Triumph Trident 660 - Correct Motorcycle Chain Tension

[@John_Neves]

So guys, who went and measured their chain? What measurements did you read? 🤔

[@vladimirlopatin]

56mm from the dealer(

[@BruceRitchie33]

Closer to 60,

[@SkufMcGruff]

For anyone else who was wondering, the correct tightness for the rear spindle nut is 81lbft (110nm).

[@jonquirk]

Torque for the adjuster nut (14mm) is 3Nm! Torque for the locknut (12mm) is 15Nm.

[@markl823]

Thanks for this John. I just took delivery of my Tiger Sport 660, and the chain tension measurements are the same as the Trident. No KZbin vids on adjustment for the Tiger Sport 660 yet as it's so new, so yours gives valuable info!

[@John_Neves]

Fantastic! Glad the vid was helpful 👍👌

[@rcva1]

Very helpful tutorial. Like your simplified and 'to the point' approach. Hope you make more of these for the Trident.

[@John_Neves]

Thanks man. I'm glad it was helpful for you 👍

[@mox1968]

Great video, easy to follow .

[@jmprov356]

Thanks, John! Your clear organized approach and precision really helped make this task simple.

[@gunstrucksbbq]

At 6.6k I am just needing to adjust 😀 Literally all highway commute miles over past 3 months. Good video helped a lot.

[@John_Neves]

Fantastic. I'm glad it was helpful 👍

[@jesser8502]

Thank you so much for this! Only critique I'd add is for the Tiger Sport, manual wants that axle nut torqued down to 81 ft/lbs. Cheers!

[@John_Neves]

Very nice. That's always very useful information. Thanks for that! 👍👍

[@wl660]

@@John_NevesRear wheel spindle is 110Nm. Side adjuster nuts 3Nm and locking nuts 15Nm. Great video - thanks for taking the time.

[@OneGuyWithAGopro]

Thanks, I've never done it on my Trident. Now, I'm ready to do it for my first time :) Thanks for your advices and this tutorial !

[@John_Neves]

Great! I'm glad i could help 👍

[@davelambert569]

Brilliant, didn't have a clue but now confident to do the Job, many thanks John.

[@John_Neves]

Great man. I glad the video was helpful 👍

[@stilldajoker]

learned this from a road race mechanic. Bike on a rear paddock stand, lay a meter stick across the rear wheel pointing to the front. Front wheel must be straight. Check both sides and you will get your alignment trued up. More accurate than counting notches. Then torque your axle nut and check again. Thanks and good luck.

[@rnstanger]

This is exactly what I was looking for as the chain seemed pretty loose when I first got the bike. Felt like I was watching the Freddie Mercury of motorcycles 😁

[@John_Neves]

Great! And how did it measure? Was it in spec?

[@rnstanger]

@@John_Neves about 45mm. Seemed way more loose than other chain bikes I've had but it was within spec.

[@John_Neves]

45mm pushing down softly right? If so, that's fantastic ;)

[@rnstanger]

@@John_Neves yep. Just the way you described 😉

[@AllboroLCD]

A thousand thank yous for making this! My stock RK chain lasted 10k miles. Wasnt familiar with chain brands and the replacement I bought stretched out way early and chaffed my CC cover! Thinking it was a dud, I got another and it did the same damn thing! Picked up a DID X ring chain that says its for street bikes, just got it on. Im gonna feel at a total loss if this one kinks out half the links in less than 2k miles, so fingers crossed!

[@afuternik]

Very nice video! I recommend using the Motion Pro Chain alignment tool since the chain alignment markings on our Trident (and bikes in general) are not very precise. This was also mentioned by Ari Hanning in his chain alignment video. Also it is a good idea to use a torque wrench on the axle nut and set it to the 110 Nm spec.

[@adamgrimes8068]

the recommended tension is based off the average persons weight. The bike will sag differently depending on the riders weight. if your a heaver person the bike will sage more changing the angle of the swingarms making the chain tighter than a lighter person who is unable to preload the suspension. its best to find out what slack works best for your weight, Mine is best closer to the 55mm sag meaning I'm on the heavier side of the average person.

[@John_Neves]

Makes sense 👍 Thanks for this comment, I'm sure it will be helpful for viewers 👌

[@stevendavis7079]

I think you are over complicating it. The chain will tighten and loosen as the swing arm moves but the arc of travel is the same wether the rider is 60 kg or a 100kg. You set chain tension without the rider weight so its irrelevant.

[@adamgrimes8068]

@@stevendavis7079 your correct the bike comes with the basic set up and sag for all riders so it can be non complicated. but since I commented on this I update the suspension and adjusted the sag, so now my chain tension is spot on to the Manuel.

[@samlespam2951]

Awesome video clears the process up, thanks john

[@John_Neves]

Thank you my friend. I'm glad it was helpful for you 👍

[@carkdonwah1528]

Excellent video and thanks for the top tip on that Jack as I’ve now got one too!!

[@John_Neves]

Glad to help

[@basics2802]

Hi John, had Service just before winter shut down. just checked and measured 40 mm, i.e. tight position (for me still within tolerance to handbook). the other limit of 55 mm seems to me also too loose. thank you that you have taken the time for the nice explanatory video. being a bit jealous of you because you still can ride, while we have actually temperature around freezing point in germany.

[@John_Neves]

Hey there 🙂 40mm static, or when you press down? If it's static, its good, of you are pressing down, 40mm is too tight. Yes Portugal is a fantastic country for motorcycling. I am fortunate to ride all year round. 👍🏍🇵🇹

[@basics2802]

@@John_Neves Hi again, yes you are right, under medium pressure around 46 mm. believe as long you are within the specs it is o.k., but as already mentioned, i personally prefer being on the tighter limit. very good that you put the same importancy on the correctly aligned rear axle to avoid "curved" chain, else extreme wear! what i am wondering is that measurements normally shoud be taken with rider on the bike. Handbook is not recommending this.

[@John_Neves]

@@basics2802 46mm is fantastic. 👍 Regarding measuring the chain with the rider on the bike, honestly, since i starting paying more attention to chain slack, (since a workshop overtightrned it once, causing the bearing to damage, and then not assuming the responsibility,) i have not seen that kind of reference in the service manuals of the bikes i have owned since. And honestly it doesn't make much sense. On my travels, many times i have to do my own maintenance. It's impossible for me to sit on the bike and adjust the chain at the same time 😁 I'm sure motorcycle builders are aware of this, and give us measurements that allow the necessary adjustment, for a one person job. 👍

[@basics2802]

🖒o.k., sounds convincing. Have a good Day ⛱

[@DanielCastro-md1ow]

thansk for the video, quick question, can I loosen the axl nut whilst it is still standing on the rear paddock stand? or does it need to be on the ground for the whole chain adjustment process? thanks!

[@John_Neves]

Hi there 🖐 Yes you can, but the tension has to be set as explained in the video. 💪

[@The1977andi]

Just used this video for my chain, very helpful 👍

[@kelljah]

Thanks John, followed your video, I too read 4 notches left and 5 notches right before I adjusted? Only required a quarter clockwise turn to tighten up to 43mm? However, adjusted my Bmw g310gs yesterday and notches were balanced with a huge improvement when ridden. So, may recheck the Trident.

[@John_Neves]

Be sure to read the notches properly. Good luck 👍

[@octmotto5830]

Great video,would like to see a suspension adjustment when riding with 2 on this bike cheers

[@robertrobhog]

Great video good detail . Interested in your heated grips video as i have just bought some .

[@John_Neves]

Thanks man 👍 Great, I'm just waiting for the grips to arrive, then I'll get that video moving 😉

[@darrenkitching220]

At approx 6mins into video when you spin the wheel there is a rotational squeak? I have just got my trident and after first ride this squeak appeared, obviously only noticeable with engine off and moving bike around but same noise? Every has been rechecked for torque, tension etc. Any ideas what it is or is this another normal noise from the trident?

[@ufukgoren33]

Brake pad ?

[@darrenkitching220]

No not a metallic noise, definitely not brake pads.

[@halohalohikers3571]

I will now forever only work on my trident in a three piece suit. 😎

[@John_Neves]

If you're gonna do it, do it in style 😁

[@nerychristian]

Hello sir. Thank you for making this video. I checked my chain. And it was the right tension. However, I did notice that the wheel alignment appeared slightly off. If I just want to adjust the wheel, do I need to follow all these steps, or is there an easier way to do it?

[@John_Neves]

Adjusting the wheel position will slightly change the chain tension. So yes, please measure the tension after adjustment. The whole procedure 👍

[@nerychristian]

@@John_Neves Thanks

[@05gt99]

Excellent John, thank you for this video.

[@leszekswoboda9721]

Thank you Sohn and best regards from Germany!

[@John_Neves]

No problem my friend l. I'm happy the video was helpful for you 👍

[@SteveSweetness34]

thank you sooooooo much. my chain got sooooooo loose (not sure how) i thought it was gonna fly off...it was bouncing and rattling around making awful noise in first gear

[@John_Neves]

I glad the video was helpful for you 👍

[@nerychristian]

I like your intro. Where do you mount your camera?

[@John_Neves]

Hi there 👋 Thanks 😁 I mount it on the right hand side of the helmet 👍

[@legionof666]

Hi John, QQ, I got a brand new '23 trident this May and have around 500km with it. First time I've cleaned and oiled the chain was around 500km, but soon after I've started to hear some noise from the chain, like ticking noise when pushing it down the street or riding it. (I don't remember hearing that sound until now). I've measured the distance as you shown (and indicated in the manual) and found it to be around ~53-57mm (tightest to loosest). Could the ticking sound be because of the loose chain? or I didn't clean and oiled it properly? Is there any danger riding with the chain within my current setting? Thanks for the valuable info you proved on your channel!

[@John_Neves]

I find the chain on this bike to be a little noisy. Maybe due its quality or just the design maybe. If it's in Spec it's fine.

[@callmekitt]

Thank you for showing the difference between a slack and thight chain! And I dont own much tools so you little life-hacks are welcomed also! :)

[@John_Neves]

Im glad it was helpful for you 👍

[@ruslanahmadov-947]

I got in 2024 new from triumph dealership tiger 660 and when i arrive to the garage i check the chain. Because some noise was and if you have some experience 2 seasons u can feel it . they chain was not tied ( lucky i have bike lift ) and i did it by my self .before ride always check your motorbike . on aprilia strada after service they change front break disc but didnt use they right screw , after 30km front break disc started make noise the all 5x screws on they lock tait was open after good Break . so its you responsibility and your life and you bike (yes we are not mechanic and pro ) but we can do same check (thanks youtube )

[@cgg200980]

Can I use a paddock stand to keep the bike upright while I measure the chain slackness?

[@John_Neves]

no. 👍

[@williandelucca]

joao de quanto em quanto tempo voce troca o oleo:? com quantos mil km ?

[@John_Neves]

Uma vez que num ano não se chega aos 16k kms que a marca recomenda, fazemos uma vez por ano. 👍

[@williandelucca]

​@@John_Neves então, pergunto pq to pensando em comprar uma mas ando 100 km por dia, ia usar pro dia a dia ( estrada) mas fico preocupado com custos de manutenção e principalmente com a necessidade da troca de óleo sendo que aqui no brasil cada troca irá sair por uma média de 350$ atualmente. você troca só a cada 16 mil ? pra um uso diário em velocidade de cruzeiro oscilando 80--100km/hr a cada 3-4 mil km estária bom será?

[@John_Neves]

@@williandelucca para fazer 100mks por dia, honestamente aconselho uma moto com carenagem e vidro, estilo a cbx500, a transalp 750, Por aí fora 👍

[@williandelucca]

@@John_Neves quanto a isso pra mim é tranquilo, atualmente eu uso uma fazer 250… kkkk A dúvida era mais relacionada com óleo e manutenção mesmo pelos custos, gosto de ter tudo planejado antes de comprar sabe. Quanto a conforto etc por enquanto não ligo pra isso ainda 😂

[@sharpgaming6237]

What an incredibly sad story, this happened 30minutes from where I live, I even know some of the officers in the video. May her young soul rest peacefully.

[@nicktulloh]

That's how I've been measuring chain tension for 50 years. What previous bikes have you had that don't do it that way and how do they do it?

[@John_Neves]

This is my 15th bike sir. I´m not a newbie by no stretch. On all the others road bikes, slack was measured by pushing the chain up and down, and measuring the distance, if that makes sense. My dirt bikes were different of course. I'm glad to see you agree with the video though... I´m sure others will come along and debate everything i said 😁 Nowadays there are special tools and lasers to ensure correct alignment don´t you know 🤦‍♂️

[@nicktulloh]

@@John_Neves sorry, didn't mean to imply you were. Your dramatic "never seen before" intro had me scratching my head. I looked in the manual and you're right. 43-55m in one direction rather than 20-30mm total in, for instance, a Speed Triple. Something doesn't seem right here. I have a deposit down on a Tiger 660 so I'm interested to find out what design difference indicates a chain looser than 'normal' by a factor of 4.

[@John_Neves]

@@nicktulloh thats quite okay sir. I felt the same way when i found out how to measure the chain of this bike also 🤣 It just seems odd, and I'm sure many will over tighten it... Triumph workshop did it to me at her first service....So... What's most odd is the 55mm slack still being in spec, whilst the bike rides like crap...It's a stupid amount of slack, as you can see in the video. But hey... i want to suppose Triumph knows what there doing.... 👍 Take care mate, don't forget to subscribe. Next up on this playlist will be the instalation of original heated grips, in case you're interested 😉 Good luck with the New tiger 😎

[@nonopus3125]

Thanks John

[@John_Neves]

My please. I hope the video was helpful 👌

[@PhilTT660]

Does the wheel has to be on the ground to adjust and tightening the bolts?

[@defragdisk]

thanks for the video mate

[@John_Neves]

Glad it was helpful 👍

[@TheJWC56RSA]

Thanks and well done.... maybe a torque wrench (for the rear axle nut) will be a good add-on tool! Regards!

[@John_Neves]

Yeah... the torque wrench would be ideal 🙂 I hope the vid was helpful nethertheless 👍

[@TheJWC56RSA]

I found you a well mannered person with a golden voice!

[@John_Neves]

@@TheJWC56RSA oh. Thank you very much 😊

[@ruahinesrider]

55mm was loose as I surprised that is in spec.43-46mm be the one.

[@kerem__can]

Is there any weird sound at 2.gear between 2900-3000rpm ???

[@biodavas]

Which size is the axel not ?

[@John_Neves]

27. It's in the description my friend 👍

[@nielostyn-rh4dr]

Why is it normal that a bike with new chain and sprockets has difference in tension at some points. I can't really wrap my head around that. Could someone explaain that to me?

[@Jay_Speed]

Very well done John, check the chain on my Trident. It has only 500km now but you never now. How many km are on your wife's bike now ?

[@John_Neves]

Glad the vido was helpful :) My wife's bike has just over 3000km at this point :)

[@jrloPanigale]

Hey brotha aside from the good content I like your personal style! Sub’d!

[@enigmajourney6367]

Do you know how much torque should I apply to tighten the rear axle nut?

[@John_Neves]

Hey 🖐 It's on the description. 110nm. 👍

[@stuartbaker4444]

Good video although I’m in the UK the chain rusted badly even though its serviced and greased. I’ve had over 30 bikes never happened before I believe it is a budget chain poor quality so changed it for a DID gold chain.

[@michaelvonhoren8782]

Great video, a very helpful add-on to the manual. And straight to the point as well.

[@bobpisone7327]

nice job!

[@mcquoidd6917]

hey there, i just got mine brand new and the chain feels ok and measure well at 45mm BUT i never noticed the dent holes since this video... the chain side has 4 and the other side is clearly 5? is this a major... should i be concerned here

[@williamc4353]

I know you just tighten the bolt, but what is the true torque foot-pounds for that nut

[@GWBunny602]

The Axel nut is 81 ft lbs/110Nm. The adjuster lock nuts are 9 ft lbs/12Nm This is also in the manual pg113 (at least in my manual).

[@mickleblade]

A carefully calibrated 110Nm elbow there! I think many of us were taught that chain tension is 'about an inch', well maybe it was on old bikes and the cg125 I Iearnt on. Most modern bikes are different. Did you know an Mt09 has 5 - 15mm of slack? I feel something is odd with its Geometry.

[@John_Neves]

Eheeeh. Oh yeah, old school torque assessment here. Never lost a wheel yet 😁😎 Totally remember that also. Back in the day, i don´t even recall ever reading any owners manual. What manual? First gear down, the rest all up. How many horses? That's all i wanted to know 😃 Mt09: 5 - 1.5mm oh my god! No wonder service shops nowadays bugger up chain slack. They are all different! So what bike are you currently riding? A trident?

[@mickleblade]

@@John_Neves in on a cbf1000 but wasn't to change to something smaller and lighter. The upcoming tiger 660 ticks all the boxes, hence watching your videos, it will have some similarities. The tracer 7 looks good as well.

[@John_Neves]

@@mickleblade you will love the lighter weight. Guaranteed! On the tiger i would only be concerned with turbulence caused by the shield. Ensure you give it a good test run on the motorway before committing. Wind turbulence on a bike is very, very annoying. 👍 I could be wrong, and I'm eager to try it out, but i think the trident could actually be the better bike for solo riding. Have you test riden the trident?

[@mickleblade]

@@John_Neves no, I've not ridden the Trident yet. I'm a little older than you, I want light weight, a screen to hide behind, a decent pillion position for my wife even though she has a bike too, and a high seat for my long legs. And it needs to be decent quality and OK to service. So, Tiger 660, Tracer 7. Maybe NC750X but the seat is low, its overpriced, underspecc'ed and heavy. Versys 650 is enormous and V-Strom 650 has poor quality brakes and suspension.

[@John_Neves]

@@mickleblade i fully understand the dilema. There is no perfect bike out there, every bike is a compromise... why do i still have my strom after 16 years? Because no matter what bike i try, and I've tried a few, i never feel any of them is perfect, and worth my money... My strom is stupidly comfortable both one or two up, has loads of space for luggage if i need it, more than enough power and torque, and it never breaks down 😁 Are you sure the Tiger will not be too cramped for you? On videos I've seen, the riders legs seem a little bent to me....

[@trpbhat]

Hi, can you pl mention the hex socket size for the axel nut and the spanner size used for the 2 chain adjusting and fastening nut.. trying a DIY based on your video😊

[@John_Neves]

Hey there. Of course 😁 I should have mentioned it in the video 🤦‍♂️ Socket = 27 Wrench 12 & 14 👍

[@trpbhat]

Thank you. Going shopping now😁.. for the tools. will update you once done

[@trpbhat]

Hey!! Chain slack adjusted. It was close to 49mm while i started, and this was after getting the chain cleaned and aligned by the triumph service guys🙄. To my surprise, i also noticed that the alignment was off considering that 3 dots were exposed on the left side, while there were 5 dots in the right.. atrocious right!!! Never gonna trust the service center guys again! After the slack adjustment as per your video, now the chain stands at 34 - 42mm range. Bike feels different, no in gear jerking between throttle inputs. Both side set at 3 dots.. Thank you 🙏

[@John_Neves]

@@trpbhat that's fantastic 👌 Please assure your measurements are correct 👍 43-54mm Also ensure you count the dots on the plastic number plate holder, ( they are hard to see) to ensure your chain is properly aligned 👍 I'm glad this video helped you 🙏

[@ducksjs.8361]

쉬운 설명으로 체인 조절하는데 도움이 되겠어요 고마워~🙂

[@John_Neves]

영상이 도움이 되셨다니 다행입니다 💪👍

[@Langor]

** looks at his super pitted chain that's not been adjusted in over a year ** Well i guess it's time to suit up

[@1990-t1j]

I have found that I don't have to adjust the chain. It gets done at service if it needs it. The measurements should always be taken with a rider on the bike. Tighten it too much and you can damage the gearbox output shat bearings. Useful video.

[@mickleblade]

You need to ré-read the manual, measurement are NOT taken with the rider on, see page 101 of the English manual.

[@PNH63]

Bit rough round the edges but principal ok

[@PNH63]

As soon as I see a biker with no protective clothing I switch off. If they haven’t got the sense to wear it nobody can learn anything from them!

[@jeremienafe5834]

I always get your videos, and they suck

[@John_Neves]

😂😂