Chain tension for a 390 Adventure

7611 Views 11 Replies 5 Participants Last post by bikemoto, 7 d ago

despotp

Discussion Starter · Apr 22, 2022

Hello, everyone. Long-time reader, first time poster.

I just picked up a 390 Adventure and was doing the usual chain maintenance. Page 150 of the owner's manual says 5-7mm of vertical movement.

Am I reading that right? It seems really tight.

And I ask because I know that some of the other KTM models manuals' have a different way of measuring, This one seems like the regular old "push up and measure the different" approach, though?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.
-Pavel

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Mohawk

· #2 · Apr 23, 2022

Distance "A" (5 to 7mm) is measured between the swingarm and top of chain. And measure to inner flat surface(not outer lip). Take measurement about 25mm back of lower guide.

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bikemoto

· #3 · Apr 23, 2022

This question comes up so many times!

Seems to confuse a lot of people. Bizarrely the explanation in the manuals for older bikes made it more obvious.

Every KTM i’ve had going back 20 years uses this same method.

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bikemoto

· #4 · Apr 23, 2022

btw What’s the mileage on the bike? The OEM chains are rubbish - really rubbish, not just people having a whinge! - and often only last 8-10,000 km.

The chain wears so fast it doesn’t even take the rear sprocket with it. But if you have a new bike, I would suggest replacing the chain after only a few thousand km - before it damages the sprockets.

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LuckyFox

· #5 · Apr 27, 2022

Mohawk said:
Distance "A" (5 to 7mm) is measured between the swingarm and top of chain. And measure to inner flat surface(not outer lip). Take measurement about 25mm back of lower guide.

Thanks, useful info - I've been unsure of the "flat surface vs outer lip". Chain seems like rubber, this is my second adjustment in first 1000km, and length-wise it is already at the 301 mm for 20 pins that the manual specifies.

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despotp

Discussion Starter · #6 · Apr 28, 2022

Ahhh. Thank you, both.

Now that you say that, I see the arrows are pointing to the top of the chain and bottom of the swing arm in the illustration.

I've got about 3,000 km on it. Will definitely keep an eye on the chain and probably replace it. Especially now that the trails are opening back up and I'll be out in there a ways. Hope this isn't an controversial question, but any particular chains anyone likes on the 390?

Again, thanks, and I'll hopefully post some pics of the bike out in it's natural habitat soon.

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Mohawk

· #7 · Apr 28, 2022

Yeah, you don't want to run these chains too tight. So try keeping to lower spec. Aim for 5mm to flat part of swingarm.
My 890r chain has only been adjusted twice in 10000kms. I do try to keep it well cleaned and lubed also.
Though have not checked the stretch distance over links yet. Iirc...272mm over 18 rollers in my manual.

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LuckyFox

· #8 · Apr 28, 2022

despotp said:
Ahhh. Thank you, both.

Now that you say that, I see the arrows are pointing to the top of the chain and bottom of the swing arm in the illustration.

I've got about 3,000 km on it. Will definitely keep an eye on the chain and probably replace it. Especially now that the trails are opening back up and I'll be out in there a ways. Hope this isn't an controversial question, but any particular chains anyone likes on the 390?

Again, thanks, and I'll hopefully post some pics of the bike out in it's natural habitat soon.

This is one that seems well regarded and probably what I'll be going with - DID 520 VX3; not sure of the number of links - 114 I think, but you would want to verify that.

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despotp

Discussion Starter · #9 · Apr 29, 2022

LuckyFox said:
This is one that seems well regarded and probably what I'll be going with - DID 520 VX3; not sure of the number of links - 114 I think, but you would want to verify that.

Much appreciated!

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bikemoto

· #10 · Apr 30, 2022

LuckyFox said:
This is one that seems well regarded and probably what I'll be going with - DID 520 VX3; not sure of the number of links - 114 I think, but you would want to verify that.

Yes it’s 114 links.

Any mid-quality x ring from a major brand will be fine. Just don’t think bigger is better and put a heavy 1200 cc rated chain on it. LOL

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Joe_D

· #11 · 14 d ago

Yikes, fourth chain driven bike and this is the first one that has specified the chain tension this way. Seems like an ok way to do it just not what I am used to. I adjusted it last night but have not ridden it since then. Yeah, it seemed way too tight.

My other bike's an R120RS so I am out of practice with chains.

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bikemoto

· #12 · 7 d ago

It's easier, simpler, quicker, more accurate and more reliable than other methods.

What's not to like??

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