Chain Maintenance; Checking The Chain For Wear - KTM 990 SUPER DUKE Owner's Manual

MAINTENANCE WORK ON CHASSIS AND ENGINE
15 KG
max. 272 mm
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Chain maintenance

For long chain life, good maintenance is very important. X-ring chains require only modest
maintenance. The best way is to use lots of water, but never use brushes or solvents. After
letting the chain dry, you can use a special X-ring chain spray (Motorex Chainlube 622).
– NO LUBRICATION IS ALLOWED TO REACH THE REAR TIRE OR THE BRAKE DISK, EITHERWISE
THE ROAD ADHERENCE AND THE REAR WHEEL BRAKING EFFECTS WOULD BE STRONGLY
REDUCED AND THE MOTORCYCLE COULD EASILY GET OUT OF CONTROL.
– THE CHAIN DOES NOT HAVE A CHAIN JOINT FOR SAFETY REASONS. ALWAYS HAVE THE CHAIN
REPLACED IN AN AUTHORIZED KTM WORKSHOP WHERE THE SERVICE TECHNICANS HAVE
THE REQUIRED RIVETING TOOL.
– NEVER MOUNT A NORMAL CHAIN JOINT.
Also check sprockets and chain guides for wear, and replace if necessary.

Checking the chain for wear

To check the chain for wear proceed as follows:
Switch the transmission to idle and put a load of approx. 15 kilograms
(33 lbs) on the lower part of the chain (see illustration). Now measure the distance between
18 chain rollers on the upper part of the chain. The chain needs to be replaced when the
distance is 272 mm (10.70 in). Since chains do not always wear evenly, repeat the meas-
urement at different parts of the chain.
Replace the chain if any X-rings are missing.
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NOTE:
If you mount a new chain, the sprockets should also be replaced. New chains wear faster if
used on old used sprockets.
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