Chain Slack Adjustment

• Remove the cotter pin, and loosen the axle nut.
• Loosen the left and right chain adjuster locknuts.

A. Axle Nut

B. Cotter Pin

C. Adjuster

D. Locknut

• If the chain is too loose, turn out the left and right chain adjusters evenly.
• If the chain is too tight, turn in the left and right chain adjusters evenly.
• Turn out both chain adjusters evenly until the drive chain has the correct amount of slack. To keep the chain and wheel properly aligned, the notch on the left wheel alignment indicator should align with the same swingarm mark that the right indicator notch aligns with.

A. Marks

B. Notch

C. Indicator

D. Adjuster

E. Locknut

NOTE

Wheel alignment can also be checked using the straightedge or string method.

Misalignment of the wheel will result in abnormalwear, andmay result in an unsafe riding condition.

Align the rear wheel using the marks on the swingarm or measuring the distance between the center of the axle and swingarm pivot.

• Tighten both chain adjuster locknuts.
• Tighten the axle nut to the specified torque.

Tightening Torque

NOTE

If a torque wrench is not available, this item should be serviced by an authorized Kawasaki dealer.

• Rotate the wheel, measure the chain slack again at the tightest position, and readjust if necessary.
• Install a new cotter pin through the axle nut and axle, and spread its ends.

A. Cotter Pin

NOTE

• When inserting the cotter pin, if the slots in the nut do not align with the cotter pin hole in the axle shaft, tighten the nut clockwise up to the next alignment.
• It should be within 30 degrees.
• Loosen once and tighten again when the slot goes past the nearest hole.

A. Turn Clockwise

A loose axle nut can lead to an accident resulting in serious injury or death. Tighten the axle nut to the proper torque and install a new cotter pin.

• Check the rear brake (see Brakes section in this chapter).