First time chain adjustment/lube
 

Hi guys, finally got to the time when im ready to do my first chain adjustment(700ish miles on a Tenere)

Can you give me some pointers on:

1:What lubrication do you recommend and how do I apply it?
2:What tools do i need to adjust/check chain tension and the best method to do it(upright on a paddock stand/centre stand or on the side stand etc as per manual)
3:Anything you can think of i may need to avoid/remember to do?

Plus can you give me some pointers regarding how you can tell it needs chain lube as the chain currently looks light grey(ie its not smothered in grease)

Apologies for the questions but bear in mind, im a new bike owner(only a few months new) so im still a newbie about pretty much everything to do with maintenance etc and obviously dont want to do anything daft and reck it

Ryben

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zB4DsHV8SAQ

Not the best video on youtube, but if you watch some of them, you get the drift. Chain slack on the ten is 50 mm, better too loose than too tight.

If, looking from behind on the chain, the rollers are shiny, I lube it (every 300-500 km), more in the rain.

First thing, the tools from the standard toolbag won't be enough, you will need something for the rear axle nut ( 22, and it's not in the toolbag... ).

Then, regarding checking the tension, don't try to do it on center stand because once you get it off, the weight will compress the rear shock and the chain will get extra tension in it. Best way is the one described in the manual, with the bike on the side stand because at least there is some weight compressing the rear shock and the slack indicated in the manual should work for standard load.

If you're riding 2 up and with lots of luggage, on the other hand, it would be best if you check and tension the chain with the additional load on the bike.

Get yourself a scottoiler, it will lubricate and clean your chain for you as you ride!

This is what I do:

1. Sit on you knees next to your bike close the the chain
2. Grab the handlebar en move your bike just off the sidestand..(close to upright)
3. Take two fingers (index and middle finger) and put it between the chain and the fattest part of the swingarm (close to the front sprocket),

If you cannot get your fingers in - the chain is too tight
If you can move your fingers up and down between the swingarm and the chain - the chain is too lose

Quick and easy test...

my 2c

I know this probably sounds sarcastic (its not tho) - look in the owners manual!
it goes through everything step by step and the instructions are (obviously) specific to the bike - thats important because if i remember right the chain slack for the Ten is checked when on the sidestand, which is unusual.

no disrespect intended to anyone else who has posted in this thread - but if you're new to all this then the owners manual for the bike really is the best place to find the right info.

as has been posted already for chain adjustment you'll need a 22mm spanner/socket+bar for the rear spindle nut - i use a ring spanner (put the spanner on the nut with the open end pointing to the front of the bike and put weight on it with your foot. likewise point to the rear and do the same to tighten)

hope that helps
Pete

Pretty much what Pete said. I then double check the tension by standing the bike upright, and squashing the rear suspension as much as possible (85kg of me on the topbox mount), to check it still has enough play in it. This is easier with an assistant :D

In theory you want the chain as tight as possible, but without any chance of it going tight as the suspension moves. The geometry of the Ten means the chain gets tighter on compression, which is why the manual specifies such a huge amount of slack when it's on the sidestand.