Chain Tensioning - Ducati Monster 800 S 2003 Owner's Manual

Chain tensioning

Turn the rear wheel slowly until you find the position
where chain is tightest.
With the motorcycle on the side stand, push the chain up
pressing with a finger at the mid-length of swingarm. The
lower portion of the chain should have a slack of 25 mm
(fig. 43).
To adjust chain tension, slacken the nut (1, fig. 44) of the
wheel shaft. Then tighten (clockwise) or slacken similarly
E the screw (2) on both sides of the swing arm to increase
or reduce chain tension. If you are slackening the chain,
you will have to push the wheel forward.
Important
Improper chain tension will lead to early wear of
transmission parts.
Make sure you have adjusted to the same setting marks
on both sides of the swing arm. This will ensure perfect
wheel alignment.
Grease threading of wheel shaft nut (1) with SHELL
Retinax HDX2 and torque up to 72 Nm.
Grease threading of adjuster screws (2) with SHELL
Alvania R3 and torque up to 8 Nm.
48
25 mm
2
fig. 43
1
fig. 44