KTM 125 LC2 1998, Owner'S Handbook Manual, Page: 16 / 32

ENGLISH
14
Check and adjust steering head bearing*
Check steering head bearing for play periodically. To check this support the
motorcycle so that the front wheel is off the ground. Now try to move the
fork forward and backward - no play should be discernable For readjust-
ment, release the 5 clamp screws
1
of the top triple clamp and turn the
top screw
2
with the wrench
3
from the tool set until no play is left at all.
Don’t tighten the steering stem bolt all the way, otherwise the bearings will
be damaged. With a plastic hammer, lightly tap on the top triple clamp to
release tension. Re-tight the five clamp screws to 15 Nm (11 ft.lb).
WARNING
I
F THE STEERING HEAD BEARING IS NOT ADJUSTED TO BE FREE OF PLAY
,
THE MOTORCYCLE
WILL SHOW AN UNSTEADY DRIVING PERFORMANCE AND CAN GET OUT OF CONTROL
.
! CAUTION !
I
F YOU DRIVE WITH PLAY IN THE STEERING HEAD BEARING FOR LONGER PERIODS
,
FIRSTLY
THE BEARINGS AND THEN THE BEARING SEATS IN THE FRAME WILL BE DESTROYED
.
The steering head bearings should be regreased after 2 years at the latest.
Changing the spring preload of the shock absorber
KTM sets the shock absorber for driver only, weighing approximately 75 kg
(165 lb). If you want to take a passenger with you, of if you weigh consi-
derably more or less than 75 kg (165 lb), you should change the spring
preload accordingly. This is easily done.
NOTE:
– Before changing the spring preload note down the basic setting, e.g.
how many coils are visible above the adjusting ring.
– One rotation of the adjusting ring
5
changes the spring preload by
approximately 1.5 mm.
Use the hook wrenches included in the vehicle tool kit to loosen the coun-
ter ring
4
. Change spring preload as desired by means of the adjusting
ring
5
, and retighten counter ring.
Checking chain tension
– To check the chain tension, turn off the motorcycle.
– Press chain upward at the end of the chain sliding component. The
distance between chain and swing arm should be approx. 10 mm. In the
course of this procedure, the upper chain portion
A
must be tensioned
(see drawing).
– If necessary, readjust chain tension.
WARNING
– I
F CHAIN TENSION IS TOO GREAT
,
PARTS WITHIN THE SECONDARY POWER TRANSMIS
-
SION
(
CHAIN
,
CHAIN SPROCKETS
,
TRANSMISSION AND REAR WHEEL BEARINGS
)
WILL BE
SUBJECTED TO UNNECESSARY STRESS
,
RESULTING IN PREMATURE WEAR AND EVEN CHAIN
BREAKAGE
.
– T
OO MUCH SLACK IN THE CHAIN
,
ON THE OTHER HAND
,
CAN RESULT IN THE CHAIN
JUMPING OFF THE CHAIN WHEELS
. I
F THIS HAPPENS
,
THE CHAIN COULD ALSO BLOCK
THE REAR WHEEL OR DAMAGE THE ENGINE
.
– I
N EITHER CASE THE OPERATOR IS LIKELY TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE
.
3
10 mm
A
1
2
4
5