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2012 Kawasaki Ninja Chain Tightening Replacement

Many owners of motorcycles run into a very...

iFixit Library 2012 Kawasaki Ninja Easy 1 hour Guide 116310

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Guide overview

Before you begin

Many owners of motorcycles run into a very simple problem almost every year. The chain usually gets loose after riding season or during and needs to be tightened to keep the bike in good working and riding order. It doesn’t matter if you are a pro or a beginner this is an absolute must for all riders. The chain is essential for all riding as it is what gives the engine the ability to send the power to the rear wheel (wheels if it has more than 2). When a chain gets too loose, it can potentially break, fall off, be uncomfortable, or jam which can be very dangerous especially at high speeds. Proper chain tightness can ensure rider safety and usability with the bike. This guide walks through the tightening of a chain from start to finish pointing out various obstacles and keeping the repair on track, ensuring a problem free fix.

Step 1

Repair step

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Park your bike and get the essential tools

Step 2

Repair step

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Remove any factory or aftermarket chain covers on your bike.
This can be removed by using your socket wrench (9mm for this specific one)
Set the cover and bolts aside.
Helpful hint: leave the bolts in the cover when setting it aside to help keep organized
Feel the chain. If there is more than 1 inch of play (movement up or down) then the chain should be tightened.

Step 3

Repair step

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Notice the location of the slider on each side
This is located at the back of the bike on the rear wheel bars
Usually after use, the sliders become out of alignment and could be at different marker locations
Locate the bolt that travels through the hub of the wheel
This will be the largest bolt of the back of the wheel
Remove the locking pin holding the nut in place
Use the grips to bend the pin straight

Step 4

Repair step

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Remove the locking pin
Place your 17mm socket on the bolt side and the 1 inch side over the nut
This is where the breaker bar would help as it could be very tight
Loosen the bolt to about half way
Do not take the bolt out or the nut off

Step 5

Repair step

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Locate the bolts on each side of the bike sticking out
There should be two nuts on each bolt
Loosen only the first nut on each side with a 12mm
This is the locking nut while the second one locks the chain in place.

Step 6

Repair step

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Begin tightening the second nut on the side with the chain (usually the left side) with a 14mm
You should visually see the chain tightening and the sliders moving which marks the chain position
Tighten to where there is about ½ to ¾ inch of play in the chain.
Notice the mark of the slider on the side you tightened first
Tighten the opposite side till the slider is in the same position as the first side you tightened

Step 7

Repair step

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Make sure the chain is tightened to your liking
Should be about ½ inch to ¾ inch play
Repeat the tightening process if it is not to your liking

Step 8

Repair step

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Begin putting the bike back together
Start by retightening the small bolts with the 12mm

Step 9

Repair step

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Retighten the main bolt with the 1 inch socket and the 17mm.
Make sure the hole in the nut and bolt line up for the locking pin
Reinsert the locking pin once the main bolt is tightened

Step 10

Repair step

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Lastly reinsert the chain guard and tighten the bolts

Step 11

Repair step

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Proceed to ride and test your work.
You will feel smooth and the bike will glide well in neutral if done properly.