Simple Maintenance Series Ep 2 Chain Tightening #dirtbike #maintenance #chain #tutorial #yz450f, by STR1KEStudioz Shorts on YouTube. 1 min.
- Video length
- 1 min
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Put the bike on a stand so the rear wheel spins freely. With the engine off, turn the wheel by hand and listen and look for tight spots in the chain.
Check your manual for the slack spec, often around 40 to 50 mm on a dirt bike. Measure between the front and rear sprocket, pushing the chain up and down.
Loosen the rear axle nut one or two turns. Leave it snug enough that the wheel still holds its position.
Turn the adjuster bolts on both sides of the swingarm the same number of turns. Clockwise pulls the wheel back and tightens the chain.
Use the marks on the swingarm to keep the wheel straight. Count the turns on each side so the alignment stays even.
Spin the wheel and measure the slack again at the tightest point. Aim for the manual figure, not tighter.
Tighten the axle nut to the torque in your manual. Recheck the slack afterwards, because tightening can pull the wheel slightly.
Wipe the chain clean and apply chain lube along the inside of the links while turning the wheel.
Tips and common mistakes
Always set slack at the tightest point of the chain, or it will run too tight as the wheel turns.
Keep the adjuster marks equal on both sides, or the bike will handle badly and wear the sprockets.
Too little slack strains the countershaft seal and gearbox, so trust the manual figure over a guess.
Keep your fingers clear of the sprocket and chain whenever you spin the wheel.
Questions
How much slack should a dirt bike chain have?
Most dirt bikes run about 40 to 50 mm of up and down movement midway between the sprockets. Check your own model's manual, since the figure varies.
Do I need a torque wrench for the axle nut?
It is worth using one. An undertightened axle can slip, and overtightening can damage the nut or wheel bearings.
How often should I adjust the chain?
Check the slack before every ride and adjust when it drifts from the spec. New chains stretch more, so check them often in the first few rides.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
