Thread: Adjusting a Dirt Bike Chain

The first you need to do is to ensure that your dirt bike chain is in need of adjusting. To test this you simply have to place two fingers on the swing arm right behind the guide. If you notice that the chain is digging in, then it’s time to adjust it.
Before you even attempt to adjust your dirt bike chain you have to be prepared. You will need several tools to complete the task properly. You will need three wrenches, a large adjustable, a 10 mm and a 12 mm. You will also need either a tape measure or a Chain alignment tool to finish adjusting your dirt bike chain.

The first step in adjusting your dirt bike chain is to loosen the axel nut. Using your adjustable wrench loosen the nut until the wheel is loose and easy to move. Next you need to loosen the lock nut on the chain adjusters. Tighten your chain by reversing the adjuster stems, try to rotate both stems the same on both sides of the chain.

Using the same 2 finger method that we used earlier, test the tension until you have the ideal amount of chain tension. When you are adjusting ensure that it isn’t so tight that there is a possibility that the chain will snap or that it is so loose that it will dig into your swing arm.

The next and most important step in adjusting your dirt bike chain is the alignment. You need to ensure that the left side of the chain is adjusted to the same amount as the right side. Preferably you would use a chain alignment tool; however if you do not have one you can use a simple tape measurer. Line the tape measure up with the left side of your chain and measure it. Repeat this process with the right side and do any small adjustments that need to be made.