Thanks for the video bill. It's unfortunate how the tools on newer bikes are inadequate now. My Z400 didn't have the 24mm in the toolkit and when I watched a video of the ZX-4RR's toolkit it was *literally just a single Allen Wrench and a Philips Screw Driver*. It's just so sad
Thanks for making this video. I had assumed that the tools in the back were there for all the basic maintenance tasks, but I wasn't sure how to use them. I also really like the tip to put a chain gauge on the suspension wrench so you don't have to add a ruler to the kit. I'm going to be adjusting my chain for the first time this weekend. Wish me luck.
That last tip about adding a gauge to the suspension adjustment tool was great. This was a very helpful and informative video. Thanks for taking the time to make it.
Jacob Milliman Thanks! It just came to me at the end, that there was no measuring tool and the shock tool was as flat as my ruler. As a matter of fact I accidently picked up the tool instead of the ruler when putting stuff away and that is when it hit me to scribe it.
I just want to give you a million thanks Bill, i was having so much trouble doing this, at first i did this wrong and my chain sounded like it was grinding, once i saw your tutorial it was a walk in the park.. thank you again.. if you have time could you make a video how to change the oil only using the kick stand??
+Michael Munoz Thanks for the kudo's... I try to help all I that I can... but I tend to ramble...LOL :)I already made an oil change video with just the kickstand... I did not use a bike stand....ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Ds4jYqSmVhk.html
Thank you sir! My Ninja is definitely needing an adjustment. (It's been 2000 miles since the last adjustment, but has lengthened very little). Very cool added hacks for gauging chain tension. I might just throw a ruler in the kit or mark the tool. Nice paint job on the ninja too.
+Dark Sorceress Zyra Thank you, glad I could at least give some folks an idea. When I was going to do my chain, even though I've been riding for a long time, I decided to see if anyone had any "ninja tricks" to put on video. I did not see anyone using the kit that came with the bike, so I decided to do this video. I have been thinking about doing one for folks who don't have a stand, but have yet to figure a safe way to get the ninja off the ground without one. It is always best to get the rear wheel off the ground enough to spin with no binding tension on the chain.
I have seen dozens of videos and you are the first one who explains the adjusting nut. Clockwise tightens chain by moving wheel back and you actually show how the tension changes as you turn the nut only one quarter. Thank you very much for explaining this. I never understood this until now. I have not tried this yet though because I'm afraid there will be complications. For instance, some people comment that chain slack changes again once you tighten everything up or when wheels are on the ground. Not so easy as it looks?
Thanks for posting.. very helpful. Would just like to add that your bike looks mint.. really cool. I've recently had a little low side on my 2013 300 and was just wondering whether you've got your fairings sprayed or wrapped? Mine is scratched up pretty bad on the main left hand fairing, and some what on the rear pegs and foot peg and seeing your bike looking bas ass is really motivating. Also what type of paint you've used for the black (pipe and rear pegs etc.)? any info would really be appreciated, Cheers mate happy riding!
Nic Flanagan Thanks for the complements on the bike... I painted it myself with believe it or not, "Krylon for plastic" spray can paint. The decals I ordered off of a military decal site.The paint I used on the pipe an pegs is a high heat black paint (spray can also) made for exhaust pipes. I purchased it from a local auto parts store.I used the Krylon as an experiment, it is a "soft" paint and the clear coat does not protect, it chips easily. I am about to repaint using a different scheme, as I am recovering from a bout of Stage III cancer... so I am going to paint it "hot pink" and have a few choice words about how I feel about cancer on it LOL..... I will post my pictures on kawasakininja300.com As for yours.... since it is already scratched, why not try to fill and sand yourself? If you fail you can always take it to a professional or order new cowls online.
billmcgraw1959 Thanks for the reply and info! Sorry to hear about the cancer.. FUCK CANCER.. anyway, will definitely give the high heat spray paint ago on the pipe etc. Hmm if its a bit soft and you're not too happy with it then ill probably steer clear of the Krylon? Yeah like you say ill probably just do some experimenting with perhaps filling and sanding and wrapping.. seeing as its already fooked. Thanks for the advice though, really appreciate that. If you do post it on the forums I'd be keen to take a look
Does your wheel spin freely after the adjustment? After I adjusted mine. I spin my wheel by hand, and my chain is mostly spin freely with the right amount of slack. But every rotation my chain tightening up at 1 spot of the chain. Is that a problem?
Thanks a ton for this video. Quick question: Do you know if there is a master link on the chain? My chain is in serious need of cleaning and adjusting and I was thinking about taking off the chain entirely to be able to soak it in kerosene and give it a thorough cleaning but I can't find or see a master link anywhere.
Aaron O Thanks, I had never seen one done with the Kawasaki tools, so I decided to experiment to see if they would work. I hope the video helps other folks too, I guess I should have done one on my chain cleaning technique, LOL, my chain was really nasty looking.... if you watch the strut adjustment video you will see the difference.
Amazing Bill. I'm going adjust the chain myself from now. It costs me $30 each time tighten :( I don't have the keys/tools inside, same problem with others (Ninja 300)
Bill you said they have O-rings. where exactly are those placed? I'm also adjusting on the kick stand I don't have a stand for it. will that have any effect with my adjustment?
+Michael Munoz Yes chain tightness can be thrown off a bit if you do it while the bike is on the ground, I have always put the bike up on blocks of some sort (cruisers) or up on a wheel stand (sport bikes).Here is a video showing you about the "o" ring chain ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Vc4tP8kmAX0.html
billmcgraw1959 read my comment mate, must always be done on its side stand, otherwise you'll be over tightening your chain, leading to premature wear of it and the sprockets.
Bill you said you rather use a torque wrench to screw back in the primary nut that holds the back wheel. at the moment I don't have that particular wrench. but I did manage to tighten it as hard as I could. Am I in danger riding around if I didn't use a torque wrench at 72lbs of pressure.
+Michael Munoz If you tightened it as tight as you could and put the cotter key back in, the nut will not loosen. But I would borrow one as soon as you can. If you noticed, I had to step on the extended wrench with my body weight to break the nut loose... so its pretty tight. Without knowing how tight you can tighten it, I personally cannot not say if your wheel will move, keep checking the chain for signs of loosening, if it loosens, it means you did not tighten the nut tight enough.
Does the 300 need to be on the kick stand? My Z1000 manual states to adjust it while on the kick stand using the same amount of .8 - 1.2 travel after finding the tightest point of the chain.
+Mr. Kitty I adjusted mine while on a wheel stand... I'll have to hit the manual again to be sure what it states, but I have adjusted my chains on stands (wheel off the ground) and on a kickstand (wheel on the ground). If the axle nut is loose the chain will tighten, if it is on the kickstand try to keep it on a level spot, to keep from putting a load on the chain.
7:35-7:50 is it necessary to adjust both adjusters? What was the reason you did both, I assume for the alignment? And if you do have to adjust both adjusters, they have to be in turned in the oposite direction? Thx
+Erikootje yes, you should adjust both, to keep the axle aligned, the should both turn clockwise to tighten and counter clockwise to loosen. (sorry it took so long to answer)
thanks for the video can you please explain to me how to get the ride side of the bikes alignment mark to move , the left side is a lil bit higher than the right side is this bad?
Hey bill seems like I've run into an issue. When i found my tightest spot in my chain i adjusted from their i left 1in of slack. (confirmed measurement with ruler). I then lined up my hinges, I'm slightly below the + sign on both sides. then i tightened my main bolt back together. Heres where my problem starts, as i spin my wheel to check the chain slack, theirs a HUGE! amount of slack on the chain as the wheel turns, then goes back to the tight measurement i did. that slack thats hanging loose is about 2.3in. I've read that this might be normal but, when i ride i feel as the bike has a bit of a jerk as its acceleration and decelerating. and i can hear the chain make a noise as if its scratching every few feet. please help. ps. is this a sign that i should get a new chain i heard stock ones are no good. i have 7300 miles
+Michael Munoz You might have a bad or tight link..... are you adjusting it while on a rear stand or while on the ground?Most chains last on the average of 15k , if cleaned an lubed on a regular basis. Well that and depending how hard you ride the bike :)Put it on a stand and check your links for tight spots, the 300's chain has "O" rings for smoother operation.I can't see it drooping 2 inches between.... seems like you might have some wear... check your teeth on your gears also.
Just add rotating the tire as you do so, to see if sproket mount bushings worn, if rotating tire while measuring out of range then tight while roting fully ....🏁🍾🔧🏍️...😎
not every chain will have a tight spot.. I have worked on many many bmx and not every bike chain has a tight spot. and if they do its. not an easy fix.. the sprocket may be a little warped in my experience.. but that on bmx . not a motorcycle.. it's the same concept. I see nothing different accept the way you tightened them up.
