How To Adjust & Align Your Motorcycle Chain | The Definitive Guide

[@peter.knupffer]

This guy makes up for all the amateurs giving borderline dangerous advice. Thank you Dr V-Strom 🙏🏼

[@elijahbrown2458]

I an positive that this man has the best running V-Strom in the world lol

[@DrVstrom]

Thanks. Its actually a well maintained motorcycle that since 2017 has zero problems and no errors codes, changing only fluids and spark plugs once. Ride safe.

[@CuillinG]

I'm going to have to adjust my chain for the very first time ever on my 650. Thank you for the detailed explanation and nice and slow so it was easier to follow. First I need to buy a torque wrench though 👍

[@DrVstrom]

Thanks, glad it helped . Ride safe

[@rokhnroll]

Doctor Vstrom these tutorials on the vstrom they are methodical and precise with excellent images and narration. Many thanks for posting, efcharistoúme gia ti dimosíefsi, odigíste me asfáleia

[@DrVstrom]

Many thanks!

[@fernandorcesar]

Very clear and objective. It´s a pleasure watching your videos.

[@DrVstrom]

Thanks my friend, it’s a pleasure to receive comments like this. Ride safe

[@pedlpower]

I thought I knew how to adjust a chain! I was wrong! Lotsa good info and tips. Thank you!

[@DrVstrom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gilang27]

Very nice explanation. I bet most people out there don't do measurement like this. Which means, many chain sets out there are not perfectly aligned.

[@DrVstrom]

Thanks. Equally important is not to have the chain too tight or too loose :)

[@yiannish1627]

Άψογο βίντεο γιατρέ, ευχαριστώ πάρα πολύ, μόλις αγόρασα πρώτης γενιάς V-Strom και αυτό το βίντεο ήταν ότι πρέπει, να σαι καλά! 👍🏻

[@DrVstrom]

Σε ευχαριστώ Γιάννη, καλές βόλτες.

[@UncleWally3]

Worth the wait until 21:36 - using a simple laser to check chain alignment; that’s new to me. Thanks!

[@DrVstrom]

Yes Walter, Some videos are longer but I try to explain well to both skilled and less skilled people and there is a lot to share. Thanks

[@HaggisPower]

Good coverage of the essential points. I use the German made Profi line laser Chain Alignment Tool which is a very nicely made device. I also measure the pivot to axle distance to confirm the alignment is correct.

[@Nomad-Drifter]

Top man! Excellent detail thank you for the helpful information. Compared to most riders your demonstrator didn’t effect the chain tension much lol. Afharisto.

[@DrVstrom]

Thanks

[@ChefGuruJeff]

Wow, I still can’t believe that I was able to properly adjust my chain on the kickstand. It worked perfectly, now the bike performs like new! Thank you. But now I have to figure out when to replace the chain/ sprockets using the measurement guide.

[@DrVstrom]

Thank you, ride safe.

[@josergranadosm3184]

Greeting from Costa Rica! I follow your vids like a hawk! Thanks you for taking the time to make them. I have a 2016 model but... most of this apply..

[@DrVstrom]

Thanks Jose :) from the beautiful Costa Rica. I m glad my videos are useful

[@sorhaimi]

Thanks for being so helpful !!

[@DrVstrom]

sorhaimi Thanks :)

[@paolodalozzo2571]

good morning I find your videos very interesting, and really filmed in a professional and understandable way. I follow you from Italy could I ask you to enable the subtitles with the Italian translation to be able to understand them better? it would definitely be a good thing for many who don't speak English well and can't follow you. thank you very much

[@DrVstrom]

Hello, thanks. I understand what you are saying. However, its not on just enabling subtitles. Have chased youtube and they dont care it does not work. What subtitles you see in some of my videos its because i typed them by hand word to word. This takes a lot of time. KZbin does not generate automatically subtitles for my videos.

[@orecnal]

Thanks a lot Dr Vstrom, your video is very helpful. Grettings from Colombia!!!

[@IoannisParapontis]

orecnal Thanks man, I appreciate it. Ride safe.

[@Mythix2]

take a shot whenever he says chain

[@owlexS]

😆

[@Aquaryus1000]

Thank u very much! It was very helpful,clear and pro! All the bests!

[@DrVstrom]

Tibor thanks mate. I appreciate that :) . Ride safe.

[@stevenc3809]

Excellent video. I learned a lot! Thanks mate!

[@ChosenBlood1]

This guy is a great help!

[@lyubengeorgiev1751]

Another amazing video with so good explanation! Just one clarifying question: When is the best time to perform this operation? In the other video about chain cleaning and lubrication, you are mentioning that it is good to check the chain links condition when it is already clean and dried (just before lubrication). I guess that it will be the right moment to the adjusting and alignment as well.

[@DrVstrom]

Thanks my friend. Regarding your question. "In the other video about chain cleaning and lubrication, you are mentioning that it is good to check the chain links condition when it is already clean and dried (just before lubrication). I guess that it will be the right moment to the adjusting and alignment as well." Obviously the link condition can be seen more easily if they are clean and dry as you can see if some are stuck or are worn and move more than originally as a result of the forces they experience. The state measurement of the number f links you can do even if the chain is not super clean and dry. Alignment and adjusting of the chain can be done both in a clean and a dirty chain. In general also the following. 1.Best time to check for the state of chain/links and sprockets: Every now and then and definitely more often as the chain gets used more and more (perhaps a good indication is exceeding the 15K kms) Not saying that it might have a problem just to ensure all is ok. By the way there are defective parts as well and you can see in forums people finding cut chain o-rings inside the front sprocket cover. Not in my case though as I take good care of it. 2.Best time to adjust & align: Depends on the use (ie off road, long trips) and also on how often you lube and if you hear noise from the chain. 3. Best time to clean the chain: Depends on the off road use, type of lubricant used, rainy conditions, winter salt road conditions, etc 4. Best time to lube: More often when you drive in rainy conditions and do a lot of trips. Depends also on the kind of lube you are using. A rule of thumb, every 500 Kms check and lube if you see needed. 5.Best time to apply lube: Always after you clean, dry and warm your chain by going for a short ride. Hope that helps. Ride safe

[@jvlook1]

Thank you doctor! You helped me out a lot

[@DrVstrom]

Excellent, I m glad it helped. Ride safe :)

[@long_vacation_tour]

Thank you very much for this detailed video 🙌

[@adalbertusignatius4967]

In my manual of a SV 650 it says that the last step is to tighten the screws where you adjust the chain. Nobody does that in the videos, but when I dont do that, the wheel slides to the position where it was before adjustment after I ride a few meters with full power.

[@DrVstrom]

If you look at 23:30 of the video when i tight, i have placed a screwdriver to the chain to remove excess slack. That means that the adjuster nuts are secured where they where adjusted. So when the axle nut is tightened like that, normally and in my case the 2 side adjuster nuts never move. By all means you can go ahead and tight just a bit.

[@fernandorcesar]

What do you think about LED headlight lamps ? And inside the same subject : LED auxiliary lamps !

[@DrVstrom]

Do not own them, but if you want should be fine as long as the headlight bulbs do not have significantly different characteristics (eg way lower W than the stock bulb?). The power generated but is not being used gets back to the stator, generating heat that might affect its life. Stators were a weak point on vstroms so maybe you should check the differences between stock & what you buy to install. Of course it also depends on your riding conditions and temperatures. So an area to focus might be the associating light load changes that might affect stator life more negatively than a heavily loaded system. Hope that helps a bit.

[@fernandorcesar]

@@DrVstrom In my country, any alteration to the lighting system on motorcycles is prohibited since last year. LED lamps can only be used if they come from the motorcycle manufacturer or through a legalization process with the regulatory departments. Too much bureaucracy for my taste. I gave up!

[@fernandorcesar]

Instead I installed auxiliary ones long distance and fog ones. They work perfectly and the diference is notable!

[@alejandrodominguez8732]

Awesome video as usual, thanks!

[@DrVstrom]

Thanks :)

[@janSlon-nw1kr]

Dr. V Strom, any idea why theres is no cutter pin on the rear bolt like all the other bikes that i was having in the past?

[@DrVstrom]

I also had these in older bikes. Now some of the nuts are safety ones as the one on the last generation 650 Vstrom.

[@kramer2965]

Thanks for your fantastic videos, as I have a 2019 DL650. I changed out my front sprocket to a 16 tooth, same chain. Also installed a SW Motech center stand. Now the bike seems to wallow a little on varied surfaces and gusty winds - nothing major, but before mods it was rock solid. Any thoughts?

[@DrVstrom]

Can you specify what exactly you experience and mean by wallow and what these surfaces are?

[@kramer2965]

@@DrVstrom Thank you for your reply. The bike seems slightly loose or light, seems to move or wander a bit, and doesn’t feel quite as sure footed as before. These slight sensations are random and can occur on asphalt or concrete, but mostly occur in gusty winds and grooved interstate highways in the US - mostly at speeds above 50mph/80kph. Previously, the bike felt very stable - almost immovable. The bike does not feel unsafe. I re-adjusted the chain alignment and slackness and felt improvement, but I still occasionally experience these sensations. I recently replaced the OEM Bridgestone A40 tires with new Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires and seem to feel this sensation from the rear (possibly). The bike has approximately 5400miles/8700km. Perhaps, I corrected the original problem with chain adjustments, and now experience a different sensation due to different type of tires. The tires now have approximately 200 miles on them. Perhaps it’s my imagination!

[@DrVstrom]

So then after this info, things that come in mind are the following: 1) If you have the xt model, check your spokes if some are loose and your wheel is no longer in true. 2) Since you changed tyres, it might be the case that one of them is defective, or you braked too hard and has an anomaly in the surface or the wheel is not balanced correctly with weights as before 3) the chain alignment is of course very relevant as well as both wheels installation especially the front. I will try and make a video on that. 4) last you can check for improvement by adjusting your suspension perhaps here kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWfZlKRpbKeUeqs Let me know how it goes

[@kramer2965]

@@DrVstrom Thank you for your insights. I have cast wheels but will check the other items

[@segipak]

Thank you! 👍

[@DrVstrom]

You're welcome! Glad it is helpful :)

[@windsurfed1]

Great video! Thanks for making it. Very clear and slow.

[@TheNenadrakicbg]

Thand you for your time to explain all of this. Very good. But also, thank god for speed up function. You are talking way to slow :)

[@DrVstrom]

Slow talking for people who need the full detail and to understand. Thanks. Also there are chapters in m videos and you can jump to the area you are interested :)

[@TheNenadrakicbg]

@@DrVstrom Thank you for your anwer. Did not ment anything bad :-) It's great to have someone like you to help 👍

[@DrVstrom]

No worries, I did not take it bad. There are people out there who are not very technical and I m trying to all support them with my videos. It would be much easier for me to do 5 min videos and skip a lot of theory and steps but then people would not know what to do. :) ride safe my friend and Hvala.

[@long_vacation_tour]

You made my day 🙏

[@DrVstrom]

You made mine as well :) thanks

[@williamyamm8803]

Nice video. Thanks from France. In my owner's manuel of my v-strom 2010 there is no indication about the 21 pins and the lenght limit. You get the information in your owner's manual ??

[@IoannisParapontis]

William Yamm this info is from the official Suzuki Service manual. Not the user manual.

[@williamyamm8803]

@@IoannisParapontis Thanks a lot for your quick reply. Your video are great.

[@nishantnanda8404]

So just to recap First loosen the axle nut and adjust chain slack. Then remove excess slack with a screw driver and correct the chain alignment. After that tighten the axle nut and then remove the screw driver. Is that correct?

[@DrVstrom]

Yes but first find the tightest point before you untight and measure/adjust there

[@nishantnanda8404]

@@DrVstrom yes thank you so much !

[@DrVstrom]

Anytime friend. Let me know if you need something else

[@nishantnanda8404]

@@DrVstrom i was able to do the chain adjustment for the first time and your help was great!

[@DrVstrom]

Excellent. Dont hesitate to contact me for anything else that you need. Ride safe.

[@David-ju5ci]

Great help thank you.

[@N5Gunner]

For me, after adjusting the chain and wheel alignment, and torquing the rear axle nut, the chain adjustment bolts were very loose, with the silver metal plates that they insert into (at the end of the swing arm) being loose. After the axle was torqued again, I then tightened the chain adjuster bolts to just snug them up a bit - is this common, and acceptable? I figured once the rear axle was torqued tight, the chain adjuster bolts shouldn’t impact anything if I snugged them back up? Thanks

[@DrVstrom]

Hello, Did you remove the slack as I do at 19 min? In general Its ok if you snug after you torque and it does not make a difference. Hope that helps.

[@mightymouse6293]

What kind of top case did you put in your V strom

[@DrVstrom]

On my 650 I had a givi maxia 4 because it has space for 2 full face helmets or groceries and it is very stable plus looks nice

[@electriccars-EV]

Thanks

[@Max.527]

Thanks doctor!

[@DrVstrom]

Thanks Max

[@taol3944]

Thank you very much

[@janSlon-nw1kr]

you need to loose only left side bolt or both sides?

[@DrVstrom]

Loose one, hold the other

[@janSlon-nw1kr]

@@DrVstrom thanks 👍

[@robertmatarei500]

My timing chain is not lined..how can I align it..

[@MrThunderbirdfire]

Superb:)

[@MichaelMarkus-f4f]

super😁👍👊

[@DrVstrom]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@JNSNBTTN]

Why would you sneak up on the target torque value like that?

[@DrVstrom]

I ve seen torque wrenches and people manage to exceed the intended values. It's not mandatory, just gives more confidence to people who seek for it.

[@rbhawaii2]

@JNSNBTTN Incremental torquing is regular tightening practice for all critical torque situations.

[@DrVstrom]

Well great that you are aware of it but my intention is to pass it to others as well

[@Marcinciecierski629]

cool girl in a helmet

[@surdzo]

It is good that v strom community have you but sometimes it really scares me how much time you need to spend to properly maintain your bike. sometimes after your video it seems that money spent at official dealers are money well spent even suddenly everything seems cheap 🤣😂😄😂🤣

[@DrVstrom]

Well thank you. The long time is for newbies who dont have experience. When one has the experience they usually have the all steps and the correct approach to avoid damages or wrong adjustments that will create problems. My videos show all these steps for the unexperienced in an attempt to save them from unpleasant surprises. As for the dealers that you mention its not a Matter of time or cost only. Its a matter of quality work. Regarding this particular task, the dealer i bought the bike from had a mechanic who adjusted the chain for me at the 1st official service and another guy that bought the 1050. I immediately told this mechanic he adjust the chain with too much slack. After I insisted he did it how I asked but The 1050 owner did not bother. The result was that the chain for the 1050 came off after a few days damaging the parts of the bike and hurting the leg of the owners girlfriend. Now, you can continue to find this funny or realize that motorcycles are not cars and the risk is much more high if one does not know what they are doing. Between doing things right with time and getting hurt, I prefer the 1st.

[@surdzo]

@@DrVstrom I completely agree with you. For 25 years I was working in automotive dealerships and I know exactly what you mean. For sure, I watch all your videos about maintenance of V Strom which will be maintained by me immediately after warranty period. for now I use information just to check if they properly done their job. My previous comment intended to be funny and nothing else. Thank you again for all your efforts all those years 🙏 Cheers from your country, Im in Vrahos now 🙂

[@DrVstrom]

Ride safe

[@Daz533]

I love this guy but by god he waffs on

[@DrVstrom]

Love him with his flaws. We all have some. And regarding this, this guy tries to cover all levels of experience. Ride safe.

[@juanjoserodriguezreina5315]

Please, subtituls in spanish!!

[@DrVstrom]

I need to type all words one by one because google does not auto generate subtitles for my videos. I will add as doon as possible.

[@juanjoserodriguezreina5315]

@@DrVstrom ok, thanks. This vídeo is a ver y interesant! But is true, is very work!

[@johnparos4109]

Από προφορά σκιζεις

[@DrVstrom]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKWlY6ilbM-BmMU

[@maciejswiercz9737]

I fell asleep during this one .

[@DrVstrom]

Great, now you know what you have to do when you cannot sleep B

[@robertzhubi5079]

Oreos ise

[@DrVstrom]

Thanks :)

[@Buzz.Scholz-vi1ed]

I wore my chain out then had a sleep while waiting for you pronounce each word painfully slowly. Too long. Too complicated. No one will do it this way mate.

[@DrVstrom]

Numbers say otherwise mate. That's my way and if you don't like it by all means go your own way.

[@Buzz.Scholz-vi1ed]

@@DrVstrom Well mate, my first v strom has 163,000km on it, and my second one 93,000km. Mostly on dirt too, in outback South Australia. I ride bloody hard too, with my rear tyres lucky to last 5,000km. Not cheap tyres either, I use Metzler tourance. With an average of 30,000km lifespan on my chains, I must be doing something right. I use DID chains, and rivet links. My bikes have never been in a bike shop since it's 500km to the closest one. I reckon my numbers speak for themselves too.

[@DrVstrom]

Congrats