KTM 450 EXC-R USA Motorcycle User Manual


 
MAINTENANCE WORK ON CHASSIS AND ENGINE 51
Info
The service life of the chain depends largely on its maintenance.
Clean the chain regularly and then treat with chain spray.
Chain cleaner ( P. 115)
Offroad chain spray ( P. 115)
Checking the chain tension
Warning
Danger of accidentsDanger caused by incorrect chain tension.
If the chain tension is too high, the components of the secondary power train (chain, engine sprocket, rear sprocket, bear-
ings in transmission and rear wheel) are under additional load. Apart from premature wear, in extreme cases the chain can
rupture or the countershaft of the transmission can break. On the other hand, if the chain is loose, it can fall off the engine
sprocket or the rear sprocket and block the rear wheel or damage the engine. Check for correct chain tension and adjust if
necessary.
Jack up the motorcycle. ( P. 32)
400213-10
Push the chain at the end of the chain sliding component upwards to measure the
chain tensionb
.
Info
The upper chain sectionbmust be taut.
Chain wear is not always even, so you should repeat this measurement at
different chain positions.
Chain tension 8… 10bmm (0.31… 0.39bin)
» If the chain tension does not meet specifications:
Adjusting chain tension - after checking. ( P. 53)
Remove the motorcycle from the work stand. ( P. 32)
Checking the chain tension when fitting rear wheel
Warning
Danger of accidentsDanger caused by incorrect chain tension.
If the chain tension is too high, the components of the secondary power train (chain, engine sprocket, rear sprocket, bear-
ings in transmission and rear wheel) are under additional load. Apart from premature wear, in extreme cases the chain can
rupture or the countershaft of the transmission can break. On the other hand, if the chain is loose, it can fall off the engine
sprocket or the rear sprocket and block the rear wheel or damage the engine. Check for correct chain tension and adjust if
necessary.
400213-10
Make sure that the chain adjusters are fitted correctly on the adjusting screws.
Push the chain at the end of the chain sliding component upwards to measure
chain tensionb
.
Info
The upper chain sectionbmust be taut.
Chain wear is not always even, so you should repeat this measurement at
different chain positions.
Chain tension 8… 10bmm (0.31… 0.39bin)
» If the chain tension does not meet specifications:
Adjust the chain tension when fitting rear wheel. ( P. 54)