64 MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
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Drive Chain
For safety and t o prev
ent excessive wear, the drive
chain must be checked, adjusted, and lubricated be-
fore riding. If the chain becomes badly worn or mal-
adjusted - either too
loose or too tight - it could jump
off th e sprockets or bre ak.
WARNING
A chain that breaks or jumps off the sprock-
ets could snag on the engine sprocket or lock
the rear wheel, severely damaging the motor-
cycle and causing it to go out of control. In-
spect the chain for damage and proper ad-
justment before each ride.
Chain Slack Insp
ection
•
Raise the rear wheel off th e ground, then rotate
the rear wheel to find the place where the chain is
tightest (because it wears unevenly).
•
Push up the dri
ve chain in the middle of the upper
chain run to measure the chain slack. The dis-
tance between the chain and the swingarm (at the
end of the cha
in slipper) should be within the stan-
dard value.
Drive Chain Slack (KLX140A/B)
Standard 35 41 mm (1.4 1.6 in.)
Drive Chain Slac k (KL
X140C)
Standard 45 51 mm (1.8 2.0 in.)
•
Adjust the drive chain if its slack is out of specifi-
cati
on.
A. Chain Slack
•
In addition to checking the slack, rotate the rear
wheel to inspect the drive chain for damaged
r
ollers, loose pins and links and the sprockets
for unevenly or excessively worn and damaged
teeth.
•
If there are any such defects, replace the drive
chain and/or the sprockets.
Chain Slack Adjustment
•
Remove the cotter pin from the rear axle nut.
•
Loosen the rear axle nut and both chain adjuster
locknuts.