Kawasaki Ninja Service Manual: Drive Chain Wear Inspection

Kawasaki Ninja Service Manual / Periodic Maintenance / Periodic Maintenance Procedures / Final Drive / Drive Chain Wear Inspection

Remove the chain cover (see Drive Chain Removal/Installation in the Final Drive chapter).
Rotate the rear wheel to inspect the drive chain for damaged rollers, and loose pins and links

If there is any irregularity, replace the drive chain.

Lubricate the drive chain if it appears dry.

Stretch the chain taut by hanging a 10 kg (22 lb) weight [A] on the chain.
Measure the length of 20 links [B] on the straight part [C] of the chain from the pin center of the 1st pin to the pin center of the 21st pin. Since the chain may wear unevenly, take measurements at several places.

Drive Chain Wear Inspection

If any measurements exceed the service limit, replace the chain. Also, replace the front and rear sprockets when the drive chain is replaced.

Drive Chain 20-link Length

Standard: 317.5 318.2 mm
(12.50 12.53 in.)

Service Limit: 319 mm (12.6 in.)

WARNING

A chain that breaks or jumps off the sprockets could snag on the engine sprocket or lock the rear wheel, severely damaging the motorcycle and causing it to go out of control. Inspect the chain for damage and proper adjustment before each ride.

If chain wear exceeds the service limit, replace it with the standard chain. It is an endless type and should not be cut for installation.

Standard Chain

Make: ENUMA

Type: ( ZX1000JC/KC)
EK525RMX/3D (ZX1000JD/KD) EK525RMX2/3D

Link: 112 links

Wheel Alignment Inspection

Check that the notch [A] on the alignment indicator [B] aligns with the same swingarm mark or position [C] that the other side alignment indicator notch aligns with. If they do not, adjust t ...

Chain Guide Wear Inspection

Remove the swingarm (see Swingarm Removal in the Suspection chapter). Visually inspect the chain guide [A]. Replace the chain guide if it shows any signs of abnormal wear or damage. ...

Other materials:

Engine Installation
Apply molybdenum disulfide grease to the threads of the adjusting collars [A]. Install the adjusting collars to crankcase backside until end of the threads. Install the adjusting collar [A] to the frame until end of the threads. Replace the engine mounting nuts with ne ...

Connecting Rod Bend Inspection
Remove the connecting rod big end bearing inserts, and reinstall the connecting rod big end cap. Select an arbor [A] of the same diameter as the connecting rod big end, and insert the arbor through the connecting rod big end. Select an arbor of the same diameter as the piston pin and ...

Drive Chain Slack Inspection
NOTE Check the slack with the motorcycle setting on its sidestand. Clean the chain if it is dirty, and lubricate it if it appears dry. Check the wheel alignment (see Wheel Alignment Inspection). Rotate the rear wheel to find the position where the chain is tightest. Measure the ver ...