Vlog #11 HOW TO FIND THE KTM 890R CHAIN TENSION REFERENCE POINT

[@bobimarkers3657]

Best explanation online! So many people measure from the outside edge

[@csterakt]

I hate to admit it, but this info is spot on. Loosened chain off by 1/2 a turn to get 2mm clearance (weigh 100kg in leathers - so went for losest measure within the recommended range). Quick shifter worked a lot smoother and false neutrals (when expected) were eliminated. So big cheers mate. WTF do these bikes leave the factory with incorrect settings? Poor quality control and PDI.

[@timclifton3176]

I have done a lot of digging, reading and video viewing, and nobody, especially KTM Manual has made this very understandable. However, your video has been most informative and I am now clear on the quirky way KTM expects this to be measured. (Had nothing but Harleys for last 30 years so this simple adjustment seems quite overly complicated. Loving the KTM though.) Thanks again for your KZbin post!

[@gsd32i]

Thanks . Enjoy the KTM 👍

[@barnygumbel5496]

This is the Best Video over the 890 chain on KZbin..... Thanks a lot 😊

[@juliangreaves5684]

Thanks for the video. I agree that the quick-shift isn't the greatest (I've had a few mis-shifts changing up) so I'll check the chain tension and see if this makes a difference.

[@gsd32i]

It did make a big difference , still not buttery smooth BUT i am subject to a speed limit of 40mph, so not getting to use the upper rev range where i am sure it will be even smoother(I hope)!!!! Island life...can't beat it. lol.

[@backcountrycommuter4110]

I believe that you can check and adjust with the bike on the side stand. Well at least I do that on my 690r by putting it on the side stand, leaning the bike and checking the 5 mm around the chain at the reference point and then adjusting if needed. Also, great vlog with lots of useful information!

[@gsd32i]

Hi, thanks , I did think of doing something similar, just wish KTM would put option "B" when you have no paddock stand, in the manual !!

[@mickhill-x2o]

Hi,just watched this video and found it very informative,just bought a brand new 990 Duke and I am having exact issues with QS,lots of false neutrals ,especially between 5th &6th,bike only now has 120 miles on it and it feels awful,also going down the box 3rd to 2nd to 1st very crude,checked my Cain and it's way to slack,followed your technique to the letter,even the Alan key as a width guide,anyway chain now at correct tension so just need to test ride,hopefully sorted,keep up the good content 👌

[@gsd32i]

Glad it helped

[@microfly2008]

Have a look at the Bpa racing, chain slack adjustment tool. Looks fool proof for correct tension once it as been calibrated to the correct tension . So tension your chain once the traditional way, set the tool then there after use the tool for tension guide. Your thoughts?

[@WildRiderz]

Best explanation, thank you man.

[@gsd32i]

👍

[@MotoGoato]

Good video 😉 ... I bought a steel engineers rule that is 2.5cm wide and simply put the flat end of it up against the flat on the underside of the swing arm with one edge of the rule touching the end of that plastic chain guide .. then push the chain up at the opposite edge of the rule and read off the gap measurement .. easy. If you find the official method of measuring the tension a pain then there's a solution to that too. Once you have the chain tension set correctly by the official method you can put the bike down onto it's side stand and measure the chain tension any way you like that is easily repeatable (further down the swingarm closer to the rear sprocket there is a nice flat spot on the underside of the arm to measure from thats very easy to get at), note down the tension / gap figure you measure with your method then in future you can simply adjust the chain to that figure using your chosen method of measurement 😁

[@gsd32i]

Hi . I had thought of that regarding side stand etc so I’ll try that . I think the man cave needs an engineers metal ruler then 👍

[@astrostrotch]

I also have an 890R and found the quickshifter a bit agricultural. Before the first service I got a 16 stone friend to sit on the bike and sure enough the chain had zero play. I mentioned this to the dealer who said it would be re tensioned correctly. I got home and it was still too tight so I assume the mechanics haven't read the manual properly. I've now done it myself and the QS is much improved. Once you've done it a couple of times it's easy. Maybe this is the reason for all the output shaft seals failing on the 790s. Excellent video BTW!

[@gsd32i]

Thanks 👍

[@bryceeighmey1743]

How did you go about tensioning the chain correctly to get the most out of the qs? Any help would be much appreciated!

[@gsd32i]

@@bryceeighmey1743 hi the video helps u and it’s pretty simple to adjust 👍

[@mike-qz1nw]

Hi thanks for the video. When you said the chain tension should give 2.5 to 5 mm you certainly got my attention!! Perhaps a correction text box may help at that point to keep things clear. Appreciate the detailed approach 👍thinking of getting a KTM and it’s good to know their little ways before jumping in

[@gsd32i]

Great little bike BUT gotta treat it like a racehorse and make sure everything is bang on to get the best out of it .

[@cah7925]

Very clean and detailed video👌 Like to see the same detailed video on Clutch Adjustment Free Play in KTMs...Thanks😊

[@PadmaDorjee]

I second that request if you have the time?

[@MajorDrama1]

Great translation of a very poor explanation in the KTM Manual! Thanks for your help

[@gsd32i]

Glad it was helpful!👍

[@greatfallskam]

Great explanation of chain adjustment for KTM. Perhaps you should rewrite the KTM Owner's Manual ;-) cheers, Kam

[@gsd32i]

Thanks 😊

[@duncanmillar277]

Ty for clarifying measurement surface. The 390 & 790 manuals aren't really clear + a phone call to KTM on subject didn't help much either. Just picked up a used 790 which dealer replaced plugged rear tire on, so bet that's as tight as a banjo string... 😮

[@PadmaDorjee]

Your videos are very well done and no fluff. I actually bought one last week because of helpful people on here like you, THANKS from Oz 🦘

[@mmp3021]

Hi, I really like your videos about the 890. When will u show how to change the horn? I´m realy sad about that thing on my 890 :/. Since my chain is making horrible noise every 200 km after oiling, some chaincleaning video would also be awesome. Thanks in advance and greatings from Berlin!

[@gsd32i]

Hi and thanks . I am still looking at the horn but I have been busy ! Today I washed the 890 and oiled the chain. From reading the comments on KTM forums a few people change the chain for a better quality one which stops the noise!! I’ll just keep oiling the chain for now. Chain cleaning for me is just a cloth sprayed with wd40 and I wipe the outside links all the way round. Also good for getting chain lube off of the wheels too. Berlin , I’ve landed at Schönefeld Airport many times but never been to Berlin . The life of an easyJet Pilot! 👍

[@mmp3021]

@@gsd32i thank you for the quick and useful answer. Guess you have to stay a little in Berlin, it´s a wonderful city :-)

[@ying-yolee5802]

Some models of Ducati and Apalia are also adjusted in this way.

[@zachj8789]

6’5 (1.97m) 890 rider. Does the windscreen help at all? Been debating on adding it.

[@gsd32i]

Hi, have to say I am not sure as when I had the 890 the dealer fitted all the bits on before I collected it, so I never rode without the screen on. Generally I found the wind protection ok with the screen on and I'm 5'9".

[@jeffpera7930]

Thank you for the videos. I love them. More so I love my new 890r and you are a great resource. I hope you keep it up

[@gsd32i]

👍

[@wakajawaka44]

Thanks for the video. I am enjoying the videos regarding your KTM 890R Duke. I have just bought a 2021 KTM 390 Duke and it also has a very ON OFF throttle response in the lower gears. I will try the 15 minute tick over procedure to reset the fuelling software but I am not optimistic! Are your German Shepherds from the same litter? SW France

[@gsd32i]

Hi . GSD’s are from same breeder but not same litter . Aged 8 and 4 👍

[@richardgowers7659]

Hello mate since i spoke to you last i have had the shaft seal replacement done on my 890 and it certainly seems to have sorted leak,but on my way home that day i had the engine management light come on and the bike just cut out and wouldn’t start,my dealer were fantastic and recovered me immediately but it turned out it burnt out both coil packs which was caused by a faulty ecu!!! As I said they were amazing and replaced coil packs and ecu and so far everything seems ok and was able to do my Brands Hatch track evening,but still a little disconcerting seeing as i haven’t had a breakdown on a bike in 40 years!!!! 🤞

[@gsd32i]

Wow! Did KTM have a look at the ecu? I do wonder why KTM appear to have quality control issues though, especially the seals etc. Great bike but flawed ( possibly!) I would ask for extended warranty from KTM as a goodwill gesture lol 😆

[@richardgowers7659]

I’m kind of hoping it’s an isolated incident as my dealer said they hadn’t experienced this issue before but when they spoke to ktm they were clearly aware as they directed straight to the issue,also for me personally my quick shifter is now silky smooth but that’s down to the more miles I’ve put on the bike,wasn’t until 1200 or so miles that it has really improved!!! 👍

[@pietrovardi9583]

You need a stand 1 time only, when you determine and record your measurements without the stand after the desired adjustments.

[@terrycrouse1704]

I appreciate the info on your videos! I guess I have to buy a Connectivity unit to connect my phone. Have you dabbled with that? Thanks

[@gsd32i]

hi , yes i have the connectivity module BUT you can't makes calls which is daft in my view. BMW allow you to make calls. Hoping that they will do a software update as its only accessing your phone etc. Annoyed(ish) that you can't use the nav app on the screen, so wasted money on the my ride app. I use my garmin which is brilliant, zumo xt. Guess i wasted £80 on that module or whatever it was. A bit rubbish of ktm to keep it limited to the adv bikes.

[@chrisfurby8241]

Enjoy the vids and am dealing with similar annoying QS issues, you ever consider switching to GP shift pattern?

[@gsd32i]

It’s a shame the QS is not buttery smooth . As far as gp gear shift goes , tried that once on track with my Fireblade and several times I went the wrong way ! So changed it back to normal shifting 🙈

[@roddyw.7388]

So my main question is?.Should the chain,when being pushed UP.Should it be touching the swingarm??

[@gsd32i]

Hi . It’s not touching the swing arm, you need to push the chain up towards it until you get the small gap between the top of the chain and the underside of the swing arm . Once you’ve done it , it’s simple next time . they do run loose !

[@darnsarf]

Well explained

[@Dr.Twisty]

Thanks for the video. Was that your KTM technician lying on the floor behind you? He seems a bit lazy. No wonder he didn’t adjust the chain correctly! He couldn’t be bothered-might interrupt his nap!

[@gsd32i]

Yup there’s 2 of them. 🙈

[@flagstaff9363]

For us motocross guys that have used the 3 finger method forever, it still applies here. Take your top chainguard off. Use the 3 finger method (aligning) your fingers from the inner side of your rim to the swingarm. For others that don't understand this. To make this idiot proof...Take your top chainguard off. Align your tape measure from the inner side of your rim (before) the spokes and not farther than the rim/tire and measure 2.5 inches from that to your swingarm. Good to go. If you don't understand any of this....sell your motorcycle.

[@RayzGarage]

The actual factory spec on chain tension seems to be a lot more floppy than it should. If I was to loosen it up so that the chain can be within 2 to 5 mm from the bottom of the swing arm It looks like my chain is just way too loose. Is this correct?

[@gsd32i]

Hi. Yes , as per the video. Some folks make it a bit tighter with 5mm+ difference. It is a weird way I must admit if adjusting the chain, but you get used to it. Try it and see what works for you, possibly the tighter side of the recommended gap.

[@thechance123]

In the manual it says "the top part of chain c must be taut". Should I take that into consideration? I'm not quite sure what they meant by that. thanks

[@gsd32i]

Hi . I think they are saying that some chains depending on wear etc may have uneven wear causing “c” not to be tight . Result possibly needing new chain ??? Best guess . As long as you push the chain up towards the bottom of the swinging arm as I indicate , then you will be fine . I guess they run a long chain and swing arm like their motocross bikes , hence a chain when correctly adjusted still looks too loose .

[@13conair]

i have a 2020 790 duke and the chew i have had getting the correct chain tension ! my KTM dealer has told me i will never get correct chain tension because i have gone down 1 tooth on the fron sprocket ! REALLY LOL, and they have told me the user manual is incorrectly printed ! so according to the dealer i must use a paddock stand but you must sit on the bike to adjust the chain ! so i put 13 stone of coal bags on the seat and did the chain ! still not right ! if i set to 2-5mm the chain is constantly slapping up against that plastic chain guard you measure your 25mm from and omg what a racket it makes ! it went in for its 12k service during the summer i asked them to check the chain because of the noise to which i was told its fine !!! WTF and this is a main KTM dealer, then i was told about smaller toothed front sprocket ! and yet i bought it from them and they fitted it ! so i just adjust it as i would all my other bike chains and that gets rid of the klacking chain slap noise and from what i can see its not too tight.

[@geotavarez3330]

Thank you

[@gsd32i]

You're welcome

[@stephencharles1398]

Brain dead here. When I turn wheel to find the chain gap at setting point, the gap varies between 10-13mm so I deduce that the chain is too tight and needs to be slackened off. I also figure that the tight spot on the chain is when the 13mm gap is in alignment with the setting point so if I set this to say 5mm then rotate to the slack part of the chain the gap will be 2mm as I will be able to push the chain higher. Is my thinking correct on this as I've fried my brain!

[@gsd32i]

Paddock stand makes things easier . The closer the chain is to the bottom of the swing arm the looser the chain is . If you pulled the wheel right back the gap would be massive as the chain wouldn’t move much . Is a bit of a naff adjustment method from KTM. Bit I guess once you’ve done it it becomes easier and a non event 🙈

[@stephencharles1398]

​@@gsd32ithanks for that, I have a Paddock stand. I found the tightest part of the chain (biggest gap at setting point) and set it to spec. P.s last chain i set was on my last bike, RD 400 in 1986. How things have changed!

[@gsd32i]

@@stephencharles1398 RD 400....worth a bit of money these days.....I had an RD200 and blew the engine up after a few weeks of ownership, when I was 17.😂

[@stephencharles1398]

@@gsd32i ha! Wish I still owned it. Blew a Honda ss50 up once. Great vid BTW, keep safe.

[@gsd32i]

@@stephencharles1398 My mate had a yellow SS, annoying as it was the quickest in our moped gang 😂

[@hutchy4158]

Is it not 2.5 to 5mm from the front lip of the swing arm (not the underneath of the swing arm)

[@gsd32i]

Hi . No it’s not , but it’s all a bit confusing …..as per the manual , Measure from the flat part of the swing arm directly above the chain , not from the edge of the swing arm “ . In all reality I will more than likely slacken it off a bit from what the dealer has done when it was serviced , probably !

[@duncanmillar277]

For a rough in adjustment you can adjust chain to lip face which is circa 4-5 mm below flat surface.

[@allenmac2134]

KTM are obviously still doing this wrong. I have just bought a 890 DUKE R and the gap was 17mm . This is why I always check things, even on a new bike. Great video btw 👍🏻

[@microfly2008]

Hi there I repeated the procedure which you described and my chain seems very slack ...😟😦😦 help

[@gsd32i]

Hi . If u have followed the procedure the chain will appear as slack as anything !!! Check out the forums they mention this , I think it’s because of the long swing arm thing etc 👍

[@duncanmillar277]

Check chain tension with yourself on bike i.e. loading the suspension, think you'll find chain will be tighter!

[@johnadams3038]

What if the chain is too loose?

[@gsd32i]

Then adjust it👍

[@johnadams3038]

@@gsd32i So the upper part of the chain link should be 2mm-5mm away from the reference point meaning it shouldn't touch the flat part of the swing arm?

[@gsd32i]

@@johnadams3038 yes that sounds about correct . It’s fairly simple when you know what the heck KTM are talking about 🙈

[@howudoin770]

I watched another video of another guy saying the chain tension was the total vertical movement of the chain.. totally different from this video. Man I almost set my bike to that standard.. Would have been WAY too tight

[@gsd32i]

Pretty easy to do once you know how! 👍

[@ittybitbobo7657]

Would have made a good 3 minute video. Way toooooo long

[@gsd32i]

Make a cup of tea and open some biscuits , some folks who arent as spanner savvy as you may just need that bit more👍

[@TheJWC56RSA]

@@gsd32i Yip... good reply! I thought it was pretty good!!