Delboy's Garage, Suzuki Bandit, Chain Adjustment. (plus clean and lube). 

Even though this is 9 years old now, its still the best video I've seen on this 👌

Never apologise for uploading a video some might think is a waste of time. I'm a bit of an old geezer, but new to riding and I get just about all my maintenance advice off RU-vid videos. It's the kind of thing no-one really teaches you before you get out there. This video was invaluable.

Thanks Bud you have saved me hundreds of pounds of garage bills with your bandit you tube clips plz keep up the good work.

untill watching this i didn't even consider that i needed to clean my chain rather than just lube it o_o it was absolutely caked spent 2 hours cleaning it and well...it's apparently silver in color which is nice haha thankin you sir and madame

All of your videos are great. Not only do you give advice without using specialty tools that most of us don't have and an $80k shop behind you, you explain EVERYTHING thoroughly and in a real world manner. Thanks so much for all of these videos

Excellent video - don't apologize (sucking eggs) - this was the best one I've seen. You explained the difference between the tight part of the chain and loose part of the chain - so glad I spent the 15 minutes to watch and learn. Thank you.

always a pleasure seeing how others do their maintenance routine. usually pick up one or two new tricks to make the job easier now matter how many times I've done it I always welcome new ways that save time here and there. Thanks for the great video, good job. Cheers

Delboy your vids are great! clear and concise but at the same time not missing anything out. Thank you for explaining the "why" of each process it makes it so much easier. Getting my first bike tomorrow and your vids are helping me out big time.

Thank you for posting this. I have had shaft-driven bikes for many years now, and have not had to deal with chains until I recently purchased a used Bandit as a second bike. This is exactly the sort of step-by-step instruction I needed to do this job. Cheers!

Great video, like all the rest! Even for seasoned bikers, these videos are massively educational. I have always kept my chains relatively clean and lubed (because I was told to) but never truly understood why!! Now i have the confidence to adjust the chain myself. Many thanks, keep them coming!!

Fantastic ... really loved watching that ... mum and dads big smiles and as for the wee man? What a star he is!! Take a bow Sir Del

Thank you so much for this!!!!!!!!!!!!! Excellent patient guide for dummies on how to do this. I think I can do this myself now rather than pay a dealer who probably won't do it properly anyway!

I have a 1250, and you make it look simple, so I'm gonna clean my chain while watching your video to make sure I do it properly as I don't know much about bikes. This was very informative thankyou

Dell _ not had a bike for good number of years - 15 minutes of my time well spent - thanks very much!

This has been a very clear and concise lesson for me. I'm new to bikes and their maintenance regimen, you have made this video well and used clear instruction. Thank you (Y)

You're most welcome mate, it makes me happy when a rider gets some real use from the videos, and good choice getting a Bandit too, you wont regret it.. good luck and ride safe buddy.. cheers, Del.

Fantastic video big guy all the newbies out there like me need guys like you who are willing to spare there time to teach us the basics. So a big thank you

Loving your posts, glad I found you. Great advice. You have saved me a good few quid so far. Had my bandit a year, your caliper refurb and clutch plate replacement were just what I needed. CHEERS!

Watching today's video of the workshop move, it's nice to see the progression of facilities and tooling Del.

Love your videos. They are informational and very easy to follow. Cheers, mate.

All these years, sometimes I refer back to your basic lessons . . . never it helps me remind to keep the bikes run smoothly and safe! Thanks.

Thanks for your kind words, mate, appreciate you watching and taking the time to comments, glad it works for you, Cheers Del

Thanks Del, after getting well enough I’ve finally started the service on my bike doing the stuff I’ve learnt from you, brakes stripped down, cleaned and fluid changed, chain degreased and lubed correctly, oil change next, however my wife isn’t best pleased after losing 2 fillings after I used her tooth brush as instructed by yourself, that bit wasn’t the best advice Del Boy 😂😂 thanks again for the great tips and advice

Hey Mr. Delboy, thanks for this video! I'm a new bandit owner and this was a massive help. Thanks very much, I'm going to adjust and oil my chain right now.🤘🤘

New to the bandits, and new to owning bikes in general, and today i noticed a fair loss of power on my 1200 bandit. The chain was mega loose after only 1000 miles of it being sold to me. THIS VIDEO IS GOLD, and i can now confidently adjust my chain! Thankyou kind sir!

Love the way you work and present these videos Del... really easy to understand. Like you, I’ve just ridden Harley’s for the last however long. Just bought myself a Z1000 so first ‘chained’ bike I’ve had. Thanks for posting.

Cheers for that, had bikes since '87 but you learn all the time, was only going to adjust the chain today will instead go the full hog. Keep up the good work.

I've just got back into bikes after many years off. Your vids are great, you present very we'll indeed. Thanks for uploading.

Thank you! I'm a new used bike owner (2005 Suzuki SV650S in desperate need of maintenance) and I didn't know how to do this. Your videos are both practical and cost-effective.

Thanks buddy, I have learned since doing this and a few others a year ago that folks really do like the basic how-to videos, no matter how elementary, they still make use of them...so ill keep doing them as time goes on, and the guys at Discovery asked to post them on thier website too, so these videos have given Penny and me a real boost in confidence to keep going... thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.. cheers, Del.

I do know how to service my chain but I really enjoy your video so don’t apologize! I’m really enjoying the refresher because it’s always good to relearn and make sure you’re doing things proper!

Thanks. As a new rider this is a job that I will need to do now having covered 1000 miles. I do have a Scottoiler fitted but will take better care of my chain now, especially with regards to cleaning the muck from it. Thanks again for taking the time to make this video.

From a recently-passed-test noob biker on a 650, this video has been invaluable advice. They don't teach you this during training and this was a great guide on how to look after the chain - thanks!

Excelente aula de manutenção, simples e eficiênte. É sempre bom ver gente querendo ensinar. Grande abraço.

I'm completely new to bike maintenance, as a relatively new rider here in ny. Thought to get to cleaning my chain today, came across your video. Thanks ever so much.

Im glad you decided to post this video. Thank you very much for sharing. I will be cleaning and adjusting my chain within the next 3 days now that I have a better idea of how to do so. Thanks again!

2023, thanks for posting this! Knew you knew what you were doing the moment you started talking about putting weight on the bike if the rear is lifted off the ground. Something a lot of people forget

Thanks John, appreciate your kind comment mate, imn glad it helped you..ride safe, Del.

Thank You! Been riding shaft drive bikes for quite a few years and recently got a Triumph Speedmaster. I definitely needed the refresher! Plus you do things the right way and any new tips are always helpful!

You are most welcome, mate, glad it worked for you... and congraulations on your test and joining the brotherhood! It's great to have you aboard! This was a just a little housekeeping and it'll make your chain last a lot longer too! Ride safe and keep smiling, Del

Very helpful. I've sprayed sticky lube over a chain on a 125 in the past but that was as far as I went. Recently returned to biking, done my DAS and got a 650 bandit. Might be simple if you already know it, but this video taught me a lot about chain maintenance! Thankyou!

Wow, first I have a blown fork seal, and you show me the absolute best way to replace those. Then, I borrow my friends Bandit while I'm am tearing down my other bike, and you show me exactly how to maintain that. I REALLY appreciate it. I rode from age 6 to 13 when I had a real bad accident and only recently got back into riding. I REALLY appreciate the basic information because I just don't have a mentor that can take that kind of time. Jolly good and a big American thank you.

Thank you for showing what to do very good lesson its so simple that many do forget and young riders need to learn

Thanks for the reply, i last rode a bike when i was 19 in 1965 an Ariel Arrow so this is all new to me, i,m 68 next month and and really enjoying riding a bike again

Why thank you kindly Dodger, its a pleasure to be of help, biking is a worldwide brotherhood, and to help each other out is just normal...when you pass your test you soon realise there is the whole maintenance thing to cope with, and knowing a few things can save you a hill of money on garage bills.. keep learning buddy, i am, and i dont think ill ever stop, there is always something new to know.. ride safe through winter mate, and take care. Del.

Thanks buddy, you're very kind.....im glad its getting out and helping a few others to keep safe... cheers Del.

Great vid. I haven't had a chain drive bike in over 20 years, so just starting to sort it all out again. It's a Suzuki v-strom and this tutorial was spot on for what I need to know. Thanks!

Why thank you kind sir, you are too generous, its hardly rocket science, but so many guys are loath to try and get stuck in bcause they dont have the confidence.... and once you have (as you have found) its really a lot easier than you think.... with your hardtail, just double check every single fastener you have touched, and go for a tentative test ride and check it again once you get home.... well done for takingh it on buddy.. you're a budding mechanic already... take care.. Del...

Chain cleaned and lubed up as per your instructions, I enjoyed doing it. The chain adjustment seemed ok and I got a fellow biker at my local bike shop to double check it for me. Cheers

Well done you! Doesn't it feel good fixing your own stuff, it isn't hard and it keeps you in tune with how your bike is singing and talking back to you and believe it or not, knowing your bike in a more intimate way could dave your life some day because when you know if it's right, you also know if it isn't and can take care of it right away! Take care and ride safe, Del

I sent my bike in because i kept loosing traction when accelerating ( to the the point i was deliberately accelerating slowly for about 2 months on my 70 mile daily motorway commute)...... he told me i needed a new chain and sprocket..... when he took it off the chain was shagged and the sprocket looked almost smooth. to this day hes got it hung on the garage wall with my name tagged underneith it to shame me because it was the worst one hed seen on a big bike in 40 years lol. To be fair I moved to north wales not knowing anyone and only been riding for a year ( first bike was a 1200 bandit)..... the garage owner sat me down and taught me how to look after my chain. In doing so probably saved my life or atleast serious harm. much respect for you doing the same. great videos.

Great video as usual. Just cleaned (I'm one of the guilty ones) and adjusted my chain and back wheel. Can't believe how much crap came off it. Wheel spins great now and its cured my rubbing back disc too. Thanks

Best video on RU-vid about chain cleaning and adjustment. I'm adjusting mine tomorrow (first time on my own) wish me luck.

cracking vid Moonfeet Iv been riding 30 years now and even the basic bike maintenance vidios like this should be posted more often carry on the good work fella

Hi there. I don't often comment on videos on here, I think this is the first I've commented on. Thanks for uploading that, I've spent years working on my own cars swapped gearboxes done clutches ect ect but bikes is all new to me. As simple as this is its great to see a clear tutorial, in my opinion you've got to learn it somehow, not just expected to know it. Anyway thanks again for posting it!

Keeping teaching people how to suck eggs. I've been riding bikes with drive shafts for a long time. This is my first bike with a chain. After watching your video I've learned that I'm lubing my chain incorrectly, I'm tightening my chain incorrectly and I've never cleaned my chain. I've ruined my chain at this point but the new one is sitting in packaging ready for me to install tomorrow. Thanks for the great video! This was a great way to spend 10 minutes of my time.

@morganzd Hi there, and thank you for you comments. It helps to make measurements from the 'swing arm pivot' to the back of the swing arm (fork), provided that the two measurments are exactly the same, then you can measure backwards aswell as forwards, but indeed, if the two swing arm spars are different lengths then you are right, but on the Bandit they are exactly equal so it is fine to measure backwards...many thanks again.. and your English is better than my Czech.lol.

I have just passed my test yesterday 16th aug and have my bike already, I’ve got a Honda cbf1000. I’m hoping to do a lot of the jobs on it myself so your videos are absolutely invaluable! Brilliant informative to the point, such a big help for a newbie bike owner, thanks for taking the time to make these videos. us newbies appreciate it!! Cheers del

Absolutely brilliant video with great tips as always, what a fantastic service you provide, thank you.

Man, I can't believe you made such a boring chore interesting...I watched it from start to finish...well done!

Well done and explained. It is a simple job that has to be done always. Cheers. Great video. Take care.

Got my 2006 650 Bandit last week so these vids are spot on! Nice one fella! Gonna check the rest of your channel out now 😃

Very enlightening thanks and not eggsucking at all. I have only been riding for 2 years and because I have a scotoiler fitted I wrongly assumed that I would not have to clean my chain. Thanks for educating me.

you sir are a legend quite a few of your videos have helped me do thing i would'nt of thought of doing as i did'nt no like brake seals and especilly cleaning the chain properly but i thought as i'd passed my bike test a few month's ago its times to learn properly so thank you

Thank you very much. I am about to become the new owner of a well-used 1999 Bandit 1200 after an 18 year hiatus from biking. This video was incredibly helpful to me.

Good practice, my friend, it will lead to longer chain life and a safe bike ... I wish more people would do it... thanks for watching, appreciate the support, ride safe, Del

Very well explained video. I feel like this one has been much more helpful than any of the other videos I've seen.

Yes you did need to make this video. Im a mechanic but not a bike mechanic. I just learned that i already fucked up on my 2013 busa by over tightening the rear axle. Also i didnt know how to properly clean and adjust the chain. Im so happy that i stumbled across your vids. Thank you so much.

awsome little vid, ive just got a bandit 12, my self and was nosing about and came across your page, ive been slacking on my night shifts to watch your vids lol good skills sir!!. ive been into bike for well years and its crazy how many people dont no the basics on there bikes, no one wants to spit a chain off,

Great review for me, no egg sucking required! LOL. Just ordered up a front / rear paddock stand for the Speedy Four so I can clean, lube, and adjust the chain. I can hear the chain lash at low speed and I can tell it's too slack with the free play check. I shall see how it is after I do the job. Could have saved me a bunch of cash. Thanks! Mike

Nice clear video. This will be my first job on my week off next week! Cheers del, keep them coming.

Hi mate.. no its just the usual wear of discs, they get crud on them and rub in parts...but its certainly not due to ut being out of line as the caliper is mounted with the axle through its middle..so if the wheel is out, it takes the caliper out too so it stays in line....its just and old disc mate, and some dirt....thanks for watching, Del.

Brilliant video - easy to follow and empowering. I've not ridden for over 25 years and safety when I was a lad meant nothing to me. I used to 'wing it' when I adjusted my chain (or changed a tyre in the dark!) and managed to get lucky. Gone are the days when I'd feel confident pulling over and using two pages from the phone book (those you used to find in the red phone boxes) and fashioning a replacement head gasket to get you home. I take my bike to the garage for everything and need to become a little more self sufficient! Definitely going to follow your videos. Practical, easy to follow and not condescending in any way. Don't apologise for teaching us to suck eggs - if we knew what we were doing, we wouldn't be on RU-vid looking it up!! Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing your knowledge.

Thats great that you do your own maintainance.... well done.. ride safe this summer... Del.

Ive done some research but adjusting the chain on my honda cb300f still wasn't very clear, this vid helped alot. To the point and the important bits noted, big help to a new motorcyclist, thank you!

Thanks Scott, exactly why I do it, helps you save a few pennies, thanks for watching, Cheers Del

Thank you so much, this was very helpful for someone who recently purchased a geared bike.

Del Boy what an excellent video on chain adjustment, I am new to biking so any advice on basic maintenance is much appreciated, there are many videos on utube on this sort of thing but yours are by far the best , good old fashioned 'this is how to do it, this is how it works no messing,thanks again keep it going.

Hi Del, great vid, people need to know this stuff! Only the other day I stopped to help a lad on a (chinese!) 125 whose chain had jumped off his sprocket and locked his wheel up on a busy road. When I looked at it it was just one complete rusty bar, massively loose, it could've come off on the dual carriageway and thrown him under a lorry. Lube is always a good thing! Cheers, take care.

Thanks for the video. I'll be going out and giving the chain a good cleaning and adjustment in the morning. I didn't know to adjust at the tight spot, so something learned for me.

Thank you kindly for your really generous comments ...Good luck with your new bike, my friend, it's so important to keep your bike maintained between trips to the dealer and it adds a new dimension to the joy of owning a motorbike! Ride safe, Del

excellent stuff mate... congrats on the news... just picked up a bandit myself last week so mooching through your videos to see whats what.. ride safe my friend

I fully trust your information. I'm learning through your videos Del. I just wish you could service my bike.

Excellent, informative video thank you very much! I learned my lesson when my brand new CB500X OEM chain only lasted 6000 miles! I was lubing it but didn't realise I should have cleaned it and regularly adjusted in too. Got a new F750GS and riding in winter in North Scotland is taking its toll even at 2500 miles so I will be doing everything you showed here this weekend (if it's not snowing ;) and every 3 or 4 weeks through winter. All the best.

Keep on keeping on brother. I have been a mechanic for twenty years and there is shit here I did not know. Love your videos.

Delboy, your a life saver as I'm doing this for the first time on my Multistrada Enduro and I got the tension sorted OK but the alignment was off. I did think of the method you used to set the alignment (ruler at the end of the swing arm) but you confirmed my thoughts - cheers buddy

Thank you. It really needed half a mark be tightened. Also I've used a digital vernier caliper to check both sides for alighment. Your vids are extremly useful. Keep up the good work. Cheers.

Hi mate, glad the video helped you... Yes, you must clean all of the chain, and only lube on the inside face, no need to lube the outside plates, they dont rub against anything...only maybe cover with a light layer of chain wax in winter to keep the rust at bay.....take care, Del.

On the main stand the wheel is fully unloaded so you'll get a slightly tight adjustment, if you have a friend to help loosen off all the back end ready to adjust, stand the bike upright, bounce the rear up and down a bit to settle it, then set the tension by adjusting accordingly and whilst holding the bike up lock up the adjusters and nip up the axle, then put on main stand to tighten everything up properly - cheers, mate, Del

Spot on videos dude. Love the tips and tricks. It has been a while since I have had the bandit on the road. She is in a sorry state. Your videos are helping loads. Thank you. :)

Thank you!! trying to find useful maintenance tips for new bikers online is so hard! it just seems to be the crap copy and pasted everywhere! Please keep posting these videos!

simple and brilliant. every video a gem. thank you sir.

Really random thing - found your channel last night with this video (very helpful as i'm a new rider). Looked through a load of your other vids and was like 'thats wimborne/ringwood!'. Then as i go out this morning i spot damage by BP at St Leonards! what a crazy coincidence!

Thanks mate I just sorted mine out and this vid really helped , still lil new to bikes 👍

I adjusted my chain the other day on the centre stand, I didn't understand why the manual instructed to use the side stand.... Your explanation has taught me that the chain will be falsly loaded on the centre stand and will not allow you to correctly adjust the chain tension.... I will address this problem before the next time I go out.... Thanks for this. Also the markers on the swing arm are somewhat vague when setting the adjustment because they are loose fitting on the axle...... Measuring the distance between the drive socket and the rear wheel axle on both sides will sort this out. Nice tuition, thanks...

Great video, I'm new to riding motorcycles and this has been the most in depth video, thank you as I feel more confident to do this.

fair play Del.This is the most helpful and clear instruction video that ive watched.cheers

Excellent Video - Dont apologise - There are plenty of us novice bikers - and armchair mechanics who need loads of tips. Really appreciate the videos. Plan to do Clean, lube and adjustment this weekend. Thats the chain on the bike Im talking about!!

Good stuff I recently purchased a hayabusa and stumbled across your clips. You remind me of myself, most of it I already know but if I'm slightly in doubt i do some research before tackling a job.. Cheers.

Hi ya Del & Penny :) .11 years ago when I got my first big bike, ( ER5 ) I didn't have internet, I learned how to adjust & clean my chain from the bike dealer, who did exactly what you have shown, tightening the wheel, he did use a torque wrench ( well he had to do it by the book ) but he did it with a socket first to show how little effect torqueing would have. I know quite a few seasoned bikers who would benefit from this vid, not just noobs, sometimes people need to be told how to suck eggs