Husqvarna 401 Vitpilen - Owner's Manual > Checking 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.

Main work

• Shift gear to neutral.
• In the area of the chain sliding guard, press the chain upward toward the swingarm and determine chain tension A.

Info

The upper part of chain B must be taut.

Chain wear is not always even, so you should repeat this measurement at different chain positions.

If the chain tension does not meet the specification:

• Adjust the chain tension.

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

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 upper part of the chain must be taut.

Chain wear is not always even, so you should check the setting at different chain positions.

• Tighten nuts 2.
• Make sure that chain adjusters4are fitted correctly on adjusting screws 3.
• Tighten nut 1.

Guideline

Finishing work

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

Checking the chain, rear sprocket, and engine sprocket

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 gear to neutral.
• Pull the lower chain section with specified weight A.

Guideline

• Measure distance B of 20 chain rollers in the lower chain section.

Info

Chain wear is not always even, so you should 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.

• Check the chain sliding guard for wear.

If in area C by the chain sliding guard screw 1 is visible from above:

• Change the chain sliding guard.

• Check that the chain sliding guard is firmly seated.

If the chain sliding guard is loose:

• Tighten the screw of the chain sliding guard.

Guideline

Finishing work

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

See also: