Ducati Multistrada 1200 - Chain Cleaning and Adjustment

[@Mach1Mike407]

OK - so this vid is 10 years old now ... but it is STILL the best one. I refer back to it often. THANKS

[@innertube39]

I'm new to the multistrada, my chain needs adjustment. This is one of the best maintenance videos I've ever seen. You are a natural, calm and very well explained. Thank you. Time to adjust mine 👍

[@innertube39]

Did mine today. Very simple. Thanks again 👍

[@zordflea]

I posted this video almost 6 and a half years ago, and I'm amazed that I still get regular comments lol. I miss my Multistrada...

[@ashten92]

Did you get something better, like a Panigale V4? Lol

[@Gutterflower18]

@@ashten92 multi is always better

[@robs7741]

I looked at this video a few times. Now I know how to do it correctly.

[@doccarmaster7447]

Yes, this video is still a good support for maintenance. 👍

[@scottbowles9574]

9 yrs now. Ppl still watching… are you still riding motorcycles

[@drachwitz]

I’m a new Multistrada owner and I’m doing my first chain adjustment. This was quite helpful. Thank you.

[@skinnykid02]

just watched your vid and tightened my chain. I was gonna have the dealer do it until I found this vid. Thanks so much!!

[@RodrigoSilva-bj3gs]

I have my Multistrada for a couple of months now and I'm still amazed on how everything is so different from other bikes... From turning it on to adjust it's chain.

[@andreauerswald581]

I have to adjust my chain the first time. This helped me a lot. Thank you!

[@DizGuys]

Great instructions...I love how you included packing the tools away at the end 😁👍

[@richardstrohm6449]

Just got my 2013 mts today. cleaned and lubed the chain and read the manual about chain tensioning. Your video is the first youtube one i watched and it was perfect. Really clear description of the tools and their use. Thank you for taking the time to post this.

[@zordflea]

Richard Strohm You are welcome (^_^)o

[@TMAdventuresT7]

I pick my Ducati Multistrada Enduro up from the dealers on Friday, never owned a Ducati and needed to know if there's any difference in chain maintenance compared to my Kawasaki Z10r. Excellent detailed review, just what I searched for. Many thanks for sharing, ATB from England 👌🏼

[@cb8203]

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this! Excellent and clear instructions that worked perfectly.

[@christaylor5924]

Thanks for the great video really helpful

[@zordflea]

You are welcome!

[@wantucce]

This helped me take the anxiety out of doing this job. Completed now. Thanks. The whole job can be done with just the tools Ducati provides, but it adds considerable time to the job. AT the very least, making sure to have a socket set with a #10 hex head will make this go a hell of a lot faster. I will also be purchasing a torque wrench. I am sure it is overkill, but adds that piece of mind. Thanks again.

[@zordflea]

Chris Wantuch Having a torque wrench is very useful. I have one actually, but it's too big for tight spaces. Thanks for your feedback!

[@gullyrounere]

Definitely get a torque wrench. I tried to 'hand tighten' the final drive bolt on my vfr...ended up snapping the bolt (it only needed 13nm!) Had hypoid oil everywhere! Plus the bolt was stuck in the thread. Had to chisel it out with a rubber hammer trying not to damage the thread! 3hrs. Not worth it

[@AdrianRhinoPrime]

Good stuff! I got mine 2nd hand so realised that I am missing the whole tool kit under the seat. Just a mention that using kerosene is better than using WD40. Especially if you are using O-ring or X-ring chain.

[@MidwestMotoRider]

Great job, I think you did fine on the video, no reason to apologize it was very well done and the angles were spot on and it was all very helpful.. Keep up the good work!

[@zordflea]

Starbuk Fan Thanks! I appreciate the encouragement (^_^)o

[@muhammadraul6355]

I guess Im asking the wrong place but does anybody know a way to log back into an Instagram account..? I stupidly lost my password. I love any help you can offer me!

[@juliantaylor8371]

@Muhammad Raul Instablaster :)

[@muhammadraul6355]

@Julian Taylor thanks so much for your reply. I found the site on google and im waiting for the hacking stuff now. Seems to take a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@muhammadraul6355]

@Julian Taylor it did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thank you so much, you saved my ass :D

[@sailcraze]

A great video, I checked my chain and found the tool kit. I didn’t find the measuring device, but it looks like the chain is a little loose. Thank you. Never apologize for a good presentation.

[@PezRaider]

Thank you. I use this video every time I tighten my chain on my Pikes Peak

[@laurentgodel3413]

Great great vidéo. Very useful. Thanks ton speak slowly. I’m french and understood everything. I feel now confortable to adjust the chain of my MTS by myself. Thanks again

[@garyherd5751]

spot on helped me in 2021 videos like this will always be useful thanks

[@ashten92]

The chain manufacturers recommend terpintine or carosean to clean the chain, and that's what WD40 is, terpintine, so yes, great choice and great video, thank you sir.

[@jokin2496]

Didn't know what to do before seeing this so excellent and informative video. Thanks. Because this is a Ducati, the tool for the rear hub cap head bolts will not be 3/8 it will be metric....probably 8mm.

[@zordflea]

jokin2 Actually the closer is 10mm. Thanks for pointing it out though (^_^)

[@moreseun]

Amazing tips! And many thanks for the video. You did well to inform about things like not tightening one bolt all the way, using cardboard, keeping the splash guard on in winter weather etc. 👍

[@richardhatfield-elson3772]

Only just found this, have a 2012 multi, one thing have been told it should be urban and solo in ride mode as that is the highest setting, but still loved it, thanks and buy another.

[@0612Devil]

Outstanding video. Tightened the chain on my Panigale using it as a guide. Cheers!

[@zordflea]

You are welcome (^_^)

[@regav23]

Excellent video, ive just got a 2016 Multistrada and my chain is lose, this was perfect.

[@sailcraze]

I tried this today. You make it look easy. I had to use spray lube to get the hub nuts loose. The “C” wrench was cheap design and bent during use. I was able to get the chain a little tighter. There was also no chain tension guide in my tool kit. Looks like a trip to the dealer is in order.

[@zordflea]

If you had to loosen the nuts with penetrating fluid, then it sounds like your bike hasn't had it's chain adjusted in a while. Also rust/corrosion on moving parts will make it much harder to move the hub. You can see in my video that it wasn't super easy for me to move the hub either, and I know my bike was rust free. Sounds like maybe you bought your Multi second hand?

[@sailcraze]

@@zordflea Spot on! It sat for 4 months under a cover and some rain splash on it. The bike is due the 10,000 mile "Ducati Tax" service. Where those magic valves get serviced. The chain is the least of my worries. The dealer is 550 miles away.

[@sailcraze]

All said and done, it is the best motorcycle that I have ever owned.

[@robertofioravanti]

Thank you, my friend. You're natural! Save me a lot of concerns. Hope you now have a nicer bike, if that's possible 😅

[@garysym1]

Thanks for the video. I needed a refresher on the procedure.

[@Teknopuls3]

Dude...great video. You did awesome and explained it well for a noob to pick up and go. Thanks!

[@Miata822]

From the manual: "Chain tension changes according to the set Riding Mode. We recommend to carry out the gaging with load setting at Level 1 (“URBAN” Riding Mode and bike set on “RIDER ONLY”)."

[@An.Individual]

It's pretty bad he missed that part of the procedure, and did not use a torque wrench. He seems so plausible, I hope no one follows his advice.

[@zordflea]

Apologies for not mentioning the rider setting. There were a lot of things to think about mentioning when making this video so long ago. Also, I did mention the torque specs for the pinch bolts and explained why I wasn't using my torque wrench. Nevertheless, I think that them main crux of my video was the explanation of the asymmetrical hub, which is what confuses most people. Cheers :)

[@WilliamStewart1]

I never use a torque wrench when doing this on my Hypermotard, unnecessary on such a low setting.

[@mio-ww6dw]

@@WilliamStewart1 It's steel bolts in aluminium threads, I'd definitely use a torque wrench.

[@WilliamStewart1]

@@mio-ww6dw My SP is titanium

[@kerrym8234]

Great video - very straightforward and clear - thanks for making it. Just bought a 1100 streetfighter and the swing arm config looks similar.

[@zordflea]

You are very welcome! Yes, Ducati's single-sided swingarm configurations are similar. Especially the hub design.

[@bartdevalk]

thank you so much, couldnt ask for a better guide!

[@richbrock9876]

What great video, thank you so very much for taking the time and trouble to make it 🏆😊

[@holidayjoey]

I've let my chain run loose for way too long.. thanks for the easy tutorial!

[@brekkoh]

Nice dude! Annoying that every bike seems to set up differently, but thanks for such a thorough video!

[@toddlempe1454]

Great vid! I Like your clear, encouraging, methodical way. It creates the confidence to complete this!

[@zordflea]

Thank you for your comment!

[@mordauntbrabner3804]

Informative video. I would also rotate the wheel and recheck chain tightness at several points.

[@TheBladebrother]

Thanks man. Exactly what I was looking for. Going to get cracking on it tomorrow.

[@devonbiker]

I liked your video. I own 3x bikes all without a chain. This puts me off chain bikes cause I've gotten lazy.

[@MouldyPIX]

Really helpful and useful video, that’s my Easter Sunday job lined up on my MTS 1260s..👌👌

[@GazVanDyk]

Great video, thanks. I checked this out as my Monster 1200 chain looked a little slack. The method of checking tension on mine is different though. Not checked it since i bought it 3 years ago 😬, presumed the dealer did it as it’s been in quite a few times 😪. On mine you have to find the tightest point and push down. It has to be approx. 32mm from the bottom of the swing arm to the centre of the chain pins. I’ve not checked my tool kit to see if I have the tools you have. Gonna sort it tomorrow.

[@EntropiaGuitars]

Great video - thank you for sharing this info, makes it really easy to understand!

[@scottmathisen9698]

Thank you very much for an excellent, well narrated video. Nicely done

[@jimot3]

Thank you very much for video it helped me with my Hypermotard.

[@boyetamurao4661]

nice video bro and thank you for your time i just wanna contribute some thing in your demo coz ive seen a llot of videos, forums about the adjustment of chaiin of multistrada and they are saying different things on how too adjust until i finally went through the details and i found out that its not supossed to on the actual side stand of the bike but it is supposed to be on a side stand like the pit bull stand The bike should be standing upright set in urvan mode before measuring the chain from the swing arm pls check out the difference between standing sideways on the actual stand of the bike and a stand like the pitbull stand that the bike should be standin upright and you will see the correct procedure whhat i mean to say is if you adjust the chain sideways position it will be to tight it should be standing upright position squared to the ground i know for a fact that the manual says on the side stand but it should be standing upright check it yourself and see the difference

[@jusacsuryanata4651]

Fantastic mate! Such a great video with clear and thorough instruction!

[@stevemccann3976]

Thanks so much. I was looking at a Multistrada today. Glad I found this site. Cheers

[@garyleach5525]

Great help, Cheers from Australia. couple of hours, next time I will be quicker.

[@aluisious]

A little tip, an old sock over a nitrile glove is a great way to clean a chain. I use kerosene, it powers through grime.

[@zordflea]

+aluisious Absolutely! I'm using kerosene now.

[@VanEastBC]

nice little tutorial, very clear and well done. thank you.

[@zordflea]

You are welcome! I'm glad to have helped.

[@marciomorais7517]

Awesome video. Thank you for taking the time to record it.

[@accouswk]

Definitely helped. Thanks for taking the time to make, edit & post that. Well done.

[@cavemancale880]

Great job good explanations I just got a 2016 Monster 1200R so this was a need to know information. I'm also in school for Motorcycle Mechanics so I was curious how single side swing arm adjusting was done. Thanks!

[@timgibson2540]

Thanks for the clear concise video, it’s helped me out.cheers

[@MrCraiger527]

Thanks so much. You did a great job and I should easily be able to do this.

[@cscott242]

mate you have made an excellent video and even I can follow it! Thank you for sharing I really appreciate it

[@whittlad]

Thanks for a great and well thought out tutorial.

[@sailcraze]

I have been experimenting on the modes. I do a lot of curves and hills in this area. I have found that sport mode does well with cruise control on hills. In the tour mode, I have to downshift more. It has more low end torque. Since I am a Woos, I set the other parameters like tour mode, safety.

[@relital3362]

Great camera job, thanks for sharing.

[@djmcommish12]

Great video man! Appreciate you posting this!

[@mike_michalis]

Nice and well done video. Really helpful, thank you for taking the time and making it. Cheers!!

[@EastyUK]

Great video mate. Job for tomorrow on the MS.

[@markhunt4120]

Really helpful video - thanks! The manual isn't very helpful so thanks for taking the time.

[@anthonykanters4747]

Thank you for the video! I adjusted the chain of my Diavel thanks to you!

[@donaty27]

thanks for the video man. keep posting I use this as a guide to do mi 2011 1198

[@gregmorris2022]

This is an excellent video. Thanks for posting it. 👍

[@tamdem1]

Thank you very much for your clean explaination,it is so usefull for me 👍🏻👏🏻

[@TheTomekka]

Best greetings from Poland:) Great video, very informative. I own diavel so the procedure is the same - I need just to check in the manual whether the bike should be on its sidestand or kept vertically ( diavel does not have centerstand)

[@zordflea]

All chain adjustment is done on the side stand. This goes for pretty much all motorcycles. It says so in my manual. However, I put the Multistrada on the center stand for cleaning the chain because I can spin the tire. You should invest in a rear bike stand if can. Cheers!

[@marcofabbri5051]

Thank You for the very clear explanation 🤙

[@MouldyPIX]

Really useful, thanks for taking the time to upload ..👌

[@igoin187]

Thank you very much for the help and the Nice video. Left hand for greeting 🍀😊

[@nuffysbuilds3750]

Great video, thanks for sharing mate.

[@herbert1804]

Fabulous. Thanks for posting this. Helped me a lot!

[@ShawnCandy]

Great video! Thanks for posting it!

[@zordflea]

You are welcome!

[@tommypunkrock2006]

Thanks bro. It helped a lot! Greetings from Italy!!

[@jeffhopkins8131]

Thanks for posting the procedure to do this, very useful, however, unless I've missed something you have forgotten the most basic part of adjusting a chain, which could potentially cause major problems on a bike, chains wear unevenly, especially as they get toward the end of their service life, you have to find the tightest point of the chain cycle, ie the least slack point before you adjust it, otherwise, it gets too tight and could break either the chain or the sprocket. Sorry if I've missed the part where you did this?

[@zordflea]

You are correct in your observations. When I made this video, I was still very new to the subtleties of motorcycle maintenance. I'm still surprised by how popular this video is tbh. I suppose the main takeaway from my video is showing how to adjust the chain specifically using the tools on the hub.

[@gullyrounere]

I plan on getting the 2015 dvt version. What a good instructional video!! Very descriptive and calm with good presentation. Thx from London..on a side note how have you found living with your MTS? In terms of reliability running cost etc. I'll be coming from a honda vfr1200 which has been through 4 winters and is bulletproof

[@AugustoMoraes13]

Thank you bro! You helped a lot!! 👏 👏

[@garidouf]

Thank you! Very clear tutorial

[@zordflea]

You are most welcome (^_^)

[@antoniomanias3054]

Complimenti per il video , grazie per le informazioni , sei stato bravo .

[@MemoryLaneCinema]

Very helpful video Zord. Thanks.

[@garrygerke5374]

Can’t see exactly where your locating the adjusting tool ? Is it just on the inside(wheel side) if the sprocket ? Thank you for the video 👍

[@jamesthomas8473]

Good video , but you forgot to mention the most basic requirement and that is you must check where the most tension is on the chain by rotating before you check the distance. If you measure at a point where the chain is most slack you could over tighten the chain which could cause damage to the bearings.

[@zordflea]

James Thomas You have a good valid point here. Unfortunately when I made this video, I was (and still kinda am) new to motorcycle maintenance.

[@polB4rt]

thx! nice "how to" video that helped me a lot!

[@Teknopuls3]

This guy is awesome...would ride with him anytime.

[@dominiquefermine1790]

thank you very much! very good tuto, perfect job!!

[@ericaragona1834]

Bravo et un grand merci c'est exactement ce que je cherchais. :-)

[@del8798]

Great video well done

[@gdurmus90]

Great video many thanks from Turkey!^^

[@bjarneolsen1]

Just what i needed... Thanks

[@billl.9966]

Perfect!! Great job and very informative. Cheers

[@zordflea]

Thank you!

[@martinhub3737]

Nice job. Looks like Multistrada has more tools. I have Hypermotard SP and these tools didn’t come wirh

[@zordflea]

Thanks! Perhaps because there is less space under the Hyper's seat for a bigger toolkit?

[@kuhndj67]

Great Video... how often do you check the chain (my 2015 is on order)? Only other comment is that most of the pro's I've talked to say to never use penetrating oil on your chain (gets past the seals and breaks down the lube in the chain). What you should use is up for debate... but penetrating oil is bad apparently.

[@zordflea]

I check chain tension like I check my tire pressure, which is fairly often (but I'm not anal about it). But I tend to go by look and feel rather than use proper measurements unless I'm actually doing the chain adjustment. During the rainy/winter season I clean my chain about once a week, otherwise once every 2-3 weeks. Well, I've used WD-40 on all my bikes, and I've never really had any issues. The key is to make sure you properly apply lube after cleaning. Because later as you ride, and the chain heats up, the lube will work it's way into all parts of the chain.

[@fabiankohn2247]

Thanks a lot for sharing! Best 👍🏼

[@Gatorres13]

Great Job. Thx 4 posting.

[@amarazri6054]

Good Job. Perfect & Clear

[@msjj000]

Great job - thx. So best to use a torque wrench? The chain looks super tight after adjusting - is it or is it just a visual on the video?

[@adrenalinejunkeee45]

Thanks! Helped out a lot!

[@idzfar2002]

Really good to share with us.. Thanks a lot..

[@AdventurousWanderer]

Amazing tutorial 👍