1.3 Push up on the chain and measure the slack

5. Place the motorcycle on its centre stand and rotate the rear wheel until the chain is positioned with the tightest point at the centre of its bottom run.

6. Slacken the rear axle nut and the locknut on each chain adjuster (see illustration).

7. Turn the chain adjusters on both sides of the swingarm a small amount at a time until the specified chain tension is obtained (see illustration). Be sure to turn the adjusters evenly to keep the rear wheel in alignment. If the adjusters reach the end of their travel, the chain is excessively worn and should be renewed (see Chapter 6). The chain wear decals will also indicate the need for chain renewal (see illustration).

1.6 Rear axle nut (a), locknut (b), 1.7a Turn the adjusters (arrowed) to

adjuster (C) obtain specified chain tension

1.7B Chain wear decal (a) and alignment marks (b)

Every 600 miles w

8. 

   When the chain has the correct amount of slack, check that the wheel is correctly aligned by making sure the marks on each adjuster are in the same position relative to the slot in the swingarm (see illustration 1.7b). If there is any discrepancy in the chain adjuster positions, adjust one of them so that its position is exactly the same as the other, then recheck the chain freeplay as described above. It is important each adjuster is identically aligned otherwise the rear wheel will be out of alignment with the front.

9. Tighten the axle nut to the torque setting specified at the beginning of this Chapter (see illustration). Tighten the chain adjuster locknuts securely. On R and T models, reset the freeplay on the rear brake pedal by turning the adjuster nut on the brake rod (see Section 4).

Lubrication

10 If the chain is dirty, wash it in paraffin (kerosene), then wipe it off and allow it to dry, using compressed air if available. If the chain is excessively dirty it should be removed from the machine and allowed to soak in the paraffin as described in Chapter 6. Caution: Don't use petrol, solvent or other

1.9 Tighten the axle nut to the specified torque

cleaning fluids which might damage the internal sealing properties of the chain. Don't use high-pressure water. The entire process shouldn't take longer than ten minutes - if it does, the O-rings in the chain rollers could be damaged. 11 For routine lubrication, the best time to lubricate the chain is after the motorcycle has been ridden. When the chain is warm, the lubricant will penetrate the joints between the side plates better than when cold. Note: Honda specifies SAE 80 to SAE 90 gear oil; if you do use aerosol chain lube ensure that it is

1.11 Apply the lubricant to the overlap in the sideplates

suitable for O-ring chains. Apply the oil to the area where the side plates overlap - not the middle of the rollers (see illustration).

PJWJTCI Apply the oil to the top of the . lower chain run, so

HllUT centrifugal force will work the oil into the chain when the motorcycle Is moving. After applying the lubricant, let it soak in a few minutes before wiping off any

Every 4000 miles (6000 km) or 6 months

2 Idle speed -

check and adjustment

1. The idle speed should be checked and adjusted before and after the carburettors are synchronised (balanced) and when It is obviously too high or too low. Before adjusting the idle speed, make sure the valve clearances and spark plug gaps are correct. Also, turn the handlebars back-and-forth and see if the idle speed changes as this is done. If it does, the throttle cable may not be adjusted or routed correctly, or may be worn out. This is a dangerous condition that can cause loss of control of the motorcycle. Be sure to correct this problem before proceeding.

2. The engine should be at normal operating

temperature, which is usually reached after 10 to 15 minutes of stop-and-go riding. Place the motorcycle on its centre stand, and make sure the transmission is in neutral.

3. The idle speed adjuster is located between the carburettors (see illustration). With the engine running and the throttle closed, adjust the idle speed by turning the adjuster screw until the idle speed listed in this Chapter's Specifications is obtained. Turn the screw clockwise to increase idle speed, and anti­clockwise to decrease it.

4. Snap the throttle open and shut a few times, then recheck the idle speed. If necessary, repeat the adjustment procedure.

5. If a smooth, steady idle can't be achieved, the fuel/air mixture may be incorrect (see Chapter 4) or the carburettors may need synchronising (see Section 15).

3 Brake pads and shoe linings ||>

- wear check 1$;

%

1 Disc brake pads and rear drum brake shoe linings (R and T models only) all have wear indicators. A quick check of brake wear can be made without dismantling components.

Brake pads

2. The amount of pad wear can be judged by looking at the pads from the underside rear of the caliper (both front and rear) (see illustration). A cutout in the friction material indicates the wear limit (see illustration).

3. If either pad in the caliper has worn down to, or beyond the cutout in the friction material, both pads must be renewed as a set.

2.3 Idle speed adjuster screw (arrowed)

3.2a Check pad wear from the underside rear of the caliper

3.2b Brake pad wear limit (arrowed)

1.8 Every 4000 miles

-^S	FREE PLAY
—-—" L_7T>
-/

3.5 Rear brake wear indicator (A) and limit reference (B) on R and T models

If the pads are dirty or if you are in doubt as to the amount of friction material remaining, remove them for inspection (see Chapter 7). Note: Some after-market pads may use different indicators to those on the original equipment as shown.

4 Refer to Chapter 7 for details of pad renewal.

Rear brake shoe linings - R and T models