Drivetrain · Motorbike or scooter

Adjust your motorbike chain slack

A chain too tight wears the gearbox and bearings, a chain too slack slaps and can derail. Adjusting it takes twenty minutes.

Time 20 minDifficulty Experienced DIYerAt a garage, this job costs £145 – £315

Tools

  • Paddock or centre stand
  • Spanners for the axle and adjusters
  • Ruler

Parts

  • Chain lube

Before you start

Read the slack value on the swingarm sticker or in the manual.

Steps

  1. Bike on the stand in neutral, measure vertical play halfway along the lower run.
  2. Turn the wheel and measure at several points: adjust at the tightest spot.
  3. Loosen the axle nut and turn both adjusters by the same amount.
  4. Check the marks line up on both sides, torque the axle and recheck.
  5. Lube the inner side of the chain with the engine off.

Safety

Always lube with the engine off, turning the wheel by hand.
Safety-critical part: have the work checked by a professional.

Indicative estimate. MecaScan cannot see your vehicle: always have a diagnosis confirmed by a professional, and never work on brakes, steering or airbags without the skills.