The drive chain on your Indian Motorcycle should be lubricated and adjusted after the first 500 miles of use and every 2,500 thereafter. Continue reading for step-by-step instructions to perform this procedure.
Required Tools and Supplies:
- Shop Rags
- Tape Measure
- Tension Tool
- Indian Motorcycle Chain Lube
- Marker
- Flathead Screwdriver
- 36mm Socket and 1/2-Inch Socket
- 1/2-Inch Crowfoot Wrench
- Ratchet
- Breaker Bar
- Torque Wrench
To learn more about tools, read the Tools and Fasteners Guide. For visual reference, watch the video above.
Do not perform this procedure immediately after riding. The chain should be dry with an ambient temperature between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit or 15 to 26 degrees Celsius.
Always wear safety glasses and nitrile gloves when servicing your Indian Motorcycle.
To lubricate and adjust the drive chain on your FTR, follow these steps:
1. Park the bike on a flat, level surface and ensure the transmission is in NEUTRAL.
2. Begin by inspecting the entire length of the chain for any wear or damage. Replace as needed.
3. Clean any dirt or grit from the chain using a clean cloth. Avoid using any solvents or degreasers, or premature wear may occur.
4. Then lubricate the chain using Indian Motorcycle chain lube (part number 2884172).
5. Next, use a tension tool to apply 10 pounds of force to the drive chain.
6. Rest the tape measure case on the ground and lock the tape when the base of the swingarm is at 0 inches. Measure the distance between the bottom of the swingarm and the top of the drive link (upper edge of the chain). The drive chain tension should be 1.3 – 1.6 inches (33 - 40mm).
7. If adjustment is needed, move to the rear axle and mark the current adjuster positions.
8. Then remove the e-clip on the axle with a flat-head screwdriver.
9. Next, loosen the axle with a 36mm socket, but do not remove.
10. Use a 1/2-inch wrench to loosen the tension bolt jam nuts on each side of the axle.
11. With the same 1/2-inch wrench, adjust the tension bolts evenly until the correct tension is achieved.
12. Next, ensure the chain is centered on the sprocket.
13. If adjustments are needed for chain alignment, use the right-side adjuster only to make final corrections.
14. Reference the adjuster notches before continuing to ensure the axle was adjusted evenly.
15. Next, hold the adjuster bolts and torque the locknut to 12 ft-lbs (16 Nm) with a 1/2-inch Crowfoot wrench.
16. Before torqueing the axle nut, recheck chain tension and repeat this process as needed.
17. Next, re-secure the axle nut and torque to 92 ft-lbs (125 Nm).
18. Finish by reinstalling the e-clip on the axle.
For more information, see your authorized Indian Motorcycle Dealer. Find a dealer near you with the Dealer Locator.
Maintenance tips, procedures and specifications can be found in your Owner's Manual.
To find diagrams and replacement part numbers, use the online parts catalog.
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