Checking The Chain Tension; Correcting The Chain Tension - KTM 990 SUPER DUKE Owner's Manual

MAINTENANCE WORK ON CHASSIS AND ENGINE
1
7 mm
4
2
5
A

Checking the chain tension

Place the motorcycle on the side stand. Switch the transmission to neutral and push
the chain up. The distance between the chain and the swing arm should be 7 mm when
the upper part of the chain [1] is tensioned (see drawing). Correct the chain tension if
necessary.
– IF CHAIN TENSION IS TOO GREAT, PARTS WITHIN THE SECONDARY POWER TRANSMISSION
(CHAIN, CHAIN SPROCKETS, TRANSMISSION AND REAR WHEEL BEARINGS) WILL BE SUBJECTED
TO UNNECESSARY STRESS, RESULTING IN PREMATURE WEAR AND EVEN CHAIN BREAKAGE.
– TOO MUCH SLACK IN THE CHAIN, ON THE OTHER HAND, CAN RESULT IN THE CHAIN JUMP-
ING OFF THE CHAIN WHEELS. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE CHAIN COULD ALSO BLOCK THE REAR
WHEEL OR DAMAGE THE ENGINE.
– IN EITHER CASE THE OPERATOR IS LIKELY TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE.
3
5

Correcting the chain tension

Loosen the collar nut [2], loosen the counternuts [3] and turn the left and right adjustment
screws [4] the same distance. Tighten the counternuts [3].
To make sure the rear wheel is aligned, the marks on the chain tensioners must be in the
same position on the left and right in relation to the reference marks [A]. Before tightening
the wheel spindle make sure the chain tensioner [5] rests against the adjustment screws
and the rear wheel is aligned with the front wheel.
Tighten the collar nut [2] to 90 Nm.
IF YOU DON'T HAPPEN TO HAVE A TORQUE WRENCH AT HAND, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE TIGHT-
ENING TORQUE CORRECTED BY A KTM DEALER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. A LOOSE AXLE MAY LEAD
TO AN UNSTABLE DRIVING BEHAVIOR OF YOUR MOTORCYCLE.
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