Was just looking at my chain tension, am I right in assuming that the middle of my chain should be level with the middle marks??? Im in default urban mode, 1 rider & on side stand Before anyone questions the lack of chain lube, Dry lube doesn't show
Correct The chain rivets should be in the middle of the two marks on the gauge. When you have it right (on the side stand) then mark the rivet position on the gauge with the bike on the centre stand or paddock stand. Makes life a lot easier for the next time. Try Motul C5 Chain paste - good stuff (and its not explosive like C4)
That sounds like a genius tip, have always faffed around with trying to take a picture with my phone whilst sat on the bike with varying degrees of success. I can't see why it wouldn't work unless the forum hive mind suggests otherwise.
suspension should have weight of bike only to be on the mark. Ie not sitting on it and suspension not free ( hanging on centre stand) , as I understand. I'm ready to be corrected.
On the rear stand should be fine, as the bike is being lifted by the axle/rear wheel and the suspension is bearing the weight.
Is this before, or after you've written your letter home and moved your clothes to the lower peg? Just kidding, it always seems like a big faff around....
To be honest I am always in urban mode when getting near home as in town. Being a bit short on the inside leg urban reduces the ride height for me. One thing I got that makes the chain adjustment much easier is a very long handled C Spanner instead of that pile of shit Ducati supply, although the chain only needs adjustment about once a year.
Gear oil, gear oil and a good scrub and that chain will look fresh again. I moved away from canned lubes a long time ago and I've never looked back, regular gear oil with a rag once every 500 miles or so and it never looks a day old.
But when you are on a trip, there is nothing as convenient as a spray can for your chain every day or so. I had a pro oiler on my v strom but man do those things make a mess! Back to the dry lube for me!
I’ve been using SDOC100 white chain spray for years, and it’s very good, with no fling if applied properly. They’ve now got a new improved version which I’ll be trying out in the coming weeks.
I just hit mine with a little silicone spray every now and then to keep the o-rings pliable to hold the lube in. I get between 16k and 21k on a chain and don't see people that use all the different kinds of lubes getting any more than that generally so why spend the money (or maybe they're all getting 25k on these bikes and no one is telling me)?
In the handbook it recommends using Shell advanced chain oil, BUT......... its no longer available as been discontinued, just using worth dry lube
Sure, it's a little easier, but I literally have a little zip lock back with the small oil can and a micro fibre cloth (and if going on a longer trip, a couple of latex gloves). Takes up less space than a can and in my opinion, better for the chain. Again, this discussion has been around for years and there really is no right or wrong answer in my view. Down to personal preference.
Thanks for pointing that out, just read the owners handbook and you're correct. Urban Mode, rider only setting and on side-stand. However, I guess a rear paddock stand with spindle would equate to pretty well the same thing and easier to turn the wheel to find the tight spot. I must be harking back to the MV I had before.
I made a point of doing this today on my DVT and on the centrestand, post adjustment, the chain seemed to hang about 3mm lower. Interested to see if others found the same?
