Dirt Bike Chain Adjustment and Lubrication

Рет қаралды 630,562

13 жыл бұрын

www.bikebandit.com? This BikeBandit.com How To Video overviews Dirt Bike Chain Adjustment and Lubrication with Steve Matthes and was produced by Transworld Motocross.
Proper chain adjustment and lubrication on a dirt bike is key to long chain and sprocket life. Specifications for dirt bike chain adjustment can be found within most owner's manuals and can also be found within dirt bike repair manuals. You can find dirt bike repair manuals on the BikeBandit.com website at www.bikebandit.com/motorcycle-...
Lubrication is your friend for long life. Chain lube for dirt bikes can be found on our website at www.bikebandit.com/lubricants-...

Пікірлер: 205

@mchale20201 11 жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting this! It fills in the gaps nicely left by the factory service manual.

@GazBlacklock-rk2wg 7 жыл бұрын

ace video. really good guy. keep it up.. from all of us at KX450F's across the pond in the UK.

@kingj200000 13 жыл бұрын

great vid! i like that this guy was a factory mechanic!! thanks from a small town in New Zealand..:)

@TheAdam92ea 8 жыл бұрын

Exactly what i was looking for. 👌👍

@joshuaoutten2817 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for always making SIMPLE videos. Glad to see you using your own brain as well instead of always trusting manufacturer specs, that's how I know you're a good mechanic. I love the common sense specs you always deliver! 3 finger rule, no ruler or sag tools required, you're awesome!!!

@mr.wildwood7342 4 жыл бұрын

Well done very informative!

@hexhead5732 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Mr. how to bike bandit 👍

@davidhogan5880 6 жыл бұрын

That was awesome dude. Thanks heaps.

@690ADV 6 жыл бұрын

another great video, keep it going.

@INTERNA9 10 жыл бұрын

GREAT VIDEO, THANX .

@MVARacing 11 жыл бұрын

You put tension on the chain to insure the axle is taught against the axle blocks, that way you know you are getting a true measurement on each side of the wheel.

@klauswittrupjensen 10 жыл бұрын

You spray at the front to avoid lube on your bake disc and pads.

@johnmandingo5990 8 жыл бұрын

this guy is a mechanical guru...!!

@SirSmighty 13 жыл бұрын

Awesome tips!

@joedirt8285 6 жыл бұрын

thank u sir! its a lot of. help!

@stephenhirsch8613 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you boss👍

@pjexc5500 5 жыл бұрын

very good video good info.Thanks

@TerriHogan1 11 жыл бұрын

Great video.

@justinscott3999 8 жыл бұрын

Good Demonstration

@Halvcak3 13 жыл бұрын

2:50 chain lube, thanks for the help

@franmitch3589 3 жыл бұрын

Very good vid

@imGlobL 10 жыл бұрын

Would have been helpful if he could have went into more detail with the explanation

@LILMADERR23 5 жыл бұрын

No kiddin. Don't even know what hes touchin.

@jasonrees6012 4 жыл бұрын

@@LILMADERR23 haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

@michaelfarnham3808 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah starting to find out all these videos are like that

@dndnahlik5122 Жыл бұрын

Ggcgg

@yeahwerepthesamesmartech7113 8 жыл бұрын

like and subbed, the 3 finger trick kept me good all last season just came back to reassure my new bikes chain is good to go

@bikebandit 8 жыл бұрын

Hey D-Block, We're here to help, and glad that you found our video helpful. Thanks for subscribing to our channel. We appreciate the support and the business. Ride safe. BB.com!

@yeahwerepthesamesmartech7113 8 жыл бұрын

+BikeBandit thanks, quick question just in your opinion which oil (Honda specific) is the best oil to run in the transmission side of my 2002 honda crf450r

@bikebandit 8 жыл бұрын

Hey DB, Not sure. I used to own a 2003 CRF450R and I never used the Honda Oils in either the engine or the trans. My current 450 gets full-synthetic from either Bel-Ray or Motorex. Lots of great options out there.

@SlammedBeretta 8 жыл бұрын

BelRay Thumper Gearsaver or Pro Honda HP Transmission oil

@1745nathan 13 жыл бұрын

good tips

@Ramerfull3 11 жыл бұрын

Can you provide a video of replacing the chain slider on Honda crf 450. Thanks that was some outstanding information I will take me to Ocotillo wells. I find myself doing all my buddies chain adjustment,. This will help me speed up things and eliminate any mistakes. Thanks and good luck to you and your riders.

@hunter44392 12 жыл бұрын

Thankyou sir

@Misfitswitch 11 жыл бұрын

3 fingers, I have heard 2 for years?

@cbl0325 11 жыл бұрын

I want to like your videos and I've watched several but I am too slow and dumb to keep up with everything you are doing. I'm sure more advanced mech types love these vids.

@jaynewton87 7 жыл бұрын

hey would a clicking coming from the front spocket whilst riding and only when leaning to the right be an indication on a loose chain.

@mason0444 11 жыл бұрын

I met this dude at San Diego SX '13!

@Jon-us8yn 8 жыл бұрын

Good vid. but i wanna know what the song is in the opening lol?

@Ride2Live420 11 ай бұрын

Ricky was so good because he started early as possible thus he had more riding experience than everyone else at the end of his career. I also think that him being on the small side caused him to train harder to compensate for his small stature. James Stewart & Travis Pastrami got early starts as well. Stewart was the fastest rider I have ever seen race to this day.

@XxphillipsXx123 12 жыл бұрын

Cool

@Isaiaha400 3 жыл бұрын

Whats the beat used for this video? Its beautiful

@timetter7062 5 жыл бұрын

This guy is epic

@fattony123082 9 жыл бұрын

I personally recommend using small amounts of KY warming oil...

@QuickJoe 9 жыл бұрын

thanks for the info, :)

@bikebandit 8 жыл бұрын

+Joeywit Hey Jwit,Glad you enjoyed the video, and found it helpful. You're subscribed to our channel, right?

@shiloturri8407 Ай бұрын

Would the chain being loose cause the master link to constantly fall off?

@TheThingamajig 11 жыл бұрын

Thanks bud. Was worried my chain was loose but I have 3 finger tension. And I have white lightening wax lube good thing you added that its best applied warm

@bikebandit 11 жыл бұрын

Hello Murdo, Grease is not recommended. You should use motorcycle specific chain lube. If you don't have chain lube you can soak your chain in motor oil. However motor oil tends to fling off quickly and attract dirt.BikeBandit has a whole assortment of chain lubes. Check our our website or give our customer service a call at 1-888-339-3888. They would be more than happy to help you out.

@norcorider15 12 жыл бұрын

just wondering why you put a spanner in the chain against the sprocket? is that for tightening the other adjustment block so you don't tighten the chain anymore then needed?

@scrapper500 12 жыл бұрын

lol I Love the intro. You are very helpful!

@mattjohnson2943 7 жыл бұрын

Why do throw a wrench in between chain and sprocket? Why tension?

@tjdorsey654 9 жыл бұрын

That's a caliper not a micrometer.

@400hpmustang 9 жыл бұрын

TJ Dorsey Dial calipers if you want to get technical, just sayin, it's all good :)

@ballstud2007 10 жыл бұрын

Do you need to break the axle nut before and after the adjustment?

@_chipchip 3 жыл бұрын

Yes otherwise it won’t move

@Murdo2468 11 жыл бұрын

Is it ok just to use grease for your chain?

@charlie62516 11 жыл бұрын

the bolt is rounded off , the one you use to lock it after adjusting . so am unable to move it back to have right chain play. any ideas how i can get it off with out damaging the swing arm ??

@michellatour150 11 жыл бұрын

another video found on KZfaq says '3 fingers' behind the rubber slider but with both wheels on the ground, this one shows the bike on a stand. Which is the correct method?

@brentnowell 9 жыл бұрын

Where are you measuring your caliper from? Obviously the bolt but to the inner rim of the tire or what?

@kukko83 7 жыл бұрын

You don't "measure a caliper" from anywhere, caliper is a measuring device. He measured the distance from the back of the adjustment block to the end of the swing arm. Don't know why he refered it to as a micrometer though, that's a totally different device altogether.

@kylemcnab927 6 жыл бұрын

Didn’t think you need to measure. Just need the notches to be the same spot on both sides

@TheDesertsweeper 5 жыл бұрын

@@kylemcnab927 those notches can wear and/or are not precise, requiring visual alignment. I have had three people argue over whether it is aligned to a notch, or not.This technique is more accurate, or use the tape-to-swingarm-pivot method.

@ben1996ful 13 жыл бұрын

could you please tell me if my chain is good i tightened it and i can just fit 3 fingers they are a bit cramped is that to tight or is that perfect

@YaBoyAlex2013 11 жыл бұрын

Do I have to loosen the axle nut on my crf 150r 2009

@tyronky 12 жыл бұрын

what about grease i always throw some high temp grease on mine, i have the cain wax but i never use it, i have a renthal r1 chain

@LERSEable 11 жыл бұрын

always check on the stand if your going by 3 fingers

@eamonngreene7594 9 жыл бұрын

thanks

@bikebandit 9 жыл бұрын

super blue Hey SB,Glad to help. Thanks for watching our videos. You remembered to subscribe, right?

@eamonngreene7594 9 жыл бұрын

BikeBandit.com off course and thanks again

@codprocamp4690 5 жыл бұрын

You dont have to first loosen the nut on the axl anymore ??

@puptread1 4 жыл бұрын

Im new to owning a dirtbike , when I've adjusted my chain like this and drop off the stand, my chain goes ultra tight at natural sag ? Is this correct ?

@bikebandit 4 жыл бұрын

Every bike has a different recommendation for how much chain slack is needed Please refer to your owner's manual as it will have the correct recommendation for your bike

@rybq5 2 жыл бұрын

Anyone know what’s the name of that beat in background?

@jonellwanger7258 11 жыл бұрын

just picked a 89 KX125... holy hell running scared. fired right up the first time, and even in 6 degree weather, though i only rode for 5 min. the bike kicks ass. 23 yrs old. dont know the guy i got it from. craigslist deal, you know, some crazy internet person coming for some other crazy internet person's stuff. buying from someone i didnt know proved to be a great buy! specially when its up for 8 bills. just inspect the hell out of it!

@Tysonfidek 11 жыл бұрын

did you get it off yet or is it still messed up?

@jschwinn81 11 жыл бұрын

Why put a wrench in the chain when measuring? What does that do?

@snowboardman420 12 жыл бұрын

I have an enduro with a chain guard. I want that chain guard off, is that a bad idea?

@25trajcer 11 жыл бұрын

is the exhoust on this bike shortened ???

@leonardomonteiro8212 8 жыл бұрын

Hey, maybe you can help me out. I took out the accelerator to give it a regular maintainance and a clean, however I bought the bike second hand and when I opened it up, there was this silver sticky stuff, almost felt like clay and it certanly smelt like it, can you tell me if this is normal or should I take it to a professional? It's a Honda CRF230 Model 2014 by the way and Thank you in advance

@bikebandit 8 жыл бұрын

+Leonardo Monteiro Hey LM, Please rephrase this. When you say accelerator, do you mean the carburetor? Thanks.

@leonardomonteiro8212 8 жыл бұрын

BikeBandit Yeah sorry, maybe I should of explained it better. On the throttle (took out the grips) and unscrewed and then released the cables. Inside there was full of this stuff, but I am guessing it's grease?

@bikebandit 8 жыл бұрын

+Leonardo Monteiro Hey LM, Gotcha! So within the throttle cable housing, you found this gray goop. Yup, that's grease. If it has thickened up, clean it all out, and just re-grease it. Don't go too crazy though. Remember that grease doesn't necessarily attract dust/dirt, but it will hold it once exposed to it. If the bike tips over in the dirt, you'll always have that dirt embedded in the grease. Dirt/dust finds it's way everywhere, like inside the housing, under the throttle tube, and around all of your controls. Hope this helps. BB.com!

@leonardomonteiro8212 8 жыл бұрын

+BikeBandit Ahhh makes sense now :) Thank you for such a precise and quick response, really appreciate it, I am sure it will help many others out there as well as me. Keep up the good work on the videos and see you again soon! Peace from Brazil ;)

@1995dresser 7 жыл бұрын

Forgot to also check it after with the Weight of the rider on the bike

@yamascott 11 жыл бұрын

Step 1, put the motorcycle on a stand so the rear wheel is off the ground. step 2, loosen the axle nut. Step 3, watch the video, but don't put a wrench in your chain, just kick the wheel forward. Enjoyed the vid, though, thanks for posting.

@dblock2626 11 жыл бұрын

How did u get that bolt loose then tensions up the chain...? Struggling here rebuilt a 2 stroke yet can't figure out how to get this stupid bolt

@portyMD 11 жыл бұрын

and of course, proper loob

@manuelcuevas2881 6 жыл бұрын

The_Woodsman

@iRideuWatch 8 жыл бұрын

So we can't get a more precise measure for chain slack than 3 stubby fingers?

@bikebandit 8 жыл бұрын

+iRide uWatch Hey IRUW. Nope. Here's why. Each bike is different as some have a linked swingarm and some don't, but the 3 finger rule is pretty darn close to all manufacturers. Best to check your owners manual for your exact measurement. Thanks for watching our videos and the comment. You're a subscriber to our channel, right? Ride safe out there. BB.com!

@iRideuWatch 8 жыл бұрын

+BikeBandit Thanks for the response! I'm curious, which type requires more chain slain, link or non-linked suspension?

@MusicVansFans 11 жыл бұрын

Do you have one of those measuring tools on your site? I would really like to buy one. thanks for your time.

@mystuff1405 5 жыл бұрын

Harbor freight

@deontestracener4875 9 жыл бұрын

It is a Yamaha 1982 xt 250

@bikebandit 9 жыл бұрын

deonte halliburton DH,When was the last time you installed a new cable? A new one will run you right about $20. If the cable is fine, perhaps it's just dry in the sleeve? Lube it up. How are your clutch plates? Worn plates wouldn't necessarily cause your lever to be stiff, but perhaps they're at the end of their life, and thus the cable itself just needs to be adjusted to compensate?

@deontestracener4875 9 жыл бұрын

Ok like my clutch is like not working well like I will pull its and will pull in slowly

@bikebandit 9 жыл бұрын

deonte halliburton So you pull on the lever, and it feels stiff? Perhaps either replace the cable or if it's in OK condition, maybe it just needs a bit of lubrication? What is the bike, what year, what size, etc.?

@TheHypnotstCollector 9 жыл бұрын

That looks like 3 fingers of looseness. One problem with spraying chain lube at the rear is getting over spray on the rotor. I always clean both rotors when I'm finished with the bike. Amazing what comes off the rotor. I soak my chain in old motor oil. The longer the better. It gets in everywhere and lasts and lasts. But I always have chain lube. Esp at the races.

@cbeharry68 9 жыл бұрын

Trav wouldn't the contaminants in the old motor oil get in between the rollers and cause premature wear? Soaking it sounds good but I'd think it's better in some clean lube

@TheHypnotstCollector 9 жыл бұрын

islandracer no. used motor oil is great stuff and any 'dirt" is too small to get into the rollers. Just soak it as long as possible and hang to drip dry. I will last many hours.

@cbeharry68 9 жыл бұрын

Trav No, Jamaica

@Milleonardo 11 жыл бұрын

Could you please send me the files to all your songs by the Nucc?

@jesseroggenbuck711 9 жыл бұрын

What chemical or product would you recommend to clean the chain off?

@bikebandit 9 жыл бұрын

Jesse Roggenbuck Hey JR,I'm personally a fan of Motorex Chain Clean Degreaser. Works like a champ. Thanks for the question, and for watching our videos. You remembered to subscribe, right?

@jesseroggenbuck711 9 жыл бұрын

BikeBandit.com Yes I did! Very helpful!

@Misfitswitch 11 жыл бұрын

Every time you ride.

@TEAMCREAM_96 6 жыл бұрын

If its too tight worst case it will crack the case when you jump it

@freshphantom8166 5 жыл бұрын

is this a 125

@nevillet.chompington5039 3 жыл бұрын

Couldn't follow what you were doing...gave up at "shove a wrench in there..." cool.

@ilovesunoco 5 жыл бұрын

so how?

@ihaveheartburn2290 8 жыл бұрын

Hey how many fingers if the bike is on it's own weight?

@bikebandit 8 жыл бұрын

Hey GL, Not meant to be measured that way. Bike on stand, swingarm at full extension. Best thing to do is read your owners manual, and it will tell you exactly how to measure for your exact machine. Some bikes have linkless swingarms (older KTM's) and their measurements are different than say the newer KTM's. Remember that a little too loose is better than a little too tight. Thanks for watching our videos and the question. You're a subscriber to our channel, right? Ride safe. BB.com!

@ihaveheartburn2290 8 жыл бұрын

BikeBandit hey, I don't have a manual because I bought my bike used. Its a 2004 kdx220r.

@bikebandit 8 жыл бұрын

Gabe Lewis Hey GL, Do a search for 2004 kawasaki kdx 220r manual, and there you will find a place to buy your manual. Download it for $15, have a printed version for $25, and then us for all of your actual OEM parts needs. Hope this helps. Ride safe. Please subscribe. BB.com!

@ihaveheartburn2290 8 жыл бұрын

BikeBandit thanks

@kevinstearns4198 7 жыл бұрын

i use 2. and the best way i align is to have the teeth right in the middle of the chain.

@drewr5171 5 жыл бұрын

No idea what exactly you were doing with the wrenches

@siimsimsiim 9 жыл бұрын

Can I use WD-40 to clean a carb? or is that bad?

@spidermanisdabest1 9 жыл бұрын

Do it

@siimsimsiim 9 жыл бұрын

Why

@bikebandit 9 жыл бұрын

siimsimsiim Externally to loosen up a stubborn screw on the float bowl, but other than that use carb cleaner.

@micahortiz8794 9 жыл бұрын

siimsimsiim dont use wd-40 it will make your chain rust after a while

@bikebandit 9 жыл бұрын

Micah Ortiz Hey Micah, Remember that WD-40 is not an oil, it's a solvent. Solvents break up rust, but are actually too thin to protect metals. Use something a bit heavier to lubricate and protect chains. WD-40 has it's place in the garage, but not for use as a lube. Thanks for the comment. Ride safe out there.

@mkbassman222 10 жыл бұрын

that's a caliper just sayin

@MrWiskin 8 жыл бұрын

Put a wrench in there if you want to chew up your ally sprocket!

@Owningya 12 жыл бұрын

he is using vernie calipers not a micrometer

@atlanticlegends6282 8 жыл бұрын

What's that smooth ass beat?

@bikebandit 8 жыл бұрын

Hey AL, That beat is a secret, and a vital ingredient in our recipe for smoothness. Thanks for watching our videos though. We appreciate it. You're a subscriber to our channel, right? Easy way to listen to some sweet tunes, and learn more about all things motorcycling. Thanks again and ride safe. BB.com!

@atlanticlegends6282 8 жыл бұрын

No problem, BB and yeah we will sub to you guys! ;)

@adoado6587 11 жыл бұрын

you forgot to loosen the axel nut =[

@seantelfer3765 8 жыл бұрын

would the same rules apply for a 06 yz250f

@bikebandit 8 жыл бұрын

Hey ST, The rules are the same for all link-suspension bikes. Check your owners manual for the exact numbers. You'll find that it'll be somewhere in the vicinity of 95-105 mm of sag. Thanks for watching our videos and the question. You're a subscriber to our channel, right? Ride safe. BB.com!

@mikeofmanymikes2630 5 жыл бұрын

i know my dude here smokes ganja...no doubt

@yessure5291 5 жыл бұрын

1:00 that is not a micrometer it is a vernier caliper. And forgot to loosen the axle nut a bit too. A sprocket alignment tool is better. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/edB6dq9yqMmvh6c.html

@TheTkdchamp13 11 жыл бұрын

all about the lube.....

@deontestracener4875 9 жыл бұрын

I gotta question

@bikebandit 9 жыл бұрын

deonte halliburton Fire away Deonte. We're all ears and here to help.

@deontestracener4875 9 жыл бұрын

Like my clutch is not working well

@bikebandit 9 жыл бұрын

deonte halliburton DH, We're going to need a little more info in order to help you out here. Not well how?

@dblock2626 11 жыл бұрын

My chain tensioners are fucken locked on there

@Crymorebro 12 жыл бұрын

.....

@Jake.Rose. 12 жыл бұрын

so Ricky Carmichael was so good cuz his mechanics lubed the chain on the front sprocket lol

@daltondunn7856 2 жыл бұрын

Those are Dial Calipers not Micrometers...

@JozsaMarton 6 жыл бұрын

worst case scenario is, chain rips out the block.

@wealllikemetal 11 жыл бұрын

wd40?

@MxCallX 12 жыл бұрын

lol i feel so bad for women these days with comments like the very top one and some others around the section only you people could make it sound sick minded other then a Tech tip... women deserve more respect then that worlds messed up...