Wanted to add that I just completed this method of adjustment. Moving the wheel through its arc of travel really lets you see how your chain is affected by the movement. I dialed mine in so at the tightest point, the chain remained just snug, not too tight, not too loose. As the chain wears, it is very easy to maintain the proper adjustment as I know exactly where it should be now. Excellent advise. Thanks again. (I have the 2018 KTM 500 EXC.)
I cut a piece of 2x4 with a chop saw so that it's height matched the highest value in my manual. Having a solid reference that I can stick in between the swing arm and the chain makes for quick, easy adjustment. I rotate the tire forward and check multiple spots making sure the tightest spot is to spec. Works for me. As for the axle measurement I use a digital caliper. I don't trust the markings on the swing arm. A small tape measure works as well. Great Video.
That is the best way to find ur chains tightest place. My dad and i did that n the mid 70s on my race bikes. Had allot of trouble throwing chains and breaking them by all n those days. I am 64 and still do it today rather that rely on bike manuel
Think you missing some essential info. I get that you want to determine a baseline measurement with you shock removed. At it tightest position (ie swingarm level). Fine, I buy that. But you don't mention how tight it should be in that position. Which is the whole point with the video? So how tight should the chain be in that position? Thanks.
Owe: No doubt I could do a better job on ALL of my videos. I don't have time to write a script or analyze every detail and I forget details on every one I've made. I just do them quick and dirty to help guys work on their bikes but they are not perfect. I appreciate your constructive criticism, much preferred over the haters. When the countershaft, swingarm pivot and rear axle all align, the chain should be slightly snug but not tight.
Thanks Jeff. That makes sense to me :-) I fully understand it is easy to forget something and impossible to include all info :-) You're doing a great work. Thanks for sharing your knowledge Jeff!
@@fpreston9527 So everybody in the world has the same size fingers as Jeff? Andre the giant didn't or a guy who had a mishap accident and is missing a finger. KTM says 55-57mm which is a measurement with very little error.
The next question is how to get your axle adjusted evenly side to side. I like to measure from the back on the axle block to the end of the swingarm. Would it be more accurate to use other reference points for this measurement? Front of axle block to adjuster bolt boss?
Great video. To be honest, I never looked at it that way. I always figured *because* the wheel moves in an arc there is no tighter or looser position, just as the radius at any point in a circle is the same length. That obviously isn't the case. ::::runs out to garage::::
Except the sprocket is in front of the pivot point, not on it, like some older bmw/ husky's. you need to draw a center line through the front sprocket, swingarm pivot and rear axle to establish the tightest point in the arc.
Ive been telling my friends to do this for a long time (because all of them run the chain pretty tight, even without their weight on it) BUT NOBODY LISTENS to me because they want zero noise from the chain. No matter how many master links are lost or countershaft leaks....chain slack be damned! LOL
Wanted to add that I just completed this method of adjustment. Moving the wheel through its arc of travel really lets you see how your chain is affected by the movement. I dialed mine in so at the tightest point, the chain remained just snug, not too tight, not too loose. As the chain wears, it is very easy to maintain the proper adjustment as I know exactly where it should be now. Excellent advise. Thanks again. (I have the 2018 KTM 500 EXC.)
Hi Jeff, good information. I'll be checking my setup this same way today. At the longest distance, a snug chain is a happy chain.
These tech videos are awesome Jeff. I've never thought of it this way was always a bit of a guessing game. Thanks
I cut a piece of 2x4 with a chop saw so that it's height matched the highest value in my manual. Having a solid reference that I can stick in between the swing arm and the chain makes for quick, easy adjustment. I rotate the tire forward and check multiple spots making sure the tightest spot is to spec. Works for me. As for the axle measurement I use a digital caliper. I don't trust the markings on the swing arm. A small tape measure works as well. Great Video.
You nailed it. Made your on tool and method, excellent!!!!
My bike’s chain is loose and I had to replace the front sprocket seal twice. I think I might if found my problem. Thanks for the helpful vid!
Thanks for the video, Jeff. Much appreciated explanation and demonstration
You're welcome.
Nicely explained
That is the best way to find ur chains tightest place. My dad and i did that n the mid 70s on my race bikes. Had allot of trouble throwing chains and breaking them by all n those days. I am 64 and still do it today rather that rely on bike manuel
Your common sense post is appreciated.
Soo many jokes could be made if you were only listening without the video. My wife was laughing
This measurement will change slightly as the chain stretches though will it not?
Absolutely. So you simply continue to adjust as needed to compensate for stretch.
Think you missing some essential info. I get that you want to determine a baseline measurement with you shock removed. At it tightest position (ie swingarm level). Fine, I buy that. But you don't mention how tight it should be in that position. Which is the whole point with the video? So how tight should the chain be in that position? Thanks.
Owe:
No doubt I could do a better job on ALL of my videos. I don't have time to write a script or analyze every detail and I forget details on every one I've made. I just do them quick and dirty to help guys work on their bikes but they are not perfect. I appreciate your constructive criticism, much preferred over the haters.
When the countershaft, swingarm pivot and rear axle all align, the chain should be slightly snug but not tight.
Thanks Jeff. That makes sense to me :-) I fully understand it is easy to forget something and impossible to include all info :-) You're doing a great work. Thanks for sharing your knowledge Jeff!
Owe Evans he shows you at the end two fingers
@@fpreston9527
So everybody in the world has the same size fingers as Jeff? Andre the giant didn't or a guy who had a mishap accident and is missing a finger. KTM says 55-57mm which is a measurement with very little error.
I just sit on the back fender and reach down to check it.
I dono man...the manual say the chain should be able to touch the top part of the chain gaurd or 55-58mm. Might wana try stickin 3 fingers in there.
The block creates the correct 55-58mm freeplay. That is explained in the video.
The next question is how to get your axle adjusted evenly side to side. I like to measure from the back on the axle block to the end of the swingarm. Would it be more accurate to use other reference points for this measurement? Front of axle block to adjuster bolt boss?
Older&Wiser Motion Pro has a tool that clamps onto the rear sprocket to adjust the side to side
Or you can use a caliper.. (tail)
Definitely use a caliper. Also mini bikes have a gradient.
Will too tight of a chain reduce power?
It will definitely affect the
Suspension.
How do find the swingarms level point?
Just look at it.
Is it the same with linkage model's?
Yes sir!
Hi. What causes chain slap?
Jody: I recently made a video about how to fix the chain slap issue. We'll post it next week.
Great video. To be honest, I never looked at it that way. I always figured *because* the wheel moves in an arc there is no tighter or looser position, just as the radius at any point in a circle is the same length. That obviously isn't the case. ::::runs out to garage::::
Except the sprocket is in front of the pivot point, not on it, like some older bmw/ husky's. you need to draw a center line through the front sprocket, swingarm pivot and rear axle
to establish the tightest point in the arc.
Ive been telling my friends to do this for a long time (because all of them run the chain pretty tight, even without their weight on it) BUT NOBODY LISTENS to me because they want zero noise from the chain. No matter how many master links are lost or countershaft leaks....chain slack be damned! LOL
there's no hope for a crf😔
You can do the same the thing, but getting the shock out is more difficult.
Jay Jerevicious just unbolt the bottom linkage piece. Or wait until the bearings need greasing and do it then while its apart
Yea on a crf they still have lots of chain noise no matter what I guess it's a honda thing
Jay Jerevicious I found my chain had a lot more whip while riding then the Ktm's and huskys.
Remove shock to adjust chain????? LOL
Excuse me. That is not what I said. Please don’t spin my words for your own agenda.
I just run them loose whoo cares about the guides its better for the engine bearings and rear hub
You can buy a tool that sits on your swing arm and chain makes it a snap !