Kawasaki Sportsbike Riders Club - Australia - Online Forum

I just had a fiddle with the chain tension. It needed doing as there was 50mm of slackness...a bit beyond the service limit of 45mm

I notice now there is some definate tightness through the chain. Is this anything to be concerned about? As in immediately? Or should I just ensure it is in spec and worry about it in the future?

If you have distinct tight spots then the chain's on its way out and you should plan to replace it soon.
ty

ty wrote:If you have distinct tight spots then the chain's on its way out and you should plan to replace it soon.
ty

its always good for another 10000

Felix wrote:I just had a fiddle with the chain tension. It needed doing as there was 50mm of slackness...a bit beyond the service limit of 45mm

I notice now there is some definate tightness through the chain. Is this anything to be concerned about? As in immediately? Or should I just ensure it is in spec and worry about it in the future?

that all sez to me ..the chain is fooked.....
start saving for a newie (and sprockets)


cheers

thought as much...is probably original equipment near 41,000km. That's about the upper limit for chain life inn't?

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How long has he got doctor?

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Yeah, I've been quoted $250 for parts, and $300 for it to be done...sound reasonable?

sounds like a reasonable price, although fitting isn't that hard if you wanna get your hands greesy and save $50

Felix wrote:Yeah, I've been quoted $250 for parts, and $300 for it to be done...sound reasonable?

$250 for parts....
$300 to do it................
a good workshop should get a new chain on your Kwaka
in an hour..tops, so no-one I know charges $300 per hour
or
is the $300 you mention for THE LOT, supply AND fit???

if so, and you don't have the tools, pay the 'shop

cheers

Um yeah... ...my mistake...$300 fitted, or $250 for the parts and I do it myself. It doesn't look too hard going by the pretty pictures in the Haynes manual.

SWMBO has decided that I will have to do it myself, in any case.

If it has a clip link joining link it should be dead easy. If it is a rivit link it may be a little harder.(special tool needed but can be done otherwise if you are a little bodgy...) Gimme a hoy if you need a hand- can help with the brakefluid change if you want also. Need correct tools- also does the ER have a centrestand? I seem to remember that it does- will make the job a whole lot easier....

I asked when I got my chain and they threw the split link in free. I cut the chain to lenght with an angle grinder and used grips to push the link together - easy(ish)

Yep, it has a centre stand. I love my centre stand

Must admit, I have only glanced at the pics, not read how to do it...so I am guessing I need to join the chain?

Bonester - do I need special tools for the brake fluid thing? I haven't even bought any fluid yet...should get my act together. I was going to get some today, but didn't realise the chain was going to take so long. and I didn't start til late...

Just need a 8mm or 10mm spanner (ring preferably) to undo the brake bleeder, a good quality philips driver to get the screws out of the master cylinder (which can be difficult sometimes- can get aeound that one if it arises) and a small jar or similar and a small piece of hose to fit the bleeder AND brakefluid...
4 hands come in handy too...

Felix wrote:Yep, it has a centre stand. I love my centre stand

Must admit, I have only glanced at the pics, not read how to do it...so I am guessing I need to join the chain?

Bonester - do I need special tools for the brake fluid thing? I haven't even bought any fluid yet...should get my act together. I was going to get some today, but didn't realise the chain was going to take so long. and I didn't start til late...

Hi Felix - do you actually need to change the brake fluid in the first place ? Are the pads shot, and need replacement as well as the chain / sprockets ? If not, save yourself some money, just do the chain / sprocket change. Its pretty easy really, the only drama you might have is with the locking bit for the nut on the front sprocket. Try and loosen this first, with the chain still fitted, get someone to stand on the rear brake and then undo it. If you take the chain off first, it can be difficult to 'lock' the front sprocket in place. 4 hands can be very helpful

Gosling1 wrote:

Felix wrote:Yep, it has a centre stand. I love my centre stand

Must admit, I have only glanced at the pics, not read how to do it...so I am guessing I need to join the chain?

Bonester - do I need special tools for the brake fluid thing? I haven't even bought any fluid yet...should get my act together. I was going to get some today, but didn't realise the chain was going to take so long. and I didn't start til late...

Hi Felix - do you actually need to change the brake fluid in the first place ? Are the pads shot, and need replacement as well as the chain / sprockets ? If not, save yourself some money, just do the chain / sprocket change. Its pretty easy really, the only drama you might have is with the locking bit for the nut on the front sprocket. Try and loosen this first, with the chain still fitted, get someone to stand on the rear brake and then undo it. If you take the chain off first, it can be difficult to 'lock' the front sprocket in place. 4 hands can be very helpful

If your on your own, and the bike is on the stand, just stick it in gear - the compression should hold enough to undo the nut (it did on mine anyway).