KTM 390 Adventure - Owner's Manual > Cleaning the chain

Warning: Danger of accidents

Lubricants on the tires reduces the road grip.

• Remove lubricants from the tires using a suitable cleaning agent.

Warning: Danger of accidents

Oil or grease on the brake discs reduces the braking effect.

• Always keep the brake discs free of oil and grease.
• Clean the brake discs with brake cleaner when necessary.

Note

Environmental hazard

Hazardous substances cause environmental damage.

• Dispose of oils, grease, filters, fuel, cleaning agents, brake fluid, etc., correctly and in compliance with the applicable regulations.

Info The service life of the chain depends largely on its maintenance.

Preparatory work

• Raise the motorcycle with the rear lifting gear.

Main work

• Clean the chain regularly.
• Rinse off loose dirt with a soft jet of water.
• Remove old grease remains with chain cleaner.

Chain cleaner

• After drying, apply chain spray.

Street chain spray

Finishing work

• Remove the rear of the motorcycle from the lifting gear.

Checking the chain tension

Warning: Danger of accidents

Incorrect chain tension damages components and results in accidents.

If the chain is tensioned too much, the chain, engine sprocket, rear sprocket, transmission and rear wheel bearings wear more quickly. Some components may break if overloaded.

If the chain is too loose, the chain may fall off the engine sprocket or the rear sprocket. As a result, the rear wheel locks or the engine will be damaged.

• Check the chain tension regularly.
• Set the chain tension in accordance with the specification.

Preparatory work

• Raise the motorcycle with the rear lifting gear.

Main work

• Shift the transmission into neutral.
• In the area after the chain sliding guard, press the chain upward toward the link fork and measure chain tension A.

Info Top chain section B must be taut.

Chain wear is not always even, so you should repeat this measurement at different chain positions.

• If the chain tension does not meet the specification:
  • Adjust the chain tension.

• Remove the rear of the motorcycle from the lifting gear.

Adjusting the chain tension

Warning: Danger of accidents

Incorrect chain tension damages components and results in accidents.

If the chain is tensioned too much, the chain, engine sprocket, rear sprocket, transmission and rear wheel bearings wear more quickly. Some components may break if overloaded.

If the chain is too loose, the chain may fall off the engine sprocket or the rear sprocket. As a result, the rear wheel locks or the engine will be damaged.

• Check the chain tension regularly.
• Set the chain tension in accordance with the specification.

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