Thanks for the video. You make it very easy to understand. So How precise do you have to be on being identical on left and right swing arm during adjustment? I noticed on the hash marks on the swing arm there is a pretty good space between each hash mark. Can you just eye ball it, or would it have to be laser precise? With the space between each hash mark I guess it would be hard to be precise if the setting falls outside of the lines. Im a new rider..lol
Dawgs241 good point, it needs to be as precise as you can get it or will cause odd tire wear and in extreme conditions odd chain/sprocket wear. Blue Monkey makes a laser alignment tool for suspension, chain, swingarm, etc for around $600 if you are interested in getting it that precise. A piece of string does wonders as sometimes the hash marks on the blocks are not super accurate.
You can use something like a 3x5 card and cut it to fit the first side you adjust. You can then use it as a template to adjust the second side. This way if you are between hash marks there will be no guessing. Alternately, you can use a micrometer (the measuring tool shown in this video) to make the same measurement.
Motion pro makes a chain alignment that would be easier for most to use Motion Pro 08-0048 Chain Alignment Tool www.amazon.com/dp/B000GTVOJQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5TDqFbDK1350Y I think a micrometer would be the best but there are a lot of ways to do it
@@broderp I was going to use a small ruler to measure. The card is a great idea. To be honest, I had the bike for 2 years and I never had to adjust it. The chain remained within 20 to 30mm. I now have a Ninja 1000 which adjust only on one side. You don't have to worry about measuring.
Used this video to do my first adjust on my 19 x400. I had the same play and needed the same end play. Learned not to loosen the axle too much as adjusting the left moved the right way off and adjusting right moved left loose. I almost tightened it down before big brain idea to yank tire back hard before tightening and checking sprocket alignment. Probably saved myself more frustration and admitting defeat and take it somewhere for them to laugh at me in service while I wait in the floor room.
Nice, yea I should have talked more about that in the vid, axle just loose enough for the bolts to move… helps a lot. Glad you got it done Maintenance is expensive and awesome when you can do it yourself
Thanks for the video. I'm a new Rider and just went to lubricate my chain, noticed it was so loose it was scraping away at my swing arm. Pretty upset my dealer sold me, a new rider a brand new bike like that... oh well at least I caught it at 400 miles.
Many thanks for the tutorial - was easy to follow. Adjusted mine today and now the riding experience is far superior / smoother. Might be worth adding to the description the needed tools - they are mentioned in the video but in any case these are: measuring calipers (or at the least tape measure), 12mm and 14mm spanners, 17mm and 24mm wrenches, needle nose pliers (for the cotter pin). Also what may be worth adding as regards to alignment of both sides - use those measuring calipers and ensure that after adjustment there is equal distance between the bracket and the end of the swing arm.
Ive only ever had my dealer adjust mine but wanted to learn and thank you for making a good video! As i said my dealer has always done mine and they werent even on both sides which makes me wonder things but oh well, they are now lol
Glad you have this video i have 24 kawi eliminator which is based off of a ninja 400 platform so its the most simular i can go off of for now sence theres like no videos on it lol
Haha thanks, i know what you mean. I purchased a bunch of 40 tv during Black Friday a few years back just started putting them everywhere i could and the shop worked out great lol
It’s good to make sure you jam the chain and seat the axle all the way to the back of the wheelbase if you can to get the best measurement. Also, instead of relying on the tick markers for the axle sliders to judge the axle alignment, there are very cheaper gauges you can buy that thread onto the rear sprocket and show your axle to chain alignment. Motion pro makes a good one that I use every time for perfect perpendicular axle alignment. They also sell a sprocket jammer, which is a lot better than a piece of wood or folded rags, but it doesn’t actually fit the ninjas factory 520 chain. Great video though man. Very well put together.
Great KISS video, (keep it simple stupid) wish all DIY RUclipsrs had your concise & easy to follow style, tyvm. ps. Avatar is GoPro screenshot swerving from wrekless driver headed straight for my black on black Ninja 400, very nimble bikes...lol
Great video - very informative! Just wanted to point out a minor error you made while narrating - 0.8 inches does not equate to an 1/8th of an inch. Just pointing it out for those who may have been confused by this. YOU DO NOT WANT AN EIGHTH (1/8") OF AN INCH OF CHAIN SLACK... THAT IS 0.125 INCHES - WAY TOO TIGHT**
In my case, these plates at the end of the swing arm near the screws have some play so that they can be moved easily, everything is tightened, nothing happens? apart from that, I have a new Ninja from the showroom... the left side of the swingarm is set differently than the right one, the difference is maybe 3/4 mm of the swingarm - the motorcycle is and rides straight, the chain runs evenly on the sprockets, etc.
To get ride of the play loosen the axel and put a screwdriver between the chain and sprocket, roll the screwdriver in and you will see the wheel get forced back on the brackets tightening it all up
On your last video you mentioned the sound is not great. I just bought one I hate the exhaust though I don’t want to just sound loud and dumb I think Akroprovich makes one that’s doesn’t change the sound much
Thank you for all the detail. very Helpful. so i know how i lube the chain but how do you go about doing it? is there an easy way other than walking it while someone else sprays it?
In my case, these plates at the end of the swing arm near the screws have some play so that they can be moved easily, everything is tightened, nothing happens?
Shouldn’t have play. To get ride of the play loosen the axel and put a screwdriver between the chain and sprocket, roll the screwdriver in and you will see the wheel get forced back on the brackets tightening it all up, hope this helps
Did you notice it went back to 38mm within less then 150 miles of riding???? If you just set it at 38mm from the beginning it stays there almost if it where spec😄😄😄😄😄😄😄....
@@ScoutsOut well what about your rear shock preload adjustment, did you set it to #4 or #5?? I weigh less then 160lbs and the factory setting of #3 is too soft allowing the swing arm to move upwards too much and stretch the chain, bumpy roads also on #3 cause rapid chain stretch. Hard to imagine a full grown man riding this bike without any chain problems unless on setting #5, and the fork oil is cheap also it needs to be replaced with a heavier grade.
What does the 17mm do at 3:02? Tried loosening my 24 castle, but I was doing only one side and it wouldn't budge, didn't know I needed a second wrench, what motion do I do with the 17?
There are many ways to do it, I chose this route as most do not have all the equipment and special tools to get it off the ground. I prefer to do it on a rear stand, all are good ways to do it
It’s an older snap on torque wrench, they are crazy expensive. Harbor freight has a good digital one that won’t break the bank if you wanna check that out too
Scouts Out she has 615 miles, and i think chain needs cleaning and grease wax, aswell as tightening because its at 2 1/2 inches, also oil is black. got the ninja 400 less then a week ago
Yes at 600 every new bike should get it’s first oil change, and by the book every 600 miles you should clean lube and adjust the chain for the life of the bike
So this is gonna add like 20HP to my ninja 400 right?? Haha, no but thanks for the tutorial, I successfully adjusted the tension on my ninja 400 for the 1st time
I loosened the axle bolt way to much. Went throughout the comments to find that out. I have a problem with the chain being too tight even though i can loosen both nuts all the way. Any advice?
The stock chain should not be too tight especially if it has some mileage on it, if anything it should be stretched by now. Do you have a rear stand and swing arm spools on the bike?
@@ScoutsOut Oh cool, I was 19D always in a scout platoon lol. favorite unit 25th Infantry Div. Was in 3rd ID too but it was Mech and hated it. 11th ACR and 2nd Cav also. Loved being light.
@@ScoutsOut 101 Worst Dope on a rope! lol JK, went thru Air Assault at Schofield 25th ID on East Range think Id rather go thru Airborne again than AAS. The black hats kicked or ass, 4 mi ruck march every morning under 1 hour PT PT PT Airborne was a walk in the park.
I have a 2019 zx6r. The manual says rotate the rear tire to find the place where the chain has the most tension. I've done this and it doesnt seem to have any place where its tighter than another. Also I have no fucking clue as to where I'm suppose to make the measurements from. I know center of the chain but what am I supposed to go by? The frame? The manual is effin useless bc it doesnt show the point I'm supposed to reference the chain slack from. What I mean is that the frame isnt level it's at an angle. How am I supposed to measure the slack?
It’s annoying I’ve had 4 bikes and they all are vague on where exactly to measure, I also have a 2018 636 best bet for center is measure between each sprocket. As for the tightest spot in the chain I know what you mean hard to find it, have someone walk your bike slow as you watch
You measure at the center of the chain. A chain in good shape will have the same tension everywhere when you rotate the tire. As the chain gets old, you will start to notice tighter spots when turning the wheel. You should adjust when the wheel is positioned at the tighter spot to be sure you dont adjust the chain too tight.
The way you used those calipers hurt my soul.... Who the hell thought you to use that tool? whomever it was that instructed you on how to use that tool is not your friend and doesn't like you.
Thanks for the video. You make it very easy to understand. So How precise do you have to be on being identical on left and right swing arm during adjustment? I noticed on the hash marks on the swing arm there is a pretty good space between each hash mark. Can you just eye ball it, or would it have to be laser precise? With the space between each hash mark I guess it would be hard to be precise if the setting falls outside of the lines. Im a new rider..lol
It doesn’t have to be on the lines just the same on both sides
Dawgs241 good point, it needs to be as precise as you can get it or will cause odd tire wear and in extreme conditions odd chain/sprocket wear. Blue Monkey makes a laser alignment tool for suspension, chain, swingarm, etc for around $600 if you are interested in getting it that precise. A piece of string does wonders as sometimes the hash marks on the blocks are not super accurate.
You can use something like a 3x5 card and cut it to fit the first side you adjust. You can then use it as a template to adjust the second side. This way if you are between hash marks there will be no guessing. Alternately, you can use a micrometer (the measuring tool shown in this video) to make the same measurement.
Motion pro makes a chain alignment that would be easier for most to use
Motion Pro 08-0048 Chain Alignment Tool www.amazon.com/dp/B000GTVOJQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5TDqFbDK1350Y
I think a micrometer would be the best but there are a lot of ways to do it
@@broderp I was going to use a small ruler to measure. The card is a great idea. To be honest, I had the bike for 2 years and I never had to adjust it. The chain remained within 20 to 30mm. I now have a Ninja 1000 which adjust only on one side. You don't have to worry about measuring.
Used this video to do my first adjust on my 19 x400. I had the same play and needed the same end play. Learned not to loosen the axle too much as adjusting the left moved the right way off and adjusting right moved left loose. I almost tightened it down before big brain idea to yank tire back hard before tightening and checking sprocket alignment. Probably saved myself more frustration and admitting defeat and take it somewhere for them to laugh at me in service while I wait in the floor room.
Nice, yea I should have talked more about that in the vid, axle just loose enough for the bolts to move… helps a lot. Glad you got it done Maintenance is expensive and awesome when you can do it yourself
Thanks for the video. I'm a new Rider and just went to lubricate my chain, noticed it was so loose it was scraping away at my swing arm. Pretty upset my dealer sold me, a new rider a brand new bike like that... oh well at least I caught it at 400 miles.
I notice that new chain stretch a lot at first. I could see that being in spec at the dealer and not after 400 miles
Many thanks for the tutorial - was easy to follow. Adjusted mine today and now the riding experience is far superior / smoother. Might be worth adding to the description the needed tools - they are mentioned in the video but in any case these are: measuring calipers (or at the least tape measure), 12mm and 14mm spanners, 17mm and 24mm wrenches, needle nose pliers (for the cotter pin). Also what may be worth adding as regards to alignment of both sides - use those measuring calipers and ensure that after adjustment there is equal distance between the bracket and the end of the swing arm.
Nice glad it worked out for you!! I have tried laying the tools out in some of the other videos I’ve made it’s definitely helpful to do up front
it is nice to have all the proper tools make everything go so smooth...
True, the right tools make any job easier
Super easy videos to follow along with great job bro I'm glad I watched it I feel way more confident in doing it myself now
Thanks man I appreciate that, glad the vid was helpful.
Ive only ever had my dealer adjust mine but wanted to learn and thank you for making a good video!
As i said my dealer has always done mine and they werent even on both sides which makes me wonder things but oh well, they are now lol
Glad you have this video i have 24 kawi eliminator which is based off of a ninja 400 platform so its the most simular i can go off of for now sence theres like no videos on it lol
Nice, glad it helped
Thank you for this video bro I am a noob and I needed this
Right on, cheers… enjoy the bike
That monitor in your garage is genius. I have a few spare kicking around and been wondering what to do with them. Thanks.
Haha thanks, i know what you mean. I purchased a bunch of 40 tv during Black Friday a few years back just started putting them everywhere i could and the shop worked out great lol
24mm, 12, 14, 17. Wrench sizes. 72ft lbs / 98nm axel nut tightening torque
It’s good to make sure you jam the chain and seat the axle all the way to the back of the wheelbase if you can to get the best measurement.
Also, instead of relying on the tick markers for the axle sliders to judge the axle alignment, there are very cheaper gauges you can buy that thread onto the rear sprocket and show your axle to chain alignment. Motion pro makes a good one that I use every time for perfect perpendicular axle alignment. They also sell a sprocket jammer, which is a lot better than a piece of wood or folded rags, but it doesn’t actually fit the ninjas factory 520 chain.
Great video though man. Very well put together.
Great KISS video, (keep it simple stupid) wish all DIY RUclipsrs had your concise & easy to follow style,
tyvm.
ps.
Avatar is GoPro screenshot swerving from wrekless driver headed straight for my black on black Ninja 400, very nimble bikes...lol
Thanks I appreciate that.
That’s scary but cool you got it on video
Super helpful video with great explanations, thanks man 👍
Glad it helped!
Great vid! Thanks so much!
Glad it helped out!
You did that bro u explain and showed everything
Thanks bro, glad it helped out
Great video - very informative! Just wanted to point out a minor error you made while narrating - 0.8 inches does not equate to an 1/8th of an inch. Just pointing it out for those who may have been confused by this. YOU DO NOT WANT AN EIGHTH (1/8") OF AN INCH OF CHAIN SLACK... THAT IS 0.125 INCHES - WAY TOO TIGHT**
Thanks you! Good catch
You mean too tight?
@@michaelnixon3364 lmfao yes i meant too tight, thanks!
Good video, will be doing this today thanks 👍
would this be similar to the 2024 ninja 500? for adjusting the chain.. thanks for the video!
Yea for sure it’s all the same parts, glad it helped and happy new year
@@ScoutsOut you are so quick!! thank you. about to go outside and give it a go! aloha and happy new year
Appreciate you bro thanks for the information
Glad it was helpful 🍻
Nice video, Thank you.
Glad it was helpful
I need his tool boxes!! Ty sir!
Haha yea they are super nice, thanks for watching
In my case, these plates at the end of the swing arm near the screws have some play so that they can be moved easily, everything is tightened, nothing happens? apart from that, I have a new Ninja from the showroom... the left side of the swingarm is set differently than the right one, the difference is maybe 3/4 mm of the swingarm - the motorcycle is and rides straight, the chain runs evenly on the sprockets, etc.
To get ride of the play loosen the axel and put a screwdriver between the chain and sprocket, roll the screwdriver in and you will see the wheel get forced back on the brackets tightening it all up
Thanks bro 🍻
Hell yea Cheers!!
Mines sloppy too but I just cleaned and lubed the chain and I can’t adjust it right now
Coo, thanks for watching bro
On your last video you mentioned the sound is not great. I just bought one I hate the exhaust though I don’t want to just sound loud and dumb I think Akroprovich makes one that’s doesn’t change the sound much
Yea I would think a Akra slip on would be quite and look really good. You could always leave the baffle in two depending on how the sound is
@@ScoutsOut Yeah that’s true The Leo vince exhaust is small I don’t think it has a baffle
Thank you for all the detail. very Helpful. so i know how i lube the chain but how do you go about doing it? is there an easy way other than walking it while someone else sprays it?
Thank you, I put the bike back on a rear stand.
In my case, these plates at the end of the swing arm near the screws have some play so that they can be moved easily, everything is tightened, nothing happens?
Shouldn’t have play. To get ride of the play loosen the axel and put a screwdriver between the chain and sprocket, roll the screwdriver in and you will see the wheel get forced back on the brackets tightening it all up, hope this helps
Great video, thank U :)
Did you notice it went back to 38mm within less then 150 miles of riding???? If you just set it at 38mm from the beginning it stays there almost if it where spec😄😄😄😄😄😄😄....
Haha I didn’t notice that
@@ScoutsOut well what about your rear shock preload adjustment, did you set it to #4 or #5?? I weigh less then 160lbs and the factory setting of #3 is too soft allowing the swing arm to move upwards too much and stretch the chain, bumpy roads also on #3 cause rapid chain stretch. Hard to imagine a full grown man riding this bike without any chain problems unless on setting #5, and the fork oil is cheap also it needs to be replaced with a heavier grade.
I was trying figure out how much to take to a shop. This makes it look easy. How often should we check and oil the chain?
Nice glad I could help, the correct answer is every 600 miles but What I do is every 1000 ish
Excellent video. Would you have a video explaining how to change the ninja 400 candles?
Do you mean handle bars?
@@ScoutsOut remove spark vídeo?
I dont have a need to do that to mine yet, but when I do I’ll post a vid for sure
What size torque ranch is that ?
It’s a half inch but most 3/8 go high enough to torque the axel nut as well
Thank you!
What does the 17mm do at 3:02? Tried loosening my 24 castle, but I was doing only one side and it wouldn't budge, didn't know I needed a second wrench, what motion do I do with the 17?
I ended up not needing the 17, the castle nut came off without it
@@ScoutsOut okay thanks, maybe I just gotta put more force into the 24.
Probably, just make sure the 17 isn’t spinning when you get the 24 to loosen
Awesome video, just subscribed. Where do you get your replacement cotter pins?
Thanks man and welcome to the channel. I got my cotter pins from tractor supply but any autozone or automotive parts store should have them
my mentors taught me 0.125 is 1/8 of an inch.
what do you do if you tighten the chain adjustments too much? i cant seem to loosen it at all
Hard to say without seeing what your doing, but make sure to use metric tools and the round end of the wrench’s to keep from stripping the bolts
Or break the original adjusters and buy driven captive axle adjusters. That way everything stays in place when removing the wheel.
what size torque wrench are you using and is it ft lbs or inch pounds?
That one was a 1/2 and it’s in ft lbs
Wouldn't it be better to take the weight off the rear wheel? I've had mine done at the Kawasaki dealer and they
always get it off the ground.
There are many ways to do it, I chose this route as most do not have all the equipment and special tools to get it off the ground. I prefer to do it on a rear stand, all are good ways to do it
Why does kawasaki use a cotter pin, literally no other brand does and they are fine w 98t anyway?
Haha yea, the gearing is ok. I wouldn’t mind having more power lower and lose some top end...I’m sure ill try some different gearing sooner or later
What is the name of that digital torque Wrench….Name brand? I am trying to buy one.
It’s an older snap on torque wrench, they are crazy expensive. Harbor freight has a good digital one that won’t break the bank if you wanna check that out too
Ty so much
you didnt put it on a stand. i didnt know you could do it that way
Most of the owners manuals will have you do it on the side stand. It is slow easier on a rear stand though.
The swingarm of the ninja 400 is like a person going to the gym but always skipping leg day.
AR15 😂🤣
It's funny cause it's true, makes me wanna put on a 160 tire just too give it a more beefy appearance, only grievance with the bike so far though
What did you do with the cotter pin did you use the same one? And how did you get it back in there
Yes I used the same cotter pin, if needed use a hammer to bend it straight. If it doesn’t line up in loosen or slightly tighten until it will line up
Scouts Out she has 615 miles, and i think chain needs cleaning and grease wax, aswell as tightening because its at 2 1/2 inches, also oil is black. got the ninja 400 less then a week ago
Yes at 600 every new bike should get it’s first oil change, and by the book every 600 miles you should clean lube and adjust the chain for the life of the bike
Scouts Out my oil is not coming for another week 7 days, so she might be up to 750 miles before I get it changed
And on top of that it's already really black, hopefully she can take another 150 miles.
So this is gonna add like 20HP to my ninja 400 right??
Haha, no but thanks for the tutorial, I successfully adjusted the tension on my ninja 400 for the 1st time
😂 definitely, happy it helped bro
I loosened the axle bolt way to much. Went throughout the comments to find that out. I have a problem with the chain being too tight even though i can loosen both nuts all the way. Any advice?
Did you put on a new chain by any chance?
@@ScoutsOut i did not, the stock chain was just out of spec
The stock chain should not be too tight especially if it has some mileage on it, if anything it should be stretched by now. Do you have a rear stand and swing arm spools on the bike?
Sry so many questions, how many miles do you have on the bike and chain?
@@ScoutsOut yeah, its in the air right now if thats what youre asking. I guees i just dont understand exactly what the adjustment nuts are doing
So saw the name and were you a 19D?
Haha no, I was in an 11B scout platoon
@@ScoutsOut Oh cool, I was 19D always in a scout platoon lol. favorite unit 25th Infantry Div. Was in 3rd ID too but it was Mech and hated it. 11th ACR and 2nd Cav also. Loved being light.
Nice, I was with 327 and Campbell was a good time
@@ScoutsOut 101 Worst Dope on a rope! lol JK, went thru Air Assault at Schofield 25th ID on East Range think Id rather go thru Airborne again than AAS. The black hats kicked or ass, 4 mi ruck march every morning under 1 hour PT PT PT Airborne was a walk in the park.
Haha, that one I haven’t heard yet 😂
I have a 2019 zx6r. The manual says rotate the rear tire to find the place where the chain has the most tension. I've done this and it doesnt seem to have any place where its tighter than another. Also I have no fucking clue as to where I'm suppose to make the measurements from. I know center of the chain but what am I supposed to go by? The frame? The manual is effin useless bc it doesnt show the point I'm supposed to reference the chain slack from. What I mean is that the frame isnt level it's at an angle. How am I supposed to measure the slack?
It’s annoying I’ve had 4 bikes and they all are vague on where exactly to measure, I also have a 2018 636 best bet for center is measure between each sprocket. As for the tightest spot in the chain I know what you mean hard to find it, have someone walk your bike slow as you watch
You measure at the center of the chain. A chain in good shape will have the same tension everywhere when you rotate the tire. As the chain gets old, you will start to notice tighter spots when turning the wheel. You should adjust when the wheel is positioned at the tighter spot to be sure you dont adjust the chain too tight.
.8 inches is not 1/8 in
👍🏼
The way you used those calipers hurt my soul.... Who the hell thought you to use that tool? whomever it was that instructed you on how to use that tool is not your friend and doesn't like you.
Sry bout yer soul bro
You didn't do this right.
Well school me up so I do it right bud