I am a simple man... for the last 10+ years now I see a Motology upload I stop what I am doing and hit like before even watching. Love seeing your content and well deserved subsequent success, Adam!
A ripper, a mechanic, a philosopher, a film maker and a comedian. Never in my 25 years riding and wrenching have I considered paying a fee to to watch motorcycle videos, and never in those years have I learned as much as I have on this channel. I'm glad to buy Adam a monthly beer. Hell, If I road with him I'd be buying weekly so $4.99.month is a deal! Thanks Adam!
I’m a competent “bush mechanic”, an Arborist by trade who out of necessity has had to learn to fix stuff. I’ll happily pay a tradie to do the big stuff especially when safety is priority, but this video is actual gold to every rider or anyone who uses a machine, even a push bike, because the way you’ve explained things is absolutely spot on. Know your equipment, understand it. Don’t guess, but if you go about things as you have explained so well here you will gain the confidence you talk about and be a better rider if you understand the bike better. So well done Adam, keep it up. 🙌🏾
I really appreciate your calm style. Your very relaxed and straight to the point. No unnecessarily excited speech. Nothing loud, obnoxious or boisterous. So many of these other channels seem more like they are selling sham wows on late night infomercials than talking about motorcycles. Anyway, love the content. Keep it coming. Best wishes from Michigan, USA ✌️
Like many others have said, I so appreciate these kind of do-it-yourself maintenance (and why) videos! I live in a place where there is no 'qualified' place to take my T7 to and did not grow up with any bike mentors either. After 30 years away from riding, learning the when, why and how in a practical manner is sooo valuable! Cheers!
Adam, I've been riding for 30years on and off road. I have a KTM890advR and the chain slack settings has always been controversial. Even the workshop manual is questionable. Your ratchet system is literally the best bit advice I have heard in years. Perfect! Don't know why I've never thought of that myself or seen that before. Thank you!
I dunno, Ive got an 890R and the book shows how to set chain tension, and that seems right. Mine hasnt moved in 17,500 miles, amazing long lived chain sprockets. I havent heard about the controversial part of 890R chain tension. DR650 guys ALWAYS over tighten their chain, the rear cush hub carrier bearings die, the chain wears out, the upper chain roller gets ripped out. To many its a mystery. Tighter must be better than looser. Ive done 51,000 miles on my DR, unbreakable big blue couch of a bike. Nothing has broke during those miles.
I fall in the late starter category so I lack the knowledge of growing up in this scene; your videos are very helpful. I previously seen a lot of videos with guides after guides after guides but none of them look as natural or comfortable on the bike or use the bike as you do so I've decided I'm going to adopt your way of things.
Absolutely agree with you there, most of these dudes sitting next to a clean bike in the driveway and this guy is out in the dirt every video and rips it up
Alrighty make room for me. Couldn’t agree more with y’all. I watch them all but Adam is the best. His knowledge AND presentation set him apart. Y’all enjoy those bikes! 🏍💨
Yes, same with me. I learn a lot of Adams work and get more and more confident to do things by myself. Only electrics seem to be like a book with 7 seals, but who knows? Adam is best!
This lever tip could have saved me a bent brake lever and bent master cylinder pivot point a few months ago... Thanks so much for sharing! Mine's already bent, but maybe this way I can share this and save someone else's! These videos ar full of gold! Havent' missed one since I found you!
Adam you have the best motorcycle channel hands down. The chain tensioning is now my go to method for tensioning. I just can't understand why it has taken so long for this to be thoroughly explained! Such practical advice with a REAL WORLD demonstration of why! Fantastic man!
Again… like a mate that knows and I’ve asked for advice. No ego posing, no lecture, no macho posturing, just straight talk in real language… and that chain tensioning. Holy shit It’s unbelievable how much vague bs is put out as legit advice. Now I get it. Thanks again Adam. I do everything I can to my bike, because I want to know it’s done up right when I lean in at 70mph… and each thing I do is damn near the first time I’ve done it. I’ll feel even more confident now. Gonna check my chain in the morning.
Adam, you are my `go to` bike guru. I'm a qualified master motor tech working day in day out on all things motorized and road legal ( a lot are not and should not be on the road lol )...your way of installing confidence in other is admirable and a true breath of fresh air as others have said...please keep up the work you do here as it is invaluable. Keep safe and keep the wire tight, from an admirer in Cornwall the uk ...
I have been riding and wrenching my own bike since I was 10 (some 40 years), I have done it pretty well, and I am all in on your philosophy given where these machines take us. Always made it out of the woods/desert and never had a failure due to lack of maintenance. I thought I pretty well knew what I was doing. But, there are some nuggets of pure gold that you drop in every one of your riding/wrenching vids that absolutely flatten me. F&%k me man, the "platform"?!?! So simple, yet all this time and I did not even know how my friggin bar clamps really worked! Thank you for taking us to school brother! Brilliant!
Haha, it's come from fumbling my way through 30-years of riding and racing all over the world. Not claiming to be any kind of master, just showing people how I do things.
Hi, I have been Riding Bikes for 50 Years now, and I always learn New things every time I watch one of your Videos. There’s nothing better than Expert Advice from a Pro Rider. Thank you for taking the Time to make these Videos. I really appreciate it.👍👍 Thanks again from Texas.
My bike is now out of warranty, so I’m doing the services myself. if you don’t try, as this video says, you won’t know just how much you can do yourself. Another great video! 😊
When I started tinkering with my bike it was very intimidating - especially for someone who doesn’t have any mechanical experience. A great turning point for me was realising that these bikes are designed to be serviced in the field.
“He doesn’t care about the action of your fork.” Amazing 😆. I got a new to me 2012 500 EXC four years ago and have NEVER taken it to a shop. Yes I ride it… I break it all the time. 500+ hours on PNW gnar. No formal mechanical training, just a shop manual, RUclips, Facebook group, local community and a willingness to learn. Did my first ever full complete disassembly and top end rebuild. Can’t tell ya how awesome it feels to know your ride inside out. Thanks for the great vids and chain tip!
It blows my mind how many of the blokes I've ridden with that haven't taken the time to learn these simple tasks. You're very at relaying info, keep it up
The ratchet strap is such a great idea. I have always been frustrated with the lousy chain adjustment specs in manuals. So much easier than having people sit on the bike. Thanks.
Here in Spain you need to make an appointment and wait 15 days for a bike mechanic to take a look!!! It always pùshes me to try myself first on the more basic stuff!!! Great videos!!!
Adam, you've opened the possibility for any rider to understand, they don't need any special skills or qualifications, just a strong desire to ride and a willingness to learn, cheers mate
MC mechanic here. Completely agree with everything in the video. One very small point of constructive criticism with referring to the final drive chain as "stretching" - final drive chains do not stretch along their linear drive plane. What is actually happening to make them appear to have lengthened is the cumulative wear between the rollers, bushings, and bearing pins. The actual measured center to center distance between the pins will stay the same. The only reason I'm even mentioning this is that I've experienced many customers continually tightening their chain under the belief that it is "stretching" when in fact what they are doing is accelerating chain / chainwheel / bearing wear. Thanks for the great vids👍🏻
Love the idea of using a rachet strap to check chain tension. Ha, yah, I had what could've been a disastrous experience after getting my bike back from a bike shop. I had new chain and sprockets installed on my street bike, a couple hundred miles later decided to adjust the chain, it seemed a little too tight. Come to find out the rear axle nut was loose. Can't imagine it magically became loose, more than likely someone forgot to tighten it. I had previously done my own maintenance but now I'm learning to do the more intensive parts of it, like valve checks, etc and will be replacing my chain and sprockets on my own. 😂Thank you for another great video!
Another great video. I do most of the work on my 890r but never thought of the ratchet strap to get the chain tension right. Thank you! Always something new to learn....Always!!!
Great video, Having owned and ridden just about every type of motorcycle and quad (currently have 28 tires to maintain and counting)for the last 40+ years your info on the front forks is GOLD. Having fork seal issues? Hmm, I wonder. I have 2018 Harley street glide that I have been staring at while riding all these years and couldn't figure out why it looks mildly crooked. I may have the answer now? There is one item that I think is very important to consider when checking chain tension. Once you get the axal, sprockets aligned straight, while having the rear tire off the ground, I'll rotate the tire in small increments to check for tension differences at different spots threw the chain. I have found that the chain tension can very quite a bit as you rotate the tire. (better quality chains may not be a problem) Once I find the tightest point I will make my adjustment there. Once I've retorqued everything, check the tension again. At this point I have also found depending on the tensioner that the chain tension may be to tight and needs to be loosened up a bit. As you have eluded to in your video, this can not be overstated to its importance to engine stresses.
I always do my own stuff. I do it cheaper and better than any repair shop. Just the other day, I trued my own front rim. The day before that, I had no idea how it was done. From oil changes and new tires to valve checks, its really easy if you just try. Always always always when you buy a bike or a car, the next purchase is the service manual. The best part of doing your own work...you'll know your machine by the back of your hand. Thanks for the vid!
I am a life long and experienced mechanic, since I was a teenager I have done all of my motorcycle, boat and car maintenance including rebuilds. Respect this guy, his basic common sense explanations are point on. I learn stuff here. Best of all are his common sense methods for proper nut and bolt torque. Number one problem home mechanics introduce into their bikes is over or under tightening stuff. Bar clamps, almost anytime I have seen a bike owner install bars their bar clamps are installed wrong. That part of this video qualifies as a Public Service Announcement!!!
The first video i saw of Adam was of his Himalaya adventure on GoPro channel. Ever since ive been following you. You deserve a lot more success, recognition. Love from India.
Such great advice for not only bikes, but cars too. A lot of maintenance really isn't that difficult. It's never been easier to learn the basics and do it yourself with youtube tutorials like this one.
Ha! My buddy at work asked me yesterday what it cost to mount my knobbies on my T7, I said I don’t know! 😂 Been changing tires since my step dad “runnoft” when I was a kid.
It’s awesome hearing advice from someone that’s done this for a long time. I’ve got a feeling you’ve lost a master cylinder or two in the past? I gotta go through my bike and double check everything now. I thought I had a good idea and learned so many new things. Beautiful T7! Lucky man. I have never seen one in person and only ever seen one for sale.
Love the layman's explanations Adam, jargon free for those not mechanically adept or just learning. I'm lucky to have 40 yrs from Mx to circuit racing, but where i really learned was as teen how to bush doctor a p.o.s ride to last the day and get us home. Since then I've done all my own work from wheel builds, engine and suspension overhauls. I can count on one hand the dealers I would leave my bike with ! And they all be racers or ex racers 🤙
Great video Adam, I’ve been racing, riding and working on my bikes for decades and I still found your descriptions of how and why gave me more understanding of some things.
I didn't think I'd gain anything from this video, but your explanation of how chain tension changes through the arc of swingarm movement was insanely insightful, thank you for a great explanation ❤
The chain tension thing was awesome mate, gonna help me a lot. This vid was great, but I do love watching you ride, especially when you mess with people at bike camps and press events.
Excellent Video, I’ve been biking for 30+ years, and in my early teens I raced motocross for a while, and some of what you done in the video was new to me, and i will be checking. THANKS
I love the way you present the information. Excellent advice with easy to understand steps and reasoning. Learning how to do something is good but understanding why it's needed takes the lesson to a whole new level. As a mechanic and trainer you are top notch. 👍
It’s amazing how a PRO moto rider gives the best dad advice. This videos helped me so much that people think I knew something about bikes, when I was talking to them about this video 😂
I appreciate these vids so much. I work a parts counter at a dealership. The amount of people that ask me "Can service do that for me?" Then get mad at me when I go talk to them and quote $100-200 in labor costs. When I've told them "It's a pretty easy thing to do. You can take apart your bike to the motor with the little bag of tools in your tail. So if you have basic hand tools in your garage, it'll be a breeze. Service charges by the hour. SO even if you want just a few things adjusted, you're looking at least $100 and you'll be on the bottom of the que. So depending on when you came in. It's a real possibility you don't get your bike back today." I have customers that own naked bikes and won't even change the oil themselves.
Nice video! Glad to see video like this, simple but overlooked details. Wonder why someone's bike well looked after and last much longer. The evil side of me says this is too advance for 90% of people who couldnt even bother to check tyre pressures....
Man, i started following you when you released your travel with the Warhorse from England to Australia, and now i can't be more happy that i started to do it because your tutorial videos are GOLD!! Thank you 👊
Good basic tips that I learnt especially off you was setting the front forks up and have road for a long time and changed my own tyers too. Unreal Rhino good footage to.
I have been taking engines apart and putting them back together for years . I was lucky to have mates who knew enough about mechanics and not mind helping me out ; then I would be an extra pair of hands when they needed help . That grows friendships and it has been great and I am now approaching retirement . Your channel has opened my eyes to what I never realised ! Hey learning is fun and teaching is even better . Thank you and well done .
Again, another great video, more of these please, it’s very useful and informative, especially for riders like myself who would do maintenance and other stuff by themselves. Again thank you so much. Greetings from Egypt …………
Eco what is said below! Getting exhaust done up with zero bind or preload is critical unless you want to replace it, so true. Well said and presented!!
Outstanding advice. I got my first adventure bike KTM 890 as I retired from street riding and it’s spoiled me. Couldn’t agree more on needing some ‘know-how’ on caring for it as I beat the day lights out of her.
Discovered your channel recently after I got a T7, mate you inspire confidence and understanding with your videos, The last 2 about set up and maintenance are awesome, it's no black art but having someone do it in real life and nothing explodes or disintegrates gives people the confidence to check these things and not only save $ but probably skin and bone too. Well done 👍
Good stuff. I really appreciate this kind of practical knowledge when it comes to working on the bikes. This is becoming one of my favorite channels on YT.
10/10 Over the last two years I have had an opportunity to develop ever closer (mechanical) relationships with my car and bikes. You are bloody right mate, grab a drink - tea/coffee may do - and take some time to read the manual and work on your bike to make sure it is good and you stay safe. Your videos on setting up and checking over the bike are priceless. Will be using this one in a few days. Just in the process of getting a new bike and first thing I'm going to do this time? ...sit down, go through the manual and check or disassemble some bits and pieces and put them back up to make sure the bike is correctly set up for me.
Hands dawn... this kind of videos should be a full blown series, not only maintenance wise, but actually understanding machine/physics around motorcycling. Since this kind of wisdom and stuff is still kind of "grey area" (not covered in most courses, etc). I didn't even realized I would appreciate this soo much!
Another brilliant video. These are the basics all motorcyclists should know. Especially if you ride off road. I had a mate used to tighten his chain like a guitar string, he just wouldn't have it that this would likely damage his bike. In my experience, most people overtighten stuff. Use your feel and consider the size of the nut / bolt, how coarse or fine the thread is, and the leverage you're using. In most cases just bottom it out and nip it is fine.
I just stumbled into your channel and was immediately impressed with the content. The information is important and clearly explained. I love your matter of fact approach, without wasted time and silliness. Keep up the great channel. I've subscribed.
I've had a clunk in the front end of my T7 for too long and even a dealer couldn't fix it. After following your steps, my bike is 100% now!! The chain is perfect as well. Can't thank you enough man
Unfortunately the workforce is deteriorating. I have friends with small businesses who simply cannot acquire skilled / motivated staff. DiY is becoming the future.
@@MotologyFilms Problem solving is the big problem, google is killing peoples ability to think for themselves. I have mates the are mechanical engineers and the like, and they can't find anyone that can work anything out for themselves, and if they try and muck it up, they try and blame someone/something else.... It's a sad state of affairs....
Great video Adam, I started riding on my tenth birthday just under 43 years ago, for as long as I can remember, I have used teflon tape under my lever clamps. The last lever I broke was around 30 years ago.
Great content. The more you look closely and become more familiar with your bike the more confident you’ll be. Even the smallest bit of knowledge is gold. I’ve had my bike back with loose pinch bolts… it happens. Thanks 👍
Nice video. If you’re gonna work on your own bike, first step is to buy a good torque wrench, service manual, and thread locker. Follow all the published torque specs for everything. Once you trained your muscle memory you can feel how tight to tighten everything even with a rudimentary tool kit on the trail 👍
Damn right, what you said in the last bit. I once had to replace the stator of the generator in my F800GS, because it refused to load the battery. I took the bike to the dealer, came back two days later and left 600 bucks for the exchange and some maintenance works. Two junctions away I noticed my exhaust getting louder and a strange smell at the traffic lights. Turned out that the back brake cylinder did not reverse anymore, so that I found myself again on the BMW-yard half an hour later. Another 300 euros gone. That's now 7 years ago and a just have been once at a KTM-dealer since. Like the Awesome players, I started to throw maintenance party's with a few friend, drinking coffee with Irish cream and replacing all that has become old or loose. Its also much easier to change a clutch-basket, the fork-oil or adjust the valve play with double or triple the knowledge around in the shop. And you get to know your bike, in case you drop it 2000km away from home in a pond and have to pull the spark plug. ;-)
I just did my valve clearances on my 690 e, first time adjusting shim valves. I learned a lot. Great tips Adam. Enjoying your series of yours. Cheers 🍺👌🏻
$1000's worth of free info right here. True service to the genre mate, thank you.
1k in Aus ahahha
More mechanical videos like this would be awesome! That chain tip was golden.
I am a simple man... for the last 10+ years now I see a Motology upload I stop what I am doing and hit like before even watching. Love seeing your content and well deserved subsequent success, Adam!
this is the way
Great stuff
Thanks heaps Cheers
Dead on! Absolutely logic info. Well done Adam.
indeed, I just discovered him and getting real good stuff every time.
Great information 👍
A ripper, a mechanic, a philosopher, a film maker and a comedian. Never in my 25 years riding and wrenching have I considered paying a fee to to watch motorcycle videos, and never in those years have I learned as much as I have on this channel. I'm glad to buy Adam a monthly beer. Hell, If I road with him I'd be buying weekly so $4.99.month is a deal! Thanks Adam!
I’m a competent “bush mechanic”, an Arborist by trade who out of necessity has had to learn to fix stuff. I’ll happily pay a tradie to do the big stuff especially when safety is priority, but this video is actual gold to every rider or anyone who uses a machine, even a push bike, because the way you’ve explained things is absolutely spot on. Know your equipment, understand it. Don’t guess, but if you go about things as you have explained so well here you will gain the confidence you talk about and be a better rider if you understand the bike better. So well done Adam, keep it up. 🙌🏾
I really appreciate your calm style. Your very relaxed and straight to the point. No unnecessarily excited speech. Nothing loud, obnoxious or boisterous.
So many of these other channels seem more like they are selling sham wows on late night infomercials than talking about motorcycles.
Anyway, love the content. Keep it coming. Best wishes from Michigan, USA ✌️
Like many others have said, I so appreciate these kind of do-it-yourself maintenance (and why) videos! I live in a place where there is no 'qualified' place to take my T7 to and did not grow up with any bike mentors either. After 30 years away from riding, learning the when, why and how in a practical manner is sooo valuable! Cheers!
Adam, I've been riding for 30years on and off road. I have a KTM890advR and the chain slack settings has always been controversial. Even the workshop manual is questionable. Your ratchet system is literally the best bit advice I have heard in years. Perfect! Don't know why I've never thought of that myself or seen that before. Thank you!
That's what I think and feel, too!
Mee too! Thats so simple .
I dunno, Ive got an 890R and the book shows how to set chain tension, and that seems right.
Mine hasnt moved in 17,500 miles, amazing long lived chain sprockets. I havent heard about the controversial part of 890R chain tension.
DR650 guys ALWAYS over tighten their chain, the rear cush hub carrier bearings die, the chain wears out, the upper chain roller gets ripped out. To many its a mystery. Tighter must be better than looser.
Ive done 51,000 miles on my DR, unbreakable big blue couch of a bike. Nothing has broke during those miles.
I fall in the late starter category so I lack the knowledge of growing up in this scene; your videos are very helpful. I previously seen a lot of videos with guides after guides after guides but none of them look as natural or comfortable on the bike or use the bike as you do so I've decided I'm going to adopt your way of things.
Absolutely agree with you there, most of these dudes sitting next to a clean bike in the driveway and this guy is out in the dirt every video and rips it up
Alrighty make room for me. Couldn’t agree more with y’all.
I watch them all but Adam is the best.
His knowledge AND presentation set him apart.
Y’all enjoy those bikes! 🏍💨
Yes, same with me. I learn a lot of Adams work and get more and more confident to do things by myself. Only electrics seem to be like a book with 7 seals, but who knows? Adam is best!
Your regular uploads have been a breath of fresh air. Thank you sir!
I’ve been riding since 1980- Ive never come across any of these gems before. Thank you.
My favourite ADV channel. Adam's a cool dude.
you can't imagine how much this video will help people like me.. keep it coming, and thank you, really.
This lever tip could have saved me a bent brake lever and bent master cylinder pivot point a few months ago... Thanks so much for sharing! Mine's already bent, but maybe this way I can share this and save someone else's! These videos ar full of gold! Havent' missed one since I found you!
Adam you have the best motorcycle channel hands down. The chain tensioning is now my go to method for tensioning. I just can't understand why it has taken so long for this to be thoroughly explained! Such practical advice with a REAL WORLD demonstration of why! Fantastic man!
Again… like a mate that knows and I’ve asked for advice. No ego posing, no lecture, no macho posturing, just straight talk in real language…
and that chain tensioning. Holy shit It’s unbelievable how much vague bs is put out as legit advice.
Now I get it. Thanks again Adam. I do everything I can to my bike, because I want to know it’s done up right when I lean in at 70mph… and each thing I do is damn near the first time I’ve done it. I’ll feel even more confident now. Gonna check my chain in the morning.
I'm not a newbie, but I must say I've learned something today. Yet again. Thanks Adam.
The best maintanance video I've seen in a long while.
Your style of explaining is wonderfull!
Brilliant explanations - no assumptions, no BS, no patronising. Subbed. Thanks 👍
Adam, you are my `go to` bike guru. I'm a qualified master motor tech working day in day out on all things motorized and road legal ( a lot are not and should not be on the road lol )...your way of installing confidence in other is admirable and a true breath of fresh air as others have said...please keep up the work you do here as it is invaluable. Keep safe and keep the wire tight, from an admirer in Cornwall the uk ...
I have been riding and wrenching my own bike since I was 10 (some 40 years), I have done it pretty well, and I am all in on your philosophy given where these machines take us. Always made it out of the woods/desert and never had a failure due to lack of maintenance. I thought I pretty well knew what I was doing. But, there are some nuggets of pure gold that you drop in every one of your riding/wrenching vids that absolutely flatten me. F&%k me man, the "platform"?!?! So simple, yet all this time and I did not even know how my friggin bar clamps really worked! Thank you for taking us to school brother! Brilliant!
Haha, it's come from fumbling my way through 30-years of riding and racing all over the world. Not claiming to be any kind of master, just showing people how I do things.
Hi, I have been Riding Bikes for 50 Years now, and I always learn New things every time I watch one of your Videos. There’s nothing better than Expert Advice from a Pro Rider. Thank you for taking the Time to make these Videos. I really appreciate it.👍👍 Thanks again from Texas.
You are so talented at providing technical explanations in a very understandable way, thank you!!!
My bike is now out of warranty, so I’m doing the services myself. if you don’t try, as this video says, you won’t know just how much you can do yourself. Another great video! 😊
When I started tinkering with my bike it was very intimidating - especially for someone who doesn’t have any mechanical experience.
A great turning point for me was realising that these bikes are designed to be serviced in the field.
“He doesn’t care about the action of your fork.” Amazing 😆. I got a new to me 2012 500 EXC four years ago and have NEVER taken it to a shop. Yes I ride it… I break it all the time. 500+ hours on PNW gnar. No formal mechanical training, just a shop manual, RUclips, Facebook group, local community and a willingness to learn.
Did my first ever full complete disassembly and top end rebuild. Can’t tell ya how awesome it feels to know your ride inside out.
Thanks for the great vids and chain tip!
You’re a genius Adam!!! You break it all down very well for the non technically inclined. Cheers Mate!!
Mate you do great job explaining things around bikes🙌 your channel is one of my favorite bike channels ever, thank you and greets from Norway 🇳🇴
Couple of good tips, nothing more satisfying than servicing and repairing your own ride. Thanks mate.
It blows my mind how many of the blokes I've ridden with that haven't taken the time to learn these simple tasks. You're very at relaying info, keep it up
The ratchet strap is such a great idea. I have always been frustrated with the lousy chain adjustment specs in manuals. So much easier than having people sit on the bike. Thanks.
Here in Spain you need to make an appointment and wait 15 days for a bike mechanic to take a look!!! It always pùshes me to try myself first on the more basic stuff!!! Great videos!!!
Sounds terrible and frustrating. All the more reason to learn how to maintain the bike yourself!
Adam, you've opened the possibility for any rider to understand, they don't need any special skills or qualifications, just a strong desire to ride and a willingness to learn, cheers mate
MC mechanic here.
Completely agree with everything in the video. One very small point of constructive criticism with referring to the final drive chain as "stretching" - final drive chains do not stretch along their linear drive plane. What is actually happening to make them appear to have lengthened is the cumulative wear between the rollers, bushings, and bearing pins. The actual measured center to center distance between the pins will stay the same.
The only reason I'm even mentioning this is that I've experienced many customers continually tightening their chain under the belief that it is "stretching" when in fact what they are doing is accelerating chain / chainwheel / bearing wear.
Thanks for the great vids👍🏻
Wow, those words at the end. Pure truth.
Outstanding. Excellent attention to detail.
Some very good advises there ! (Coming from a guy who knew nothing about mechanics 2 years ago and now did a full engine rebuild on my bike !)
Love the idea of using a rachet strap to check chain tension. Ha, yah, I had what could've been a disastrous experience after getting my bike back from a bike shop. I had new chain and sprockets installed on my street bike, a couple hundred miles later decided to adjust the chain, it seemed a little too tight. Come to find out the rear axle nut was loose. Can't imagine it magically became loose, more than likely someone forgot to tighten it. I had previously done my own maintenance but now I'm learning to do the more intensive parts of it, like valve checks, etc and will be replacing my chain and sprockets on my own. 😂Thank you for another great video!
I didn't learn a single new item from this video, but watched the whole thing anyway. Really well done!
This is all stuff I learnt a long time ago, but I've met so many people that would benifit from this video. Great stuff Adam.
Another great video. I do most of the work on my 890r but never thought of the ratchet strap to get the chain tension right. Thank you! Always something new to learn....Always!!!
Great video, Having owned and ridden just about every type of motorcycle and quad (currently have 28 tires to maintain and counting)for the last 40+ years your info on the front forks is GOLD. Having fork seal issues? Hmm, I wonder. I have 2018 Harley street glide that I have been staring at while riding all these years and couldn't figure out why it looks mildly crooked. I may have the answer now? There is one item that I think is very important to consider when checking chain tension. Once you get the axal, sprockets aligned straight, while having the rear tire off the ground, I'll rotate the tire in small increments to check for tension differences at different spots threw the chain. I have found that the chain tension can very quite a bit as you rotate the tire. (better quality chains may not be a problem) Once I find the tightest point I will make my adjustment there. Once I've retorqued everything, check the tension again. At this point I have also found depending on the tensioner that the chain tension may be to tight and needs to be loosened up a bit. As you have eluded to in your video, this can not be overstated to its importance to engine stresses.
THANK YOU!!!
I've always struggled with chain tension until now.
👊🏼🙌🏼👍🏼💥🌟
I always do my own stuff. I do it cheaper and better than any repair shop. Just the other day, I trued my own front rim. The day before that, I had no idea how it was done. From oil changes and new tires to valve checks, its really easy if you just try. Always always always when you buy a bike or a car, the next purchase is the service manual. The best part of doing your own work...you'll know your machine by the back of your hand. Thanks for the vid!
Hallo Adam, Danke für das Super Video 🙏👍
I am a life long and experienced mechanic, since I was a teenager I have done all of my motorcycle, boat and car maintenance including rebuilds. Respect this guy, his basic common sense explanations are point on. I learn stuff here. Best of all are his common sense methods for proper nut and bolt torque. Number one problem home mechanics introduce into their bikes is over or under tightening stuff. Bar clamps, almost anytime I have seen a bike owner install bars their bar clamps are installed wrong. That part of this video qualifies as a Public Service Announcement!!!
The first video i saw of Adam was of his Himalaya adventure on GoPro channel. Ever since ive been following you. You deserve a lot more success, recognition. Love from India.
Some of the best practice advice I've seen on RUclips for some time. Keep it coming...
Such great advice for not only bikes, but cars too. A lot of maintenance really isn't that difficult. It's never been easier to learn the basics and do it yourself with youtube tutorials like this one.
Ha! My buddy at work asked me yesterday what it cost to mount my knobbies on my T7, I said I don’t know! 😂 Been changing tires since my step dad “runnoft” when I was a kid.
You're giving such great advice to the community many don't know about, or have forgotten, big Thumbs up Arie👍
It’s awesome hearing advice from someone that’s done this for a long time. I’ve got a feeling you’ve lost a master cylinder or two in the past?
I gotta go through my bike and double check everything now. I thought I had a good idea and learned so many new things.
Beautiful T7! Lucky man. I have never seen one in person and only ever seen one for sale.
I really like your approach to just about everything ADAM. TY.
Love this series of vids with the T7...keep the great content coming. Cheers from Canada!
Love the layman's explanations Adam, jargon free for those not mechanically adept or just learning. I'm lucky to have 40 yrs from Mx to circuit racing, but where i really learned was as teen how to bush doctor a p.o.s ride to last the day and get us home. Since then I've done all my own work from wheel builds, engine and suspension overhauls. I can count on one hand the dealers I would leave my bike with ! And they all be racers or ex racers 🤙
Great video Adam, I’ve been racing, riding and working on my bikes for decades and I still found your descriptions of how and why gave me more understanding of some things.
I didn't think I'd gain anything from this video, but your explanation of how chain tension changes through the arc of swingarm movement was insanely insightful, thank you for a great explanation ❤
The chain tension thing was awesome mate, gonna help me a lot. This vid was great, but I do love watching you ride, especially when you mess with people at bike camps and press events.
Good advice 👍 I have been fixing all my own vehicles since a kid .couldn't afford to pay now I just don't trust most shops
Mater of fact, common sense, well explained, how to, by a master ❤
Best T7 videos yet. Thank you!
Actually good tips too, excellent video!
Mate that was excellent. Very informative on what to do and more importantly the why. Simple and doable. Keep them coming. Cheers
First thing I bought for my bike was the maintenance book! Best investment of them all hands down.
I saw many videos about bike maintenance/adjustments, but this one is different. I like it.
Great video, I changed my front tyre yesterday but gave no thought to my fork travel. Back in the garage I go.
Excellent Video, I’ve been biking for 30+ years, and in my early teens I raced motocross for a while, and some of what you done in the video was new to me, and i will be checking. THANKS
Trick with chain is amazing. Thank you.
I love the way you present the information. Excellent advice with easy to understand steps and reasoning. Learning how to do something is good but understanding why it's needed takes the lesson to a whole new level.
As a mechanic and trainer you are top notch. 👍
It’s amazing how a PRO moto rider gives the best dad advice. This videos helped me so much that people think I knew something about bikes, when I was talking to them about this video 😂
I appreciate these vids so much. I work a parts counter at a dealership. The amount of people that ask me "Can service do that for me?" Then get mad at me when I go talk to them and quote $100-200 in labor costs. When I've told them "It's a pretty easy thing to do. You can take apart your bike to the motor with the little bag of tools in your tail. So if you have basic hand tools in your garage, it'll be a breeze. Service charges by the hour. SO even if you want just a few things adjusted, you're looking at least $100 and you'll be on the bottom of the que. So depending on when you came in. It's a real possibility you don't get your bike back today." I have customers that own naked bikes and won't even change the oil themselves.
Nice video! Glad to see video like this, simple but overlooked details. Wonder why someone's bike well looked after and last much longer.
The evil side of me says this is too advance for 90% of people who couldnt even bother to check tyre pressures....
It’s so god damn nice to watch someone who actually knows his stuff by real, hard earned experience. This is gold man, thanks.
💥 just like the small Things flatblade at the fork pinch gap sensational!!👌👍
Man, i started following you when you released your travel with the Warhorse from England to Australia, and now i can't be more happy that i started to do it because your tutorial videos are GOLD!! Thank you 👊
Good basic tips that I learnt especially off you was setting the front forks up and have road for a long time and changed my own tyers too. Unreal Rhino good footage to.
Everyone who owns a bike should listen to this guy! Excellent advice well delivered. Cheers Mate.
*PLEASE also make a video about best pick-up lines for drive-through girls, you got our attention! thx, cheers mate!*
Try..."could I get a shake with those fries?"
I have been taking engines apart and putting them back together for years . I was lucky to have mates who knew enough about mechanics and not mind helping me out ; then I would be an extra pair of hands when they needed help . That grows friendships and it has been great and I am now approaching retirement . Your channel has opened my eyes to what I never realised ! Hey learning is fun and teaching is even better . Thank you and well done .
Again, another great video, more of these please, it’s very useful and informative, especially for riders like myself who would do maintenance and other stuff by themselves. Again thank you so much. Greetings from Egypt …………
SUPER THANKS MOTOLOGY I also hit the like before watching the video, coz I know is always good staff
Eco what is said below! Getting exhaust done up with zero bind or preload is critical unless you want to replace it, so true. Well said and presented!!
Outstanding advice. I got my first adventure bike KTM 890 as I retired from street riding and it’s spoiled me. Couldn’t agree more on needing some ‘know-how’ on caring for it as I beat the day lights out of her.
Discovered your channel recently after I got a T7, mate you inspire confidence and understanding with your videos, The last 2 about set up and maintenance are awesome, it's no black art but having someone do it in real life and nothing explodes or disintegrates gives people the confidence to check these things and not only save $ but probably skin and bone too. Well done 👍
Good stuff. I really appreciate this kind of practical knowledge when it comes to working on the bikes. This is becoming one of my favorite channels on YT.
10/10
Over the last two years I have had an opportunity to develop ever closer (mechanical) relationships with my car and bikes.
You are bloody right mate, grab a drink - tea/coffee may do - and take some time to read the manual and work on your bike to make sure it is good and you stay safe.
Your videos on setting up and checking over the bike are priceless. Will be using this one in a few days.
Just in the process of getting a new bike and first thing I'm going to do this time? ...sit down, go through the manual and check or disassemble some bits and pieces and put them back up to make sure the bike is correctly set up for me.
Absolute top end instructional videos mate. Thank you.
This is great advice! I was just tensioning my chain and wondering if i could make it tighter...
Hands dawn... this kind of videos should be a full blown series, not only maintenance wise, but actually understanding machine/physics around motorcycling. Since this kind of wisdom and stuff is still kind of "grey area" (not covered in most courses, etc). I didn't even realized I would appreciate this soo much!
Another brilliant video. These are the basics all motorcyclists should know. Especially if you ride off road. I had a mate used to tighten his chain like a guitar string, he just wouldn't have it that this would likely damage his bike. In my experience, most people overtighten stuff. Use your feel and consider the size of the nut / bolt, how coarse or fine the thread is, and the leverage you're using. In most cases just bottom it out and nip it is fine.
I just stumbled into your channel and was immediately impressed with the content. The information is important and clearly explained. I love your matter of fact approach, without wasted time and silliness. Keep up the great channel. I've subscribed.
I've had a clunk in the front end of my T7 for too long and even a dealer couldn't fix it. After following your steps, my bike is 100% now!! The chain is perfect as well. Can't thank you enough man
Unfortunately the workforce is deteriorating. I have friends with small businesses who simply cannot acquire skilled / motivated staff. DiY is becoming the future.
@@MotologyFilms Problem solving is the big problem, google is killing peoples ability to think for themselves. I have mates the are mechanical engineers and the like, and they can't find anyone that can work anything out for themselves, and if they try and muck it up, they try and blame someone/something else.... It's a sad state of affairs....
These maintenance videos are just pure love to all of us riders out there. Really valuable content thank you.
I just bought a used 2018 Honda CRF250L with
Holy moly, I was just about to tighten my exhaust bolts, thanks for explaining that and all the other epic information!!
Great video Adam, I started riding on my tenth birthday just under 43 years ago, for as long as I can remember, I have used teflon tape under my lever clamps. The last lever I broke was around 30 years ago.
Great content. The more you look closely and become more familiar with your bike the more confident you’ll be. Even the smallest bit of knowledge is gold. I’ve had my bike back with loose pinch bolts… it happens. Thanks 👍
Nice video. If you’re gonna work on your own bike, first step is to buy a good torque wrench, service manual, and thread locker. Follow all the published torque specs for everything. Once you trained your muscle memory you can feel how tight to tighten everything even with a rudimentary tool kit on the trail 👍
Damn right, what you said in the last bit. I once had to replace the stator of the generator in my F800GS, because it refused to load the battery. I took the bike to the dealer, came back two days later and left 600 bucks for the exchange and some maintenance works.
Two junctions away I noticed my exhaust getting louder and a strange smell at the traffic lights. Turned out that the back brake cylinder did not reverse anymore, so that I found myself again on the BMW-yard half an hour later. Another 300 euros gone. That's now 7 years ago and a just have been once at a KTM-dealer since.
Like the Awesome players, I started to throw maintenance party's with a few friend, drinking coffee with Irish cream and replacing all that has become old or loose. Its also much easier to change a clutch-basket, the fork-oil or adjust the valve play with double or triple the knowledge around in the shop.
And you get to know your bike, in case you drop it 2000km away from home in a pond and have to pull the spark plug. ;-)
I just did my valve clearances on my 690 e, first time adjusting shim valves. I learned a lot. Great tips Adam. Enjoying your series of yours. Cheers 🍺👌🏻