Dirt Bike Axle and Chain Adjustment

Every motorcycle manufacturer does things a little different when it comes to attaching the rear wheel, but they are all essentially the same. Make sure to consult your owner’s manual for the proper torque specs and recommended motorcycle chain tension.

Step 1: A good coating of grease will make it easier to remove in the future.

Installation Steps:

Step 1: Axle prep
Once the wheel is ready to be re-attached to the bike, before inserting the axle, make sure that it is properly prepared. The axle should be cleaned of any grime or dirt and then coated with a fresh layer of grease. Most bearing or axle grease will do. Force the wheel up tight against the adjustment bolts and tighten the axle nut enough to hold the wheel in place, but do not cinch it down.


Step 2: Adjust the chain

Step 2: Don't forget to tighten the lock nuts when the adjustment is correct.

Loosen the lock nut on the chain tensioner on each side of the swingarm. Once loose, thread the adjustment bolts in or out to reach the desired chain slack (out to tighten the chain, in to loosen it). Use the marks on the axle blocks to make sure both sides are equally adjusted and the wheel is square.

Everyone has a favorite tip for the proper chain adjustment. We try to leave enough slack so that the chain is tight when the suspension is fully compressed. You can check this by leaning over the seat, grabbing the swingarm and compressing the shock to view the difference in tension. A friend can help get more compression and a more accurate gauge. If the chain becomes taught before the suspension is fully compressed, it is affecting the way your bike handles during a ride and creating unnecessary stress and wear on the chain, sprocket, axle and countershaft

Step 3: The rag ensures your axle blocks are tight against the adjusters.

Step 3: Tighten the axle
Once you are satisfied with the chain tension, put a rag between the chain and sprocket on the top side of the swingarm. Rotate the wheel backwards to cram the rag between the chain and sprocket which forces the wheel tight against the tensioning bolts. Use a torque wrench to tighten the axle nut to the specified tension, lube the chain and go ride.

TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR MOTORCYCLE

Tips and More For Motorcycle Owners

Here are some tips and helpful tools if you are considering selling your motorcycle.

Selling Price

The N.A.D.A website www.nada.com is a good resource to determine if your asking price is appropriate.

Advertising / Meeting Potential Buyers

Whenever possible, do not disclose your home address or location of the motorcycle stored when advertising, and when a potential buyer wants to see the bike, try to meet in a neutral location. There have been a number of instances of theft where the bike was up for sale with the address listed in the ad or a potential “buyer” came to the home but did not purchase, and then the bike was stolen. Although there is no way to be sure the two were related, it is better to be on the safe side.

Test Rides

If you’re allowing someone to test-ride the bike, verify that he or she is qualified, experienced enough to handle the ride and has the proper credentials, including a motorcycle license/endorsement.

Make certain anyone test-riding your motorcycle is wearing a DOT approved helmet (where required by law) and proper safety apparel.

Selling on Consignment

If you are selling your motorcycle on consignment through a dealership/shop, verify the dealership/shop has the proper insurance coverage in the event of accident or theft. Get a consignment agreement in writing.

Finalizing the Sale

Payment - If the transaction involves a check or money order, verify the payment is valid before relinquishing possession of the bike.

Transferring the Title - Sign and date the title as “Seller”, and keep a copy of the signed title for future reference. Make the terms of the sale clear and put it all in writing, creating a receipt/agreement for both you and the buyer to sign and date. Each of you should retain a copy of this document. Click Here for printable bill of sale.

Registration and License Plates - Remove and retain you license plate, and do not allow the buyer to keep your registration card. Under no circumstances should you allow someone else to use your plate and registration, even if it’s just to get the bike home. If you’re not transferring the plate to another bike, turn it in to Motor Vehicles as soon as possible and be sure to get a receipt.

Insurance - Do not give the buyer access to you insurance card. Keep the card for your records or destroy it, but do not leave it in the possession of the buyer. The insurance is not transferrable. Cancel the insurance, or remove the bike from your policy as soon as possible after the completion of the sale.

Personal Items - Don’t forget to check for and remove personal items in your saddlebags or under the seat.

If you have the owner’s manual and/or an extra set of keys, remember to give them to the buyer, who will likely be very appreciative.

Riding in Strong Winds

Below are a couple of tips to help you ride in strong winds. Obviously, if the winds are too strong and you don't feel confident riding in such conditions, leave the bike at home.

• Look out for gaps in hedges and gates where the wind is likely to be stronger. Also be aware of objects moving in the wind on your path.
  
  
• If you're riding in a sidewind for a length of time, apply a little pressure to the handlebar closest to the direction the wind is blowing from, (if the wind is blowing from left to right gently push against the left bar).
  
  
• User your legs and bodyweight to keep the bike straight. Keeping your upper body relaxed will help the bike deal with sudden gusts and bumps.
  
  
• Keep your body lower than you normally would to reduce the surface that the wind can hit.

Honda’s new NC700X

Honda's New NC700X will be available this summer! Explore more on http://powersports.honda.com to find out about 670cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, Comfortable seating postions, Large integrated storage compartments and a wide array of accessories.

2012 Honda CBR1000RR Review

2012 Honda CBR1000RR Review

When designing the 2012 CBR1KRR, Hirofumi Fukunaga, the Large Project Leader for the CBR900/1000 line for many years, had a simple goal in mind: to create “a supersport bike for everybody.” It had to appeal to seasoned riders as well as those new to liter-class power. In fact, since the first CBR900RR was introduced in 1992, 445,280 CBR900/1000s have been produced with that very goal in mind.

2012 MX Bikes

The Best 450 on the track-better than ever! The 2012 CRF450R gives you the perfect balance of open-class Honda power, refined suspension and the best brakes in the business.