Anyone replaced the cam chain on these bikes? my service manual shows how to measure it, don't see anything on how to remove it.
also, does anyone know if there is any quality aftermarket chains or is it best to pay kawasaki's prices?
How long do these chains generally last?

thanks in advance,
matt

 

If not run with a trashed out tensioner for any length of time, the cam chain should last as long as the engine. The strength of the HyVo chain is quiet running and proven durability. The only time I've heard of a cam chain needing replaced was on a couple KLX300s that had them snap, I believe when they jumped time and stuck the valves into the piston. The OEM tensioners were so bad they allowed enough slack in the chain that it jumped time at the crank. Similar chains have gone six digits in Concours and similar bikes. My 650 has over 30,000 on the chains, the Zephyr has 24,000. They're totally enclosed and in a well oiled condition, once seated in, not much wear will occur.

The chain isn't the problem and highly likely not worn beyond spec.

 

Hope so!
The bike has been noisy as long as I've owned it, the dealer said it was normal. During today's ride it started to get noisier. Quite a bit more..So I worry about it being catastrophic, but time will tell. More reading in the book reveals the whole right cover needs to come off...
I emailed about your tension adjuster already 👍

Oh, and the bike has 34,600km on it as of today, with a fair amount of offroad hours.

 

I replaced mine before going to klx678's manual tensioner. I'm not looking at a manual now, but I thought replacement was described in the manual. That said, I recall it saying a good deal more disassembly was required than what I encountered. Getting the chain off the crank gear was supposed to be harder, but after looking at it I got it off another way. I'm sorry, but it's been long enough ago that I can't recall the details.

 

if its really making chain noise I would pull the head cover and RH engine side cover. takes some time but no special tools. this is with my head off, you dont need to pull the head to inpect the t-chain

 

Forgot to say clearly you have to take off the clutch basket and the oil pump gear for sure to get the chain off. Lots of work for sure.

I would see if you can measure the chain by seeing if the length can be done just removing the cover, if not, can it be done by pulling the cam sprockets.

But actually knowing the durability of the chains, I'd pull the cam cap, look down inside to see if the sliders are still okay and if so I'd put in the manual tensioner and run it.

Once you get the chain slap taken out the shock on the cam drive will be far less, much smoother drive.

 

Manual slack adjuster received and installed. Time will tell on the condition of the chain (visual didnt tell me much) but for now, I dont recall the bike EVER being that quiet. Easy install, clear instructions and high quality SIMPLE product. 10/10. Initially Very pleased. We will see if I can get another 34,000 out of the bike now!