There have been a quite a few posts about the chain adjustment tool recently. I have only had my MTS since Sept 2012 (1,700 miles total, 1,000 since last dealer visit) but I thought I would give it a check. The chain adjustment gauge has a 2mm gap that the chain must be within, the manual says the chain must be adjusted if it it outside this 2mm range. The manual also says a dealer must do the actual adjustment which seems OTT so I am wondering if I really need to keep within this small 2mm range. In practicle terms, how accurate does the adjustment really need to be? Also the manual says the bike must be on the side stand, I assume this is to load the suspension so would I be correct in thinking a rear paddock stand would be a better way as it allows me to turn the wheel to check different points?
No you wouldn't! RTM about how to adjust the chain and which suspension setting the bike must be in. I've had to adjust the chain once in 7k miles so it isn't much hassle to do it. It's a 10 minute DIY job.
Ditto Only had to adjusted once in 5500 miles The chain rivets need to line up with the gap in the chain tensioner gauge tool when the bike is on the side stand (urban mode solo rider from memory) check the manual.. Once adjusted as above I put my bike on an abba stand (which leaves the rear wheel unloaded)and marked the gauge at the chain rivets, this gives me two options when I adjust the chain, I just find it easier to adjust on the stand, and can check the tension at various points..
2mm does seem a tight tolerance (mine is already at the 37mm limit and its only done 1,700 miles). First impression was, OMG I am going to be adjusting the chain every 1,000 miles. I plan do a tour to Monaco in June and do not want to have to mess around adjusting the chain whilst abroad. I am considering a rear wheel paddock stand (ConStands £66 ebay) as it will load the rear wheel in the same way as the stand stand and should be more convenient (as far as I can see). This idea is not mentioned anywhere but it is the way the pros do it on youtube. I did wonder why Ducati have not calibrated the chain gauge for the centre stand, so your (Boomer) idea seems good and I may do the same. Time will tell if MTS chain usage is better or worse than other bikes but if the chain stays at 37mm for 2 or 3 thousand miles then I wont need to adjust it at all, the dealers can do it during the numerous recalls that will no doubt happen. :biggrin:
In 12,000 miles of ownership the chain on my Multi only needed adjusting up a couple of times outside the normal services, both times I called in at the dealer and they did it for NO charge. JHP
Don't worry too much about it as I and many others have been on long trips without the need to adjust the chain while away. As long as it's adjusted before you leave of course. The first time will take a while but then it's a straight forward and infrequent job. Getting one of the full adjusting tools really helps to get it spot on. The toolkit spanner is a pain to use! Here is a great resource before you start: Motorcycle Info Pages - 'How to' & FAQs > MTS1200 Chain Adjustment
Yea, wouldn't spend any time worrying about it. Personally I like a nice tight chain. When I collected mine I asked how to do it, they just said, bring it back in. So I did, I have a look around and a cup of coffee and its done. I'm happy with that if they are.... Not so good I guess if your dealer is not local though.
Yes, like the guys above my bike has 11,400km and chain has only been adjusted once by the dealer. That being said, it's ready now and as soon as snow melts here in Canada it's going in for it's 12K service so it'll get done then before I ride it anymore. I'd like to buy the adjusting tool - any pointers on where to find it? I haven't even googled it yet so I'm sure I can find it but thought one of you might have bought one. Thanks, DD
