Zen and the Art of Adjusting the CT125 Drive Train

[@user-ku8pz6gz2g]

Beautiful

[@scottg5125]

I love the fact that you show how things can be frustrating. So many think things just fall into place. Love the positivity! I have 4 bikes and my little Honda ADV 150 scooter is my favorite. Enjoy your ride!

[@freebirdadventures645]

@Scott G Bet you have a blast on the 150. I'm excited to keep learning about taking care of my bike. Thankfully the basics are manageable. I'm off to Steamboat Springs for the weekend for some adventuring! You enjoy yours!

[@prestonrobert2625]

Hello thought that was great. I have a greenneee 125 like yours. Named Gren Hornet. got over 1500 . Like your style so I always learn. I am 73 and was seeing your hair on the ground and I looked at your dog he had the look don't even think about it. So cool. Dig it I enjoy this and it's like a Harley ya gota get this and that. Hey keeps me moving M/C since 16.

[@darrenfolkes5843]

Hey Freebird Love your Trail 125 Little Sacagawea I’ve only just now discovered your channel and I like it watching from Australia I’m a Harley rider with a small collection of 3 but I just couldn’t resist owing a Trail 125 so I bought one So much fun Here in Australia we call them Postie Bikes because the mail man deliver our post on them Thanks for sharing your videos please keep them coming and ride safe 😎

[@freebirdadventures645]

Hi, Darren in Australia! I lived in Norway, NSW for 5 years and am familiar with the Postie and his bike. Maybe that's what I should call her "Postie"! Love that you ride over there. So many great roads to venture on. But, ya gotta be mindful of the roos and wombats. Thanks for reaching out and watching!!

[@johnedwards1685]

I think its just great that you’re doing your own servicing and maintenance. Its all a learning curve and practice will bring confidence for you. Cleaning and looking after the bike will keep you safe because you’re closely inspecting it by default and can pick up things like tyre damage before they can catch you out. I really wish you well. I’ve been riding since 1975 and its given me the best times and the best friends of my life. Don’t be fooled by people who think that the bigger and heavier the bike, the “better”. What matters is what makes you smile.

[@freebirdadventures645]

Love that sage advice, John. The Trail makes me smile every time I ride!

[@dwightolson439]

I am so impressed with your ambition to work on the chain! Good job. It is also nice to see a lady with grease on her hands and not afraid to get them dirty. You have the best book "Zen" on maintenance and other things that Biking brings you. Be careful out there!!!!!

[@freebirdadventures645]

Thanks, Dwight! I'm happy to learn how to take care of the bike. And, to have such a friend as you!

[@samalex1363]

Hi and hope all is good with you, for this maintenance you don't need for measure unit and take so long time, just open both locks and pull the wheel back until it stops (Don't pull so much) then tied both locks by balancing. and be safe

[@stephengrijalva8854]

Great video. Same way I learned.

[@freebirdadventures645]

Gotta just dig in and figure it out!

[@MrCaptainCrazy]

Wish I could take my dog camping. He has no chill at all. Great video!!!

[@freebirdadventures645]

Being able to take the pup is way fun. Thanks for watching the videos!

[@32dsmitty]

You're super awesome 😎

[@ridelikekrum7707]

It looks from the video your swingarm is almost straight? When the swingarm is straight that is when the wheel is at its furthest point from the front sprocket. As you suspention compresses your wheel gets closer to the engine and gives you more chain slack. I would go with the min chain slack your manuel calls for. Also I didnt see (in the video) you kick the wheel forward when it was loose after you backed off the adjusters, that usually helps with getting the wheel pushed against the adjusters. I like to make sure and turn the adjuster nuts the same amount to keep the wheel straight, as the factory notches are just a reference. You can be almost a half to full turn off if you go by the notches. Be safe Freebird!!

[@freebirdadventures645]

Yikes! I have a lot to learn. But, ya know, it's part of the fun too. Thanks, Krum!

[@jensenjumper6326]

Good job

[@logcabinlooms]

Should be done with your weight on the bike, roll the machine back and forth to find the tight spot, adjust free play at that point.

[@JamesJones-oz8hi]

Sweet ride.

[@freebirdadventures645]

Why thank you, James.

[@TeamDNFracing]

First thing you need to do is throw that tape measure away. Loosen up the axle, then start by tightening or loosening the adjustment bolts making sure both sides stay within the same notches from the end of the swing arm. When you can take a finger underneath the chain and lift it between an inch or two, then you have it tight enough. Now tighten the axle and recheck the slack on the chain. If it still feels the same, you can now tighten the adjusting bolts and the lock nuts in that order. Job is done. I want to know how out in the middle of Colorado, your chain got to tight to begin with..... I can see it getting to loose, but it should never start getting to tight.... To double check your tension on the chain, lay your body across the seat and lean over and check the tension of the chain. You should still be within the one to two inches of slack, if not, readjust it...... Most people will over tighten their chain and then complain about it wearing out to soon. I like your videos, you got courage for sure.......

[@freebirdadventures645]

Thanks, @Lazy Dog Productions, for the advice and compliment. I think the chain got tight because it was tooled around with without my involvement and was done incorrectly. Ever since I adjusted it up in the mountains, it's been fine. But next time I have to do it, I'm pulling out your step-by-step instructions (which I plan on taking a screenshot of for future use).

[@carinapowered995]

Its better for chain to be too loose than too tight, if its too tight, it will wear super quick, the sprockets teeth will wear down too. If the chain is too loose you will definitely notice the rattle and extra vibrations when riding, forcing you to re-adjust it. You need to clean and lubricate chain at regular intervals. Practice makes perfect.

[@freebirdadventures645]

Thanks for the sound advice!

[@rickoslicko164]

Call me when you’re in Eureka California

[@blizzunt420e]

Damn they / them you’re one fine looking birthing person.

[@freebirdadventures645]

Or ... Her/she?! Thanks! I haven't shared my name yet. Good point.