KDXRIDER.NET

Hello,

Can I please get confirmation on if I am measuring my chain slack correctly?

The manual states standard slack should be 55-65 mm (2.16535 inches - 2.55906 inches). I am measuring about 2 inches when I pulled up for tension.

http://www.screencast.com/t/J2ugTM1kk7Bt

http://www.screencast.com/t/66kA5DBsMzpq

Thanks,

I bought chain lube oil as well.

As a rule of thumb(no pun intended) you should be able to get 2 to 3 fingers stacked vertically between the rubber chain guard(the one that runs on top of the swing arm) and the the chain

AS stated by gotanu , your to far back on the swing arm .The rubber chain guard right in front of your tape is where you should be measuring, have the KDX on the ground not on a stand , no weight on bike ,not leaning on side stand BUT standing straight up . put two fingers together like your pointing a gun barrell with your fingers in the middle of the rubber guard .should be kinda tight for two fingers but not to tight .

That's what I do with all my bikes. Stand the bike up, and fit 2 to 3 fingers between the chain and slider. If it's loose it tightened a notch and check. If it's tight, I loosen a notch and check. You should be good from there, but I am real anal about chain cleanliness, lubrication (is there too much?) and correct tension for chain and sprocket life. It's cheaper to clean everything having to much oil than it is to replace the parts. I only use non 'o' ring chains, tho.

Gotanubike wrote:As a rule of thumb(no pun intended) you should be able to get 2 to 3 fingers stacked vertically between the rubber chain guard(the one that runs on top of the swing arm) and the the chain

Thank you.

I notice the rubber chain guard has chain marks on it. Is this normal?

Where at on the chain guard should I be measuring with my two fingers? Should I put by that screw on the rubber chain guard?

Should I buy chain cleaner to clean the chain after each ride?

Sorry for all the questions but still learning as I go. lol

At the part closest to the back. Like this(compliments of motosport.com for the pic)



If you bought a standard non O-ring chain, you should clean the chain after every ride but O-ring chains are injected and sealed with oil at each pivot.

A simple rinse and respray every so often will do

A little loose is way better than too tight.

I can get a year to 18 months worth of heavy service out of a new set of good sprockets and an o-ring chain. I used to clean and lube regularly but realized that was doing more harm than good on an o-ring chain

It would be much better to take an actual measurement. I doubt that everyone has the same size fingers. The difference between too tight and just right isnt that much.

Do I need to pick up on chain with the right hand to apply tension? Or do i just place 2-3 fingers in there only?

Per the owners manual

"Slack Inspection
with the motorcycle on the side stand, push up the drive chain in the middle of the upper run to measure the chain play. The space
between the chain and the swingarm at the rear of the chain slipper should be 55-70 mm. "

What I did was get a piece of bar stock that was 2.5" wide and I keep it in my toolbox. To measure, stand the bike up straight, then set it on the kickstand. Insert the measure tool between the swingarm and the chain at the end of the rubber chain guard (on top of the swingarm and under the chain. As stated above, a little loose is better than a little tight (your wheel bearings will thank you)

bufftester wrote:
What I did was get a piece of bar stock that was 2.5" wide and I keep it in my toolbox. To measure, stand the bike up straight, then set it on the kickstand. Insert the measure tool between the swingarm and the chain at the end of the rubber chain guard (on top of the swingarm and under the chain. As stated above, a little loose is better than a little tight (your wheel bearings will thank you)

Which end of the rubber chain guard should I measure from? Heading towards the back tire or front tire?

the end closest to the back tire

I must be honest I really hate the `snail` chain adjusters on the kdx....why Kawasaki designed them this way is beyond me....my chain is either too tight, or too loose....its so annoying !!!

It seems like that way to me too...I'll be like "Oh let me just tighten this one click, it's pretty loose..." then *click* and it's like wow now I can cut a slice of Swiss cheese for my sandwich on it. So my chain is always a little to the looser side than I'd like it.

On convenience is that it's pretty fool proof and easy to remember when removing and reinstalling the rear wheel.