Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 service guide, Checking and adjusting your motorcycle chain.

[@hariprasadparnapalli4604]

Here in India, at the Authorized service center located in Hyderabad, so-called specialist technicians do spray the cleaner followed by lube in just 2 minutes. Really surprised watching you doing this chain cleaning/lubrication in a carefully detailed way. Learned the process and from now onwards I will try doing this work myself. Thank you Conclusion: What they do at the Service center here is a True shitty cleaning/lubrication.

[@Jekyll_Hyde3005]

Recently purchased my RE INT650 and these videos are super helpful even after 4 yrs!!!

[@Richard-pe4cx]

how many viewers like myself went out half way through to check their bikes chain tension ,as someone else said your never too old to learn ,the more i see of this bike the more i like it !

[@fungiformenow]

Superb instruction from a very knowledgeable bloke with a proper accent and the correct trousers.

[@fungiformenow]

An English man would never leave the house in unsuitable trousers.

[@fungiformenow]

@@tomaszp614 there is no exception

[@aniln7452]

As always a perfect Staurt's style vlog.... I think silkolene must start sponsoring your vlogs, you have made the brand more famous in India than their own ads... If anybody from the company silkolene watching, here is your guy...

[@YogeshKumar-tk1sv]

I was making the mistake of not putting a piece of wood under my sidestand to adjust my chain. Thank you for correcting and because of your service videos, I was able to properly work on my interceptor.

[@robneil8284]

As always, love your videos. Might be worth mentioning that many chains have tight spots. Theoretically that shouldn't be the case...but it is. Nothing more annoying than adjusting at one point, only to find it too tight when rotating the wheel. I always rotate the wheel to find the tight spot, adjust there, and then re-check.

[@bluemorgan9066]

Rob. Finally!. This is the same procedure that i was taught. Surely, the load onto the final drive,(ie: on side stand ) needs to be checked, when the bike is under pressure at the rear. Also, i agree put back up on centre stand ,tight spot can be found, surely resulting in incorrect alignment, brake wear, poor handling, etc. It can take an hour or so, of adjustment, drop back onto side stand etc, then have to re adjust, etc. the spinning of the rear wheel, checking alignment, is an art. It may often be found at your next MOT, if you have an astute mechanic/technician. Good luck. Love oily hands and motorcycles.

[@johngifford7725]

The Interceptor is ny first bike with a chain. This video is immensely helpful. Your bike chain maintenance routine is pretty much what I used to do with assembly line drive chains. I'll check mine this weekend.

[@michaelross9782]

I have been doing it wrong for years always using the center stand when adjusting and spraying the lube on the outside, many thanks for the correct method, I will use this way from now on. Cheers

[@hendetta]

You the man! This vid is a great resource to all of us Royal bike owners and I salute you sir.

[@tinks43]

Well demonstrated & that white lube is a great visual indicator 👍🏻

[@terrierman66]

Even though I have just got the T120 I love watching all your videos Stuart and always learn something new. I have had the T120 just over 2 years and never realised that the chain is adjusted with the weight through the back wheel (just been out to re-adjust it, and it was tight!!!). So many thanks for another informative film and saving my chain 😊👍

[@summo1942]

I keep re-watching this video every time I need to adjust the chain on my Classic 500. Thanks, Stuart!

[@stuartfillingham]

be careful the classic 500 is a slightly different procedure.

[@abaeromod]

Thanks Stuart, you’re a great help. I paint the outside of one link with oil based paint then I know when it’s been all the way around. Also use paraffin and brush to clean.

[@stevenhill6214]

Excellent stuff! Bit disconcerting though to realise that, for donkey's years i have been wrongly adjusting my chain with the bike on the mainstand... they say you learn something every day.

[@valaudae1809]

Steven Hill Check your owner’s manual, Steven. For my Diversion, “on centre stand” “45-55mm” freeplay.

[@onanysundrymule3144]

I enjoy topics such as this, for something "as simple as" chain adjustment and lube is actually very important to vehicle safety and efficiency. Now Sir, you yourself very nearly got to an idea which your excellent video has itself sparked in my humble brain. It is this; if one is very careful to measure the difference in chain slack between centre-standed and pre-loaded, then one can simply add that difference to the manufacturer spec on every subsequent occasion, whilst doing it ON the centre stand. You found it was 5mm in your case, so on the centre stand, adjust to 25-35mm. Kind regards.

[@collyernicholasjohn]

I had the same thought

[@santoshrajagopalan616]

Getting some 'virtual' pre ownership experience and thoroughly enjoying it. Cheers Sir. Keep em coming!

[@ssreeni00]

Thank you Stuart for your time and detailed video.

[@walterpalmer2749]

Great needed videos. A well maintained bike by owner reassures proper working order and is a satisfying accomplishment. An unhurried job is the better, more thorough job.

[@brianclark3928]

Excellent video. I’m not sure how many times I’ve maintained a motorcycle chain. However. It’s always good to refresh the procedure. Stay safe and keep up the good work. 👍🏍

[@colin3150]

I have a 225 Yamaha Scorpio that is used as the intro bike for people wanting to sit their basic Skill test and must admit that I have never checked or adjusted the chain, just left it to the dealer as I did not want to stuff it up...what a waste of money, thanks Stuart, will be doing my own from now on, great easy simple instructions for those non mechanical types out there...maybe thats why I have owned so many belt and shaft drive bikes in my later years, Harleys and Honda Valkyries...Thanks again

[@jcruiz]

impeccable service guide stuart. i have already bookmarked your service guide series for future reference when i maintain my interceptor 650.

[@chakrapanid6089]

Yet another informative video. One that encapsulates your many years of experience....Keep them coming sir.

[@michaelburgess2993]

Many Thanks for explaining and very well, how to not only clean but adjusting the chain.

[@derp195]

Love this - no filler, just good info.

[@kevinb2773]

Excellent vid again there Stuart. BTW I agree with you about having the weight on the back wheel for checking the tension. It was slightly worrying though when I asked RE before seeing this vid and the answer came back to do it on a flat surface and using the centre stand. I guess to settle it one way or t'other adjust it using a paddock stand, then stick it on the centre-stand and see what the difference is. I feel an experiment coming on...... Keep up the good work, I always learn something!

[@kevinb2773]

Well, after a while I did the experiment. Put the bike on a paddock stand and measured the slack in the chain, then repeated using the centre stand. The difference? Absolutely bu**er all! Must be a geometry thing. 😊

[@michaelcarter365]

Chains should be checked for tight spots before making any adjustments. A good way to check the final tension is to have someone sit on the bike when it is off the stand. This will show the true play in the chain. Lubing a chain is the most basic job to be done by a dealer when having a service, it should not be missed.

[@stuartfillingham]

Yeah we have already covered those points Michael thanks.

[@malhamfields5261]

Thank you stuart. I have a himalayan and have been cranking up the k's commuting (based in NZ). Like other comments i have been adjusting the chain incorrectly. Onwards but in the right direction at last. Looking forward to the next installment.

[@richardcollins586]

Your ‘deep’ clean chain cleaning video on the T120 is still my go-to reference for when I do mine. Quite a few more steps than this video. I use Titanium as well.

[@stuartfillingham]

Yeah I didn't want the video to run over by too much Richard as we were including chain adjustment as well!

[@estaban3248]

Great tutorial Stuart, very informative on many levels and yes I definitely would and have done in the past checked and adjusted bike chains whilst on a centre stand, isn't education a wonderful thing 👌👍. I know this might sound daft but watching your 4 posts about this basic service they might have just swayed me into getting back on a bike after many years and as I don't want it to be all about getting my knee down, the simplicity of the RE and the attention to detail to making it easy for the rider to keep their bike in good shape and here's the daft bit, it was those two lugs to accommodate the fittings for a paddock stand that clinched it, I want a hands on fun experience to my bike ownership and for that reason RE is very appealing. Thanks again, keep the posts coming be safe and happy riding. Rgds Steve

[@pratimsaikia1]

Excellent guide for motorcycle service, the gentlemen’s way.

[@rickasker]

Yet another excellent tutorial Stuart. Thank you.

[@jaquesdaniels2964]

Enjoyed that as it was exactly how I used to do my chains (I run belt drive now and wish more bikes would-but then prices would go up,and there isn't really much wrong with chains- easier to change gearing and easier to replace). Only extra thing I did was to check tension at a couple of points along the chain, but I gave up on that as you can do that as you clean and lube the chain, and I found if there is a difference it was usually on a well used chain and so probably time to change it.

[@KRAM-zb2vc]

Thoroughly loving my RE Himalayan, brother is loving his and cousin is loving his too, and yes there are 3 of these bikes in the family 😃👍🏻

[@karlsquire8148]

I know this is an old vid but you make great DIY Vids. Thanks

[@Lovepreet_Singh93]

Thank you so much for making this video. It helped me a lot.

[@SanjeevRanaSanjeev]

There is a chain cleaning tip passed on to me by my Dad who bought our first Jawa way back in the early 50s after he got married while posted at Pune, Maharashtra. He often cleaned his bike chain once a month but never applied any oil or lube to it. He would say that oil and lubes attract dust.I remember as a young lad his mobike chain especially the rollers used to be sparkling and the chain used to last at least two to three sprocket set changes.I am following that procedure and only clean my Interceptor DID chain with Liqui Moly Rust Solvent.Thereafter,the chain is wiped clean with a micro fibre cloth.I am a regular listener of your blogs and would like you to try out this out if you feel inclined.

[@williamjosephroche2764]

A man after my own heart spot on well done

[@comhghallgeraghty3541]

I had been using a chain wax by wd-40 and the fling was driving me nuts! Time for a change. thanks Stuart great video

[@brockett]

Regarding the chain cleaning brush. I followed your link and was about to buy 6 when I noticed their post and packing charge was over £15. Notwithstanding this problem your video was very good.

[@stuartfillingham7011]

Er I'm struggling to see why Dave, its listed as free package and postage!

[@brockett]

If I buy one it's free. If I buy six I have to pay postage. Now that is what I call strange. I think I'll just use an old toothbrush.

[@stuartfillingham7011]

@@brockett ah it's because that puts the package size up which puts it into a higher freight category! Just put in 6 separate orders and they'll all be free p&p. Why the heck do you need 6 anyway?

[@brockett]

@@stuartfillingham7011 Eco warrior seeks to reduce postman's shoe wear. Super sleuthing there Stuart. I'l just order the one then. Please feel free to delete my posts. Best regards.

[@stuartfillingham]

Keeping them in a job !@@brockett

[@josemathew3916]

Thanks dear Stuart for your excellent video.

[@railchaser1]

Learned something new. Check the chain tension with both wheels on the ground, makes perfect sense. What I understand from your video is that I need to have a paddock stand in order to properly adjust the chain. If I don't have one I'll have to put the bike on the center stand, make a quarter turn adjustment, tighten everything up, drop it off the center stand, check the tension, then repeat as many times as necessary. Am I missing something? Without a paddock stand this has become a very laborious procedure. Clarification on this would be greatly appreciated. I am halfway to the first service (150 miles) on my new Int650. Keep up the great work!

[@stevewicks9718]

Thanks for the great tutorials Stuart, I'm looking at getting myself one of these bikes and these videos have been a great help, look forward to more, Cheers .

[@bartvu]

Thanks Stuart for all the effort!

[@gntv6000]

Brilliant video Stuart. Really informative. Many thanks.

[@Bigbellypopper]

Great video as usual Stuart. Thnaks

[@stevereynolds547]

Live and learn! Thanks! Potentially life saving information.

[@MBIKES21]

Enjoying your videos, very well made.

[@josejmourente]

cuidas los detalles importantes,eres un buen profesional

[@frankfeely9235]

I like that white chain lube, that's on the shopping list, my usual dry lube is almost impossible to detect after application

[@johnDukemaster]

Yep, drylube keeps your rear wheel tidy! :-)

[@midhryn]

very clever thanks

[@bsimpson6204]

Thank you Stuart, I've orderd a can of chain lube

[@motorcyclesInc.777]

Excellent video👌👌......please kindly also try to make a video on clutch lever adjustment in your upcoming videos ....🥂

[@juliangreaves5684]

Spot on. Great video, Stuart.

[@cristian4963]

Very interesting. Thanks for the video

[@jackgreider6347]

Ok that's next! I'll get at it.

[@andrewhannam.]

Great video as always!

[@nikbarr1721]

its fun when you have a sidecar on but when it comes to the chain 25/30mm free play after taking into account of tight spots

[@stevemiller7433]

Thank you. VERY helpful.

[@anoopg23]

This is how a bike is to be looked after..👌👌 with trust we give to the dealer service centre.. however the experience is quite opposite.. it's high time one should learn to do the basics from the manual than fully relying on the dealer..

[@royalenfieldracer7806]

Once again a great informative video Stuart. Thank you.

[@arthurpendragon7224]

Ideally the bike should be off the centre stand with a person seated on the bike, you could say that it will not make much difference, but there will be a difference depending on the size of the rider.

[@stuartfillingham7011]

Yeah that's a good point Arthur. Some owners handbooks used to specify that but as you say. Differences in rider weight made things quite variable.

[@burtvhulberthyhbn7583]

Precisely what I do. From the movie Forrest Gump, "you're a g*d damn genius Gump!"

[@bikestuff2223]

That's good news Stuart, I stopped watching because of too much Triumph content.. I've now resubscribed

[@stormytempest3907]

SPOT ON AGAIN STUART.

[@NaveenKotta77]

Feels soo good while watching your videos. 😍 Which camera are you using to record videos?

[@stuartfillingham]

Thank you, I use a Sony FDR AX700 Naveen!

[@blrmotorcyclesinc.]

Great video👌👌....request you to please also try and include clutch adjustment also in your next upcoming videos....eagerly waiting ....

[@YashaswiM]

Hello Stuart, so tightening/loosening the adjusters serve two very important purposes: > One is to adjust the chain tension. > Two, to keep the wheel straight (in proper alignment). Is my understanding correct?

[@Pauldanny55]

Very good video Sir... When are you going to install The Japanese Make GOLD CHAIN(which you installed in the TRIUMPH) for the INTERCEPTOR ??? ... Please install the Gold CHAIN Many of the Interceptor owners are waiting for it !!

[@stuartfillingham]

I have no idea at the moment Paul, it may be on the cards at some stage!

[@wapartist]

Great video sir!

[@ultimateoutdoors4659]

Hi Stuart. The stamped index marks on each adjuster don’t align with the vertical lines on the adjuster! In other words they are slightly different on each side! Is it the lines that need to align with the mark on the swinging arm or the stamped index marks? Thanks

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Very informative and well presented. 👍🏻 Some titanium lube on your exhaust silencer 😱

[@artman6789]

another great video Stuart you know your stuff. Do you mind if i ask you a question on motorcycle lifts ? i have a tiger 800 and have an interceptor on route should be here next week. i came across a video you had done on your stand. i am fortunate to have a double timber garage which is insulated and heated. ( built my self with a joiner friend) And its my intention after watching your videos to try and maintain both bikes as good as i can. dodgie knees from a time in the Infantry means i'm in pain kneeling. But if i can get bike up and sit on my stool on wheels. i sense i have a real chance of good motorcycle cleaning and maintenance practice.thanks for your time on this my friend and theres a brew on any time your passing the Scottish borders. Cheers and safe riding Tony

[@rajudesai1470]

Stuart your videos are informative. Thanks for the coverage of the interceptor DIY . I have a question regarding interceptor. There is a metal grinding sound in the engine. It there in almost all bikes. They engineer says it is a tappet sound. Please clarify about this. Thanks in advance 😊

[@stuartfillingham]

tappet noise is normal.

[@thomasfrank280]

Shouldn't the adjustment be done after cleaning and lubing and a short ride?

[@stuartfillingham7011]

Doesn't really make any difference either way!

[@johnk7814]

Question Stuart in the manual that comes with the bike says 20-30 mm of chain slack is the required amount but in the downloaded service manual says 30-40mm of slack??? I think the shop manual is too much but I don't know.

[@hugomoto650]

At what spot exactly to I check the measurements for the Freeplay? My chain touches that top plastic part. Must be loose.

[@vanyalizza9871]

Great video.What torque wrench do you use for tightening the rear axle nut?

[@stuartfillingham]

I have a King Dick!

[@vanyalizza9871]

Thank you 😎

[@valaudae1809]

Word of warning on checking chain. Go by the owner’s manual. On the Yamaha Divi 6, the book specifically says “on the centre stand” “45-55mm”. Get it wrong and it will be expensive/dangerous.

[@Oldvelocette]

Very helpful - thanks for posting :) How does the interceptor compare to the triumph bobber?

[@stuartfillingham7011]

It doesn't they are completely different bikes

[@MrRituj]

What's the indented "dot" between the axle index markings? I have got 2 of those and unlike yours, mine are not exactly at the middle of 2 markings and I have 2 such "dots" on each side. Should I ignore the "dots" and just make sure that both sides are at the same index marking?

[@dhawalpatel9185]

Sir, I really like your content its very help full. Can u help me out with a query, is your bikes disk break making and sound every time you catch the front breaks. sound like 2 metal rubbing against each other

[@stuartfillingham]

There is usually some noise from disc brakes in operation Dhawal, but I would have it checked out to be on the safe side!

[@brianlynch4801]

Okay. Where did you get the brass swingarm spools? Thanks

[@stuartfillingham]

motone customs

[@sebasica6016]

The slack in my chain is fine, but when I sit on the motorcycle it is very stretched, what should I do?

[@toddramsey6893]

Sorry for the off-topic comment, but how is the windscreen? Are you able to tell a difference on the ride? Have you tried the touring seat?

[@stuartfillingham]

the seats on my to do list Todd, I did publish a review on the screen a few weeks ago, it allows you to ride at 70 mph without wind pressure getting too much, which is what they are supposed to do!

[@burtvhulberthyhbn7583]

As ALWAYS an excellent video on chain maintenance. Of course it's excellent because it's precisely how I do it! That said I'm good with metrics and now Newton meter torques but somehow the chain slack MUST be in inches. Commenting from San Diego California God bless the Queen.

[@yesyeswe]

Can we use diesel/kerosene to clean the chain? I have been using diesel on my old bike and the results were good

[@stuartfillingham]

Whatever you prefer to use Yashasvi!

[@yesyeswe]

@@stuartfillingham i read somewhere that diesel/kerosene dries up the rubber o ring with time. My old bike had cheaper spares so i was fine with diesel but with my continental gt i don't want to experiment :) do you have any knowledge in this regard?

[@stuartfillingham7011]

@@yesyeswe I've never used those substances for chain cleaning but I believe kerosene is ok to use with o ring chains.

[@thomasfrank280]

@@yesyeswe revzilla's video on the same showed them using kerosene.. I do the same with no apparent Ill effects. The bike's an fz16 btw.

[@paultanton4307]

Parafin is supposed to be an effective chain cleaner.

[@jumbodog5955]

Do you still recommend the muc off dry lube,chain cleaner and MO-94 Iam not able to find silkolene products in India and I’ve sent them mail regarding this But muc off seems to be available with a few retailers And the only other alternative to the MO-94 that’s abundantly available here is WD-40

[@stuartfillingham]

yes they are fine!

[@jumbodog5955]

@@stuartfillingham thanks again Stu, hope Iam not annoying you with so many questions and clarifications (;

[@paulbradberry3442]

Just a thought buy the brake cleaner in bulk 5ltrs and use a pump spray bottle cheaper than aerosols.

[@stuartfillingham]

be careful there Paul some brake cleaners may damage o ring chains!

[@KRAM-zb2vc]

Aahh the Paull Road, niiccceeee 😃👍🏻

[@trevordix3295]

Stuart why don't you use the muc-off products any more

[@stuartfillingham7011]

Hi trevor I discovered a few months ago that muc off had misinformed me about the contents of some of their products. To be honest this has knocked my faith in them some what.

[@trevordix3295]

That's not good then looking forward to see what other products you recommend and thanks for the reply Stuart

[@sbsb4995]

You do not have to change the oil filter every time you change the oil.

[@vleessjuu]

It's not actually true that for every bike you always measure with the bike on the side stand. My YBR125 manual specifically tells you to use the centre stand. Which makes it extra annoying that the RE manual doesn't really specify very well.

[@HepcatHarley]

Why Oh why oh why do they insist on fitting them scratch pins on footpegs? More danger than they are worth, I always get mine stuck in my turn ups :) I have a tool for measuring accurately the alignment of the sprockets or the distances between swingarm pivot and rear axle for peace of mind. I always hated that ugly white grease but if I'm lubing a chain I tend to concentrate on getting the lube between the inner link plate and outer, no harm in giving it all a light coverage as it does protect the chain from rusting too much. Anyway I hope you're enjoying your new steed, take care :)

[@hemantv.5409]

Some interceptor owners are facing deep noice from engine specially from head.Some ones say it's volwe/tappet/rocker noice what is it actually and what is the cause of this sharp noice ? Is it natural or depend on each model ?

[@stuartfillingham]

tappets are a bit noisy hement, I think its just a feature of the design.

[@raymorris952]

Stuart, when are you going to junk them horrible cheap and nasty indicator's?

[@stuartfillingham]

When I get around to it!

[@morrisminor56]

hmm,been riding since 81,never cleaned my chain.

[@stuartfillingham]

Hmm Im not sure I would have admitted to that!

[@anthonyprice5596]

Great vid, however you didn't mention the tight spot, as we all know that's where you should check your chain tension. You might have missed that bit because you may have thought everybody knew( just thought it worth mentioning) Keep up the good work.

[@stuartfillingham]

No Anthony I missed it because I had far too much to cram in to the video, good point though!

[@anthonyprice5596]

@@stuartfillingham you do a great job, your attention to detail is second to none, I'm sorry to point it out. I realise how long it must take to make each video. I hope I haven't looked like a troll, I enjoy your videos even though I've been a mechanic and engineer for 37 years and know how to do jobs like this. I think your accent makes your vids unique, and your calm persona gives them the Jack Hargreves Out of Town element that I miss. Keep up the good work, I'm a fan. Thank you Tony.

[@stuartfillingham7011]

@@anthonyprice5596 not at all Anthony. I realised I hadn't mentioned it during video rendering but there simply wasnt time to go back and edit it in. Problem being with large videos adding a few seconds of dialogue can push the entire timeline out of sync which then creates an hour or so work moving everything to re sync. I figured as these bikes are new tight spots are unlikely to be an issue for a while, and I can deal with it at a later stage.

[@Sonnybee01]

Non bike related question, but very British I have a chance too see Last Night of the Proms Have every to a performance and is it worth while going? Yourself or anyone who has on her chat, please pipe in. 😀