video on this at: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXW3Z4SpprujoLc

[@xinyu5007]

@@StreetMotoZ thank you so much really❤️ I have the same problem as your video, just to be sure, there is no need to touch the locknut , just to loosen the right nuts axle and adjust it ? your videos is really helpful, thank you again 👍

[@StreetMotoZ]

This is a common problem that many are not sure how to fix, however they just drive the motorcycle with a slight pull right or left. The markers are a very rough indicator of alignment. Using a tape measure is best.

[@xinyu5007]

@@StreetMotoZ I see, me I can not stand it , I feel that immediately, well thank you, I will try tomorrow morning, I'm really glad to have found your videos 👍

[@StreetMotoZ]

@@xinyu5007 The cotter pin must be removed to loosen and tighten the rear axle nut. It must be loosened to make the rear axle/swing arm adjustment. Once adjusted and rear axle is perfectly parallel to the swing arm pivot axel, then torque the rear axle nut and then insert the rear axle nut cotter pin.

[@chanfleman]

So you only have to loosen the left axle nut?

[@StreetMotoZ]

Yes, I just loosened the left. I believe the left and right are on the same axel. Other motorcycles may be different and may need to loosen the right. If you loosen the left and the right spins, then you need a socket wrench on both.

[@gftipiani]

What size hax nut did you use to loosen it?

[@StreetMotoZ]

I did not have a large enough metric socket so I used a 1 1/16 inch socket. That calculates to about 25 or 26 mm. Hope this helps!

[@gftipiani]

@@StreetMotoZ it does thank you very much

[@juicehds]

@@StreetMotoZ its 27mm in metric ;) did mine today, great video useful tips.

[@StreetMotoZ]

Hi@@juicehds and thanks for the kind words! 🔧

[@king_peeonidas]

How tf u manage to break the clutch lever already? What do ppl do to there things

[@StreetMotoZ]

LOL... We live and we learn. It is part of the ride :)

[@MultiUtube2020]

That looks way too tight …just my humble opinion

[@StreetMotoZ]

Yes MultiUtube202, I agree with you. Thanks for pointing that out... this was an early video. The slack should be between 20-30mm on this Ninja 650. I now plan to redo this video.