How To Adjust a Motorcycle Chain and Sprockets at RevZilla.com

How To Adjust a Motorcycle Chain
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All the engine performance in the world means nothing if your motorcycle chain isn’t up to the task. In this guide, Lemmy heads to the garage to show his tips and tricks for how to adjust a motorcycle chain properly. From finding the right level of chain slack for your preferences, to the interaction of the motorcycle chain with the sprockets themselves, there is a lot to consider when working with a motorcycle chain that often gets overlooked. As one of the most common pieces of overlooked motorcycle maintenance, this how-to guide is all about providing riders with a list of specifics to keep in mind as they look to get the most out of their motorcycle chains.

[@Eunostos]

You made this simple enough that I managed to do this maintenance task for the first time... despite Autism. So, thanks. I will be checking your other material.

[@ZTRCTGuy]

Ben Richards... Really? Having autism doesn't impede doing maintenance work on your motorcycle at all... On the contrary, the eye for details and perfectionism (just a few examples) makes you more likely to do a better job. I've got Aspergers myself.

[@Sfekke]

@@ZTRCTGuy 8 months late but, while Autistic people have an eye for detail, some have trouble following steps if they aren't clearly laid out. It depends from person to person, I for one don't but I know someone who cannot get most things done without step by step instructions.

[@davidverba3431]

@@ZTRCTGuy you have no idea how bad his autism is so you should let him be happy and proud of himself without downgrading the fact that he did it and you have aspergers. maybe hes new to bikes and is really happy with himself and just wanted to share it. leave him alone.

[@ZTRCTGuy]

@@davidverba3431 I'm not downgrading anything. Simply pointing out that it makes no sense in the light of autism that one would have trouble adjusting motorcycle chains, especially considering it's symptoms. This video is a clear step by step instruction. I do not understand how you can think I'm purposefully downgrading someone with autism, because I aren't. Also, I could use the same argument you did. You also don't know how bad my autism is.

[@xaviermccloud4586]

@@ZTRCTGuy I agree with you. People who like to point out their disabilities in situations that don't require it are usually trying to gain acceptance and attention like all humans ;). We all need attention sometimes bro.

[@HeyCosby]

I don't even own a motorcycle yet but I'll watch anything with this dude teaching me.

[@randybone3148]

Most (all?) states have a deal where you can get your motorcycle learner's permit, then take an accredited motorcycle training course (if you can ride a bicycle, you can handle the little 250 cc bikes they use in the courses). If you pass, and pretty much everybody does who makes an honest effort, then you get your motorcycle license for a very small investment. I know people who never got around to buying a motorcycle, but are still very proud of the fact they earned the license.

[@slimshadyowns]

im not sure how that is a deal...that sounds like getting your license...i live in communist canada and it is not any harder to get than that. just like getting a car license but with a bike instead...as the name would imply...

[@RedxFaction]

By "Communist Canada" you must mean "a nice place to live called Canada, which I have minor gripes with that I blow out of proportion" because you just seem kind of that guy. Anyway, you can get your license in the US just by showing up with a bike and taking the road test. The motorcycle course coupled with the road test is to actually teach you how to ride properly. It also lowers your insurance premium because it doubles as a defensive driving course. Motorcycle riding is inherently dangerous, and proper training can save your life. That's why it's a deal.

[@rob3568]

@@RedxFaction nah I think he means shitty communist Canada

[@johnwest8037]

Yes!! more female riders who can at least understand motorcycles, yes plz and good job for you too

[@davidhawk19]

Who else knows damn well how to do this, but watches anyway because Lemmy is awesome?

[@deveshyadav5776]

if you got time then compare lemmy,s way of presenting things to arrie hanning .I am sure you will get the answer.

[@tydedrick6]

What if you adjust too far ? How do you get it back again?

[@donniebaker5984]

I do i do i do , pick me, and meet "Beadle Juice" she's my CRF1000 to your left !

[@vincentgizzi3465]

IS a half inch to tight on your chain?

[@willturner397]

Yes but Lemmy's balls need to drop. That high pitch, cracking voice requires face crush.

[@paycheck247]

mount the chain alignment tool before adjusting chain slack...keep an eye on it while you move the axle...much easier than checking it after everything is already tightened

[@chia-kengpeterchen5614]

The most comprehensive chain adjustment tutorial on KZbin !

[@DillonMartin]

First time adjusting my 2002 Yamaha FZ1 chain. My bike rode noticeably better afterwards. I was a 1/2 inch over the max slack measurement per my manual. This was a great demo! As the man said, look at your manual and apply the knowledge in this video. Personally, I ended up measuring off the bottom of the swing arm instead of the top. This is the only thing that was not verbally expressed in this video, but (based upon other videos) should be totally fine to measure that way. LOVE this channel!

[@NubsWithGuns]

Put the ruler and manual away and learn what your bike wants instead. My manual tells me to make my chain so tight that it will mushroom rollers in a week.

[@sammyscrap]

I just got one of those ChainMonkey tools and have only used it once so far, but I really like it in terms of eliminating the whole guess and check approach to achieving proper tension. Chain tension is one of the most frequent maintenance items to perform so it makes sense to invest in tools that make it a breeze.

[@xR0b0x]

Ill always watch a Lemmy how to video!

[@waynekachur3708]

Lemmy good instruction. I'm an instructor for safety and you do a fantastic job, both with your voice and knowledge.

[@broderp]

Hey Lemmy, it's not so simple if you dont have the nice lift and are having crouch down and do this. Also "floating" the ruler is a bad idea. You can be off by a considerable amount leaving the chain out of speck. I use the back side of a tape measure, or paint stir stick. Using your bike as an example, rest the stick or tape measure on the swing arm. I mark the low point of the chain on the stick then mark the high point. I now have two marks that I can accurately measure. Because the stick was resting on the swing arm, its repeatable with no floating ruler to mess with. Many manuals stay to measure the chain slack while on the kick stand. Isnt this the same as being on a paddock stand? The point is to have the suspension compressed. How much difference is there in chain slack between a motorcycle on a kick stand vs a paddock stand? I will tell you there is s ton of difference in the labor required to recheck and readjust! Awesome video Lemmy, as always.👍

[@Bass1923]

Terrific maintenance videos, Lemmy. One suggestion for this one. Go ahead and let your ruler rest on the top of the swing arm because this is the only way to hold it steady when measuring the slack. You can't hold it steady in mid air while raising the chain. The starting point for the pin will now be at say, 3/4 inch. Lift the chain and see the upper limit of the pin, say it tops out at 2 1/8 inches. Subtract those two and you have 1 3/8 inches with the added benefit that this is accurate because you can be sure the ruler didn't move during the process. I will watch your other vids because they are always informative and give me confidence to do my own maintenance. Thank you.

[@bradleyalexander5821]

I have purchased many parts from your company and have found a great tool, (your how to) videos. Thankful as always 👍🏼 👏👏👏 😎

[@outuvcontext]

The beard scale had me laughing. Love it!

[@zacharymaneja1207]

I love all the extra details and point you went over throughout the video

[@zigzigler5111]

This man talks like an actual motorcycle technician. I like it. 👍

[@aliphilipoom7073]

Why can't all how to videos be like this. So clear!

[@GregoryTumaiBrown]

Thanks, man. Straightforward and clear to follow. Like the chain care video.

[@ttantrum7948]

Watched this video, went out and worked my 2000 Honda ACE about an hour later. Good shit, mate. Cheers

[@nomadpi1]

Noticing comments - some applause. However, as a math teacher, I critique this as you skipped two points. (1) you didn't show, or tell the distances, the marks on the bar , along the guide forward/backward are in lengths. (2) Putting on the chain link guide, there was nothing said re: what to do after mounting it - how to read, or where to examine the data. Also, show an example or two of common error someone might encounter. Rock on!

[@szatanica1]

Perfect for a morning coffee :)) Keep up Lemmy, love the videos!

[@winnieboi]

Lemmy try this......

[@fatguykai5432]

How’d it go

[@masarusato5103]

Fucking stupid 😂 I love you for this bro

[@jared123123]

Great videos. Very impressed at the balance of efficiency/ no-nonsense and detail to these tutorials. Not too long or jabbering on about somewhat irrelevant stuff but doesn’t leave out any detail that’s even slightly important. A++

[@keithdighton]

Thanks for the video, I'm totally new to motorcycles and hadn't a clue how to do this until I watched this

[@australianbleach8594]

Lemmy: So what we are doing today is an engine rebuild to replace the piston, if you have seen someone do it, its very simple. Probably a 1 on the beard scale of difficulty

[@Jabooty_Williams]

It's actually really easy. Just so long as you mark your timing. Everything just comes apart.

[@syednameen]

Dude you have spent lot of time and slogged a** to build this beautiful video

[@172389]

Even though this is a "one bearder", for someone who isn't good with tools or with mechanics in general it looks like it would be really easy to F this up. Video was very helpful so I know what I'm getting into before I take everything apart and realize I'm in over my head.

[@zeez9053]

Cannot begin to think off a better how to video instruction

[@gvs5318]

Thanks for the infectious enthusiasm Lemmy

[@idnic19]

Thank you so much!!!! 60 year old woman who's mechanic backed out on me this year as my bike is a 1980! Says he had to make a cut off year for old bikes!!!!WTF been going to him for years!

[@benjaminschack3178]

Tbr-7 rider here. my long haul daily driver and I are on an adventure of discovery together and your video is awesome. Just had my chain slip off 200 yards from home for a scare. Luckily this is just the fix I needed thank you sir.

[@maxlopez4117]

I watched at least 10 videos before i worked on my bike. This one was by far the best one. !!!!! Thanks man. Much help!!!!

[@shanetconnor]

"Be free little axle nut, be free"

[@benshaw5757]

DDT’s Fr D fffdfdyf

[@brandonchrisco9617]

He is a very good teacher to learn from very understanding

[@allaboutricerockets4881]

This dude's the real deal and not just pulling our chain. Sorry, that just came out. No pun intended :) lol

[@kawabungah20]

Thanks. I learned a lot. I need to buy a Motion Pro Chain Alignment tool. It's faster than a string alignment check . Thanks again.

[@AAproductions1994]

Saw this when it first came out, but watched again because it's a revzilla video haha. Keep up the great content guys!

[@memine5723]

The KLR comes with the tools you need, less a measuring stick. So if you bike comes with a tool kit you can check it to see if it comes with the correct sized wrenches.

[@DarxusC]

I'd love a video on what to do when, for some reason, the manual's specs aren't useful. For example, on my bike, when tightened to spec, the chain gets way too tight at its tightest point. So, maybe a suggestion of amount of slack at the tightest point (possibly with both sprockets and the swingarm pivot lined up, if you don't have any tensioners).

[@bueller48]

excellent. just getting back into dirt bikes and this is perfect info. thanks.

[@patdennis3751]

The motion pro alignment tool is nice, but for those of us without all the fancy tools you can just eyeball it for square and spinning the wheel. Spin the wheel and the sprocket teeth should self center on the chain rollers if the wheel is squared up

[@connoraldridge7335]

Thanks so much for this video. First time having to adjust my chain, I’m not mechanically minded at all but this video made it so easy!

[@diamondyorkie6973]

Ty Revzilla always appreciate your maintenance videos !

[@Ladosligese]

Torque levels in my part of Denmark .. 1 grunt for easy .. 2 for medium .. and 3 for hard torque value

[@skidz8426]

btw when you measured the chain slack 5:45 you said it was 2 3/4" it was more like 2 1/4. you had the ruler on the swing arm so the bottom of the chain and you were measuring to the top of the chain I'd say the chain was about half an inch. you should either measure from bottom to bottom, or top to top of the chain.

[@drew657]

Out of spec is out of spec. Could've been 5" and the result is the same: needs adjustment.

[@blob2092]

Lemmy the legend

[@yonathanlapidot8598]

Veryyyy noice man! Been riding for a long time and always had to go to the shop to do this...gonna give it a try myself! Thank you!

[@forrestculver7301]

Lemmy gives me, the least handy person ever, the confidence to get stuff done.

[@ThatThrottle]

Excellent video. Thank you!

[@mysteryport]

8:10 most important Tip of all time.

[@dale-fi1fi]

Thank.god lemmy does these videos as im new to all this an he makes it so easy to learn

[@danieltull3622]

Lemmy at it again! Well done.

[@jbean530]

If you need a bike stand to do this, how are we supposed to do this on the side of the road? That’s the main part I’m confused about. Good video.

[@showtime813]

Information in this video is priceless.

[@TheOmegaRevolution]

Am I the only one here who loves the simplicity of snail adjusters?

[@lobster1002000]

My 74 Can--am t'nt 175 had these!

[@jelleschele4398]

I need to tighten mine as wel but if i put my axle way back my chain is still to loose but im concerned if i take 1 piece of it will be to short

[@sandersho4008]

Thanks for this video! The most detailed and helpful I've seen on this simple but fundamental topic.

[@packgrog]

My god I miss Lemmy.

[@fizzy_b8532]

So how do you loosen the chain if too tight .. would u have to u loosen the wheel and push foward and start over ?

[@svalson]

You're a master teacher. Thank you.

[@rce2288]

Thank you for this video. It is very helpful!

[@jimbo92107]

Thanks Lemmy. Your videos really make sense.

[@jayadevns10]

Need a video on Engine Flush. Thank you.

[@petercrooks4984]

Thx it was as easy as you showed 👍🏽

[@billbob9304]

Is it ok to run with the adjustment of the axle blocks inside of the hash marks, or is that not recommended?

[@travisl5125]

Wheres the part he fixes sprockets? I literally came for that. Mine are loose

[@ldrider82]

I noticed you don't stuff a rag in the rear sprocket. I have seen other videos where they do or even use a screwdriver in the sprocket. Is this really necessary?

[@phantomshtter]

Okay... what if you've changed rear sprocket size? Factory spec goes out the window. What then? Total deflection (bottom to top) isn't a listed spec for my crf300. Increasing diameter of the rear sprocket moves the chain further away from the swing arm. How much at the measurement point I don't know.

[@bgoliger]

How hard should you pull up and down on the chain when measuring slack? Should I just use finger level pressure or push up and down as far as I possibly can?

[@RevZilla]

Firm finger pressure is fine. No need to force it. -DrewZilla

[@anamikariders599]

Thank you buddy

[@BILL33336]

Okay I get how to tighten it but how do I loosen it. When I turn the nut the opposite direction it just turns and turns HELP

[@themza912]

You should've mentioned the chain alignment check tool when you mentioned special tools.

[@GreatSS4]

I like this guys style

[@WILLY52368]

Ok here's my question, when will someone do a video explaining how to adjust chain but with a snail type adjuster instead of these type of rear axels? Or there is but I just haven't seen one, if that's the case can someone post a link please?

[@MykMallett]

This guy is a legend

[@TheJazzhandz]

putting the ruler against the swing arm is probably what you should do instead of just floating the ruler. seems kind of like the way everyone tries to measure things by holding up their hands.

[@TheJazzhandz]

Yeah I get that it's pretty leanient and I see that you do have to remember about the production, I too work with cameras and production occasionally. But it's just odd that you wouldn't place the ruler against the swing arm and then just use whatever numbers the chain moves too. But hey it's arguing semantics so whatever. Keep up the good work tho

[@thealvaco]

watch out for uneven chain slack people. One part of the chain may be slightly longer than another. Find the tightest spot on you chain and work with that slack.

[@chrisc6874]

thealvaco yes, he should have mentioned that. it's often overlooked. also, the trick with the screw driver in between the sprocket and chain when tightening. I'm also wondering about the floating ruler as he's measuring. that's kind of inaccurate cause your hand is moving around. i didn't understand why he didn't just set the ruler against swing arm, push chain down and measure range of travel from where center of pin was. that way the ruler is held steady

[@thealvaco]

ZLA Lemmy thanks for the reply.

[@paulkazjack]

@ZLA Lemmy if your chain has tight spots its because there's ovality in the running gear.

[@172389]

Kawasaki Vulcan S owner here, just bought it and haven't had to adjust the chain slack yet. The owners manual says "set the bike up on it's side stand (bike does not have centre stand), rotate the rear wheel to find the position where the chain is the tightest, and measure the maximum chain slack by pulling up and pushing down on the chain midway between the sprockets" My question is, how do you rotate the rear wheel when the bike is on it's side stand? The wheel is under weight in that situation.

[@Hermelin.G1]

172389 ask a buddy to help you. he should lift the back slightly and then you spin the wheel.

[@sailorking9480]

Great explanation great job god bless you

[@alialnasri6972]

Excellent and very informative 👏👍

[@brianlyle5266]

Great tutorial on chain adjustment! Thank you! Appreciate the detail.

[@refranklin]

Good video and good instruction

[@petebusch9069]

Lemmy is the best.

[@the_original_Bilb_Ono]

I have a cb250 and at 65mph on highway my bike is revved way too high. How do I know what adding/subtracting teeth will do to my RPM/speed combination? Do you MUST change both sprockets if you change the teeth to one of them? I just need a bit less RPM at 65mph. Can I use the same stock chain as well? I'm so confused what I need to lower my RPM at 65mph...

[@RevZilla]

The change in speed is a simple fraction or percentage, as the sprocket sizes are a ratio. Generally sprocket averages are around 3:1 or so, like 45 rear and 15 front give or take a few front or rear. If you know the RPM at 65mph with the stock sprockets, use the fraction of the new sprocket sizes to calculate the change in RPM. There are online calculators that will do it for you as well. As for changing sprockets, you don't have to change both. You can just change one if you want. The cheapest is generally to just go up a tooth for the front sprocket (the countershaft sprocket). That should drop the RPM at 65 enough to make a difference. However, understand that acceleration will be slower. -DrewZilla

[@stevegriffith7236]

Would love to see a video for single swing arms.ie...ducati.

[@danielb1563]

Agreed 😅

[@johnsmith-gk4td]

Awesome video.....very professional and informative!

[@quez.designs]

First find the tightest spot on you chain and work with that slack. It's often overlooked.

[@jonmulack4226]

If you have a tight spot, your chain is on its way out.

[@karashibass]

@@jonmulack4226 Tight spots are caused by eccentricity between the rear sprocket and axle, thus even new chains can have tight spots.

[@jitsu5478]

I need help finding the right chain size for my 2017 KTM 690 Duke. I was looking at the EK chain 525 ZVX3 which says it's compatible with my bike on your site but I don't know what size. Also a compatible rear sprocket to go with it.

[@MrJohnnynapalm7]

Very informative video - thanks for sharing 👍

[@sickcowpie8586]

I almost went blind trying to see if the rod lines up with the chain. Any comments on replacing the rod with something longer? Is alignment tool accurate enough to ensure alignment? How accurate do we need to be?

[@RevZilla]

There's no need to replace the rod with anything longer. You want to get it as straight as you can, but you don't need to be stressing about fractions of a millimeter. -DrewZilla

[@CBRRR-eh3ky]

Great well presented info. Do you have a video on valve clearance adjustments?

[@RevZilla]

Thanks. Currently, no, we do not have a video on valve adjustments, since that can be very bike-specific. -DrewZilla

[@sathamsatham1414]

bro how to increase 2 stroke bike speed

[@JohnLetra]

Just buy the Yamaha r3 brand new only 3 mile on it 2 Month later put 3500 mile on it today bring it to the dealer to get oil change and routine check up and find out I have to replace the chain 258$ 😕😕

[@Finding-Fish]

awesome, thanks for the info

[@christianxzowner2958]

You do 80 or a 100nm wet ...with neverseize?

[@christianxzowner2958]

For the axle nut

[@luckymetal3929]

Thank you

[@MrFameone206]

Thank you I knew I needed too adjust the on 2k R1 but didn't really have the confidence to do it... but watching this made me realize it's not that difficult to do... love your video bro thanks for all the great tips

[@jessiedivincenzo5215]

I wouldn't trust the stealership to do it. Recently had a blowout on a ride up in the canyons and had to get towed back to the stealership and I don't believe they got my rear wheel perfectly aligned it's off to the naked eye. Better to do it yourself rather than put your life in someone else's hands. There are good mechanics and then there are those that in no way should be working on bikes.

[@Dr4g0nW00d]

When he put on those black latex gloves He was meaning business

[@MASKINA]

Thanks for video.

[@houseofcheung]

wow, super clean bike!

[@DADSGETNDOWN]

Pain in the butt to do older, 80's rear adjuster style. I don't like or understand the way they work. Always holding or pushing the tire forward, and the right side is always back further than the left. Seems to only be good to keep wheel from going forward to boot.

[@johnscott9829]

Does it make a difference with it on the kick stand or like you have it on the center stand?

[@blob2092]

You should check your manual. Many bikes specify that the tension should be checked with the bike on the sidestand.