How To Adjust Your Motorcycle's CHAIN & Alignment

✅ Instagram: / motorcyclemecha
Ride at your own risk. Moto Mecha disclaims any liability incurred in connection with the use of the concepts outlined on this channel/videos. You alone are responsible for your own safety.
#mechanic #dyi #repair #motorcycle

[@motomecha530]

Hope this is Clear and Concise. I'll post more videos on how to adjust chains using different types of adjusters styles. If you have any questions message me on Instagram. instagram.com/motorcyclemecha/

[@savage22bolt32]

My '67 Bultaco Pursang had what we called "snail cam" adjusters.

[@mrv9467]

At the end, that was @MotoJitsu celebrating your new subscribers. 🤣 Thank you for the videos, bike maintenance is a huge part of owning a motorcycle, especially if you plan long rides.

[@motomecha530]

Hahaha!

[@TheJimCramer]

Thank you so much! That was explained very nicely, especially getting that rear axle perfectly aligned. Cheers!

[@motomecha530]

You’re welcome!

[@NathenMixon]

That was a good video. I could feel the frustration in that pause at the end lol

[@supresto8214]

This is the best video instruction I have seen on adjusting motorcycle chains. Keep up the good work 👍

[@motomecha530]

Awesome Thanks! Here's a way of supporting the channel. www.patreon.com/user?u=79385810

[@Nidox669]

great job. i'm impressed with the precission! nice camera shots with laser pointer. thank you for help. very inspiring

[@motomecha530]

My pleasure! Thanks!

[@motomecha530]

Thanks! And you’re welcome!

[@BlackThor15]

Short, simple & very informative, awesome video, well done!! thanks for sharing your knowledge!! 👍👍

[@motomecha530]

My pleasure! More to come!

[@jamesdspaderf2883]

Excellent instructional video. Thanks! (that a&&hole, every day LOL- every neighborhood has one)

[@motomecha530]

LOL Thanks!

[@BeachLover-kn5ov]

Do both axle bolts need to be loosened ? Every video I watch only shows the side of the chain being loosened but lockouts are loosened on both sides

[@motomecha530]

Hmm, not sure what you mean? I loosened the axle nut, the axle itself is held by the axle spacer on the other side on this bike, and it isn't, then you need to use a wrench on the other side to hold it from spinning. What bike are you working on?

[@BeachLover-kn5ov]

@@motomecha530 an R3

[@garrettwebb407]

This is the best explained video ive seen

[@motomecha530]

Thanks! Hope it helped out!

[@gmbmedia28]

Thank you Sir I learned a lot watching your videos great help for a new big bike owner

[@motomecha530]

Awesome! Glad it's helping

[@doitdamnit]

Congrats Mike for achieving 1000+ subscribers! I'm happy 4 U👏👍

[@motomecha530]

Thank you!!!

[@terrycrouse1704]

I really appreciate your videos. Thank you!

[@motomecha530]

You’re very welcome! Stay tuned!

[@anovastat]

Great videos. Came here as a Motojitsu fan a while back. We definitely need more of these reliable maintenances videos on youtube. I think this is a real niche service for youtube that I hope continues. I've subscribed and set notifications to all your future videos. For a future video request, maybe some videos on pre-ride checks...safety things you, as an expert mechanic, would check before riding a motorcycle...safety items beyond just checking tire PSI. Thanks for this video though and looking forward to your next one!

[@motomecha530]

Yeah! I was thinking of that too, an in depth pre ride safety check, I’m workin on it! Thanks!

[@jose.anguila]

Thank you so much! ❤

[@motomecha530]

Welcome!

[@robertgiantonio7357]

Great video. Dumb question. If my axle isn't perfectly aligned. The red dot is moving as the chain rotates. What's the easiest way to adjust it? Loosen the axle, and then what? I'm a new rider, and I have a hard time making small adjustments to get the tick marks even on both sides.

[@motomecha530]

The tick marks are not always prefect. I would listen the axle and then adjust the adjuster bolts on either side to square up the axle, then retighten the axle.

[@gili7333]

Thank you moto for finding this Mecha😀

[@motomecha530]

Haha :)

[@alexfrolov7546]

Oh finally, i needed this video.

[@motomecha530]

Hope it helps, let me know if you have any questions.

[@NORD11-q4l]

Добрый день. Дружище, подскажи, какой момент затяжки у болта крепления ведущей звезды?

[@squirrellydog6472]

Are all motorcycle sprockets aligned so the tire is aligned in the swing arm? My owners manual says to use the marks on the thing a ma jigs and reference the marks on the swing arm. For the record I did it the way you described in the video.

[@Scoodee17]

I don’t like using the sprocket for attaching alignment tools I use the rivets on the chain for my basic motion pro tool I seem to get the best results but that’s just my opinion and that’s not to go by lol

[@pietrovardi9583]

1 plus sub. Greetings from Hungary. Your family name originates from here.

[@motomecha530]

Yup! My dad's side of the family is from Budapest :)

[@pietrovardi9583]

@@motomecha530 I live in Budapest. Pass on my regards. :)

[@keithburt7874]

Rich Wisdom, better technique to keep going on the Moto instead of the walking (they are epic stories for a reason)

[@motomecha530]

Very true!

[@RADIOACTIVEMASCULINITY]

My 2023 Klr650 says to adjust the chain with the weight off the swing arm to 1.2-1.6 inch slack. It makes the chain seem really tight when the suspension compresses. What’s your thoughts?

[@motomecha530]

I'd do the adjustment while on the side stand or on a rear swingarm stand, and check the slack with you sitting on it and make sure it doesn't get too tight.

[@AudunWangen]

I love that. Gotta get me one of those lasers.

[@motomecha530]

Yeah, I’ll try and find out where I got it and post up a link.

[@AudunWangen]

@@motomecha530 It's available on Amazon and a lot of motor parts shops, so not very hard to find. A cheap solution would be to use a stick you know is straight, and put that flush against the sprocket I guess.

[@mrazmichal94]

Hey Mike, just found this video, thank you! I will be adjusting the chain slack for the first time soon, in the manual for my bike (2018 Kawasaki Z650) it says to set the motorcycle on the side stand while adjusting. Would it make a huge difference if I do it your way on the rear wheel stand? Thanks!

[@motomecha530]

Should produce the same results.

[@paulspurlock599]

Do I need a center stand too or can I just use the rear stand?

[@motomecha530]

Just a rear stand works fine.

[@artgsxr3953]

Thanks for the tips and tricks any recommendations on chain brands???

[@motomecha530]

Yeah there's a few good ones. DID, RK, EK, Vortex come to mind. Just as long as you get the higher end chains and take care of theme you'll be fine!

[@tomg6284]

I use a dial indicator on my bike. With in 2-3 thousands seem ok to me.

[@motomecha530]

Nice!

[@GoGoober]

Hey Mike! Is the first step crucial? Trying to adjust the chain on my DRZ and don't have a torque wrench or the cool lazer. Thanks for the vid man🤙

[@motomecha530]

Yeah, you need to loosen the axle first. Cruise by the shop I’ll show you how to do it.

[@GoGoober]

@@motomecha530 Siiick!! Sounds good chief👍

[@abdulazizalhamar_]

I came from motojitsu channel❤️✌🏻

[@motomecha530]

Right one!

[@atgsat]

Do you have a video for changing front break pads on a sport bike ?

[@motomecha530]

Yes, I'm editing it this week. Should be out soon.

[@uses0ap]

Any input on adjusting chain tension based off the suspension loaded with rider weight?

[@motomecha530]

Doesn’t matter as long as you’re sticking to the factory recommended slack, which is often on a sticker on the side of the swing arm.

[@SydMaven]

Why torque down the axle, then check for alignment? If it was out, you'd have to slacken off again. What did I miss? Cheers.

[@motomecha530]

Because for some reason, it changes the tension. Especially on suzuki's. It's just a double check...

[@theNillaLenape]

Because torquing the axel nut tends to tighten the slack even after it’s adjusted.

[@HelloMisraji]

Nit: Thats 180 degree turn/increment, not 90 degree.

[@Motovibes91]

So first torque the axle nut and then the adjuster nuts?

[@motomecha530]

Yes, just because torquing the axle sets it.

[@NickPissanu]

Thank You.

[@motomecha530]

Welcome!

[@sujitmaharjan8385]

Motojitsu support u that's means ur badass

[@motomecha530]

Haha, Thanks!

[@christophermarx8706]

Should the bike be in gear?

[@motomecha530]

No

[@FromTheHood2TheWoods]

This crackhead put my chain too tight! I drove about 12 miles with it super tight. Do you think I caused any permanent damage? 2019 Kawasaki Versys 1000… just bought this damn bike can’t even enjoy it, all the motorcycle shops are too busy to work on it. Don’t wanna leave it there for two weeks. I’m out here in the Smoky Mountains. Just want to enjoy the summer! So aggravating.

[@motomecha530]

I'd say do a proper adjustment and see. I'll bet it's ok.

[@FromTheHood2TheWoods]

@@motomecha530 yea it was fine. I have a habit of catastrophizing every time something goes slightly wrong. It’s from growing up in a crazy household as a kid.

[@newlife155]

Were in the same club.​@FromTheHood2TheWoods

[@whitestar3531]

Thanks a lot was

[@motomecha530]

You're welcome!

[@toddboden972]

Check your owners manual before you take advice from these videos. Most bikes that I know of state keep bike on side stand not lift to check chain.

[@motomecha530]

Weight on swing arm spools is the same as weight on the tire on the side stand.

[@Klapz240fps]

😂 yeah I know what you mean by that guy

[@motomecha530]

LOL Some people...

[@KEFERMELENON-rv4tj]

that is no 90° 180°

[@joenickel2371]

Never trust your adjustment notches, and throw away your lazer tool! Sprocket and chain alignment is not that important, wheel alignment is. This how a motorcycle racer adjusts the chain; First you need a 6' straight edge. Press an aluminum angle iron against the rear tire, while an assistant measures the distance between the straight edge and the front tire, then repeat on the other side, then adjust. You will feel the handling improve instantly. I have been doing this since 1970 on all my race bikes and street bikes, and I have never come across a MC with accurate adjustment notches.

[@motomecha530]

Hmm very interesting. Thanks for the tip, I'll try it out!