KTM 890 Duke R - Owner's Manual > Adjusting the chain tension

Warning

Danger of accidents Incorrect chain tension damages components and results in accidents.

If the chain is tensioned too much, the chain, engine sprocket, rear sprocket, transmission and rear wheel bearings wear more quickly. Some components may break if overloaded.

If the chain is too loose, the chain may fall off the engine sprocket or the rear sprocket. As a result, the rear wheel locks or the engine will be damaged.

• Check the chain tension regularly.
• Set the chain tension in accordance with the specification.

Preparatory work

• Raise the motorcycle with the rear lifting gear.
• Check the chain tension.

Main work

• Loosen nut 1.
• Loosen nuts 2.
• Adjust the chain tension by turning adjusting screws 3 left and right.

Guideline

Info

The top chain section must be taut.

Chain wear is not always even. Repeat this measurement at different chain positions.

• Tighten nuts 2.
• Make sure that chain adjusters 4 are fitted correctly on adjusting screws 3.
• Tighten nut 1.

Guideline

Finishing work

• Check the chain tension.
• Remove the rear of the motorcycle from the lifting gear.

Checking the chain, rear sprocket, engine sprocket, and chain guide

Preparatory work

• Raise the motorcycle with the rear lifting gear.

Main work

• Check the rear sprocket and engine sprocket for wear.

If the rear sprocket and engine sprocket are worn:

• Change the drivetrain kit.

Info

The engine sprocket, rear sprocket, and chain should always be replaced together.

• Shift the transmission to neutral position.
• Pull on the lower chain section with the specified weight A.

Guideline

• Measure distance B of 18 chain rollers in the lower chain section.

Info

Chain wear is not always even. Repeat this measurement at different chain positions.

If distance B is greater than the specified measurement:

• Change the drivetrain kit.

Info

When a new chain is mounted, the rear sprocket and engine sprocket should also be changed.

New chains wear out faster on old, worn sprockets.

For safety reasons, the chain has no chain joint.

• Check the engine sprocket cover 1 for wear.

If the engine sprocket cover is highly worn in the marked area C:

• Change the engine sprocket cover.

• Check the engine sprocket cover 1 for tightness.

If the engine sprocket cover is loose:

• Tighten the screws on the engine sprocket cover.

Guideline

• Check the chain sliding guard for wear.

If continuous signs of wear to the chain are visible on the chain sliding guard in the area D marked:

• Replace the chain sliding guard.

If the chain sliding guard is highly worn on the underside in the marked area E:

• Replace the chain sliding guard.

• Check that the chain sliding guard is firmly seated.

If the chain sliding guard is loose:

• Tighten the screws on the chain sliding guard.

Guideline

Finishing work

• Remove the rear of the motorcycle from the lifting gear.

See also: