To clarify on the earlier comments the crank tdc can easily be checked by removing cover on the left of the bike and removing the top inspection plug, centre plug then turning the crank with a ratchet. (Cam timing requires engine removal!) Make sure all 4 spark plugs are out. Line up the F mark on the magneto with the notch on the casing for the front tensioner. Do the tensioner mod, replace the tensioner and check the alignment. Turn the magneto to the R mark and do the rear. Check the alignment again and bolt everything back up. The tensioner extenders are £20.99 posted in the UK and the gaskets are £6.07 posted from Cradley Kawasaki, part number 11009 1858.
The best repair for that is the APE Cam Chain Tensioner. It has none of the springs or ratchet BS. Pure Genius. Have two of them on my Kawasaki. Installed them 15 years ago. No problems at all.
Really helpful video. Thank you for taking the time to make it! Did panic a bit when I saw that my bike still had the air intake bridge blocking the front tensioner but I got small fingers so worked around it. Started her and all seems fine at the moment 👍
I have a 2003 1600 Vulcan Classic with 31250 miles . Just installed these today 8/29 . I heard a noise on the left side of the motor while riding on occasion. But when I pull the spark plug tubes the rear one on the right side of the motor had the marks from the chain hitting it. Install the spacers and did a long test ride she sounds good !
This seems like a temporary solution. If the chain is already stretched then putting the extenders on will give them more time but after a year or two wouldn't the chains need replaced?
Hi, did my Meanstreak tensioners today, want to say a big Thank You to you for your amazing video, see it's being used on a website as well by someone else to show how to do it. My Meanie was stock, no way could I take the air intake tube out so it was a frustrating time but got it done. thank you kind sir for your amazing videos, really appreciate your knowledge!
@@MOTODANS Hi I have put the link in a reply twice, but it dissapears. Anyway if you type mean streak cam extenders gadgets page into Google search, it's the first page that appears. Thanks again
Much appreciation for putting this very detailed and informative video together. I have a mean streak but it’s been sitting for years because the chain keeps getting loose. With your video I now have something else to try. Thank you again for putting your time into this video. I’m sure it’s going to help more then just me.
Great video... just bought a 1988 Vulcan 1500... price was a steal...$300... runs perfect except a little chain rattle... going to try this before new chains.. thanks
I'm am glad I came across this video. I changed the cam chain extensions today the front one had three clicks left the rear was on the the last one my meanie has 22k on it so glad I saw this video it potentially saved me a lot of cssh
Did this on mine when I fitted the barons air kit, never made a video though as it already had an aftermarket kit fitted the the Reed valves had bolts in the pipes
fantastic video I will be doing this to my 99 nomad 1500 for sure seems an easy job thank you for the informative video um just wondering where the second one is located and is it an easier time to get too
I just bought a VN1600 2006 model that has a slight ticking. I have ordered cam chain tension extenders, and I hope they will fix the ticking sound. How about if my bike already has extenders? Any risk it will fall off and drop inside the motor when I take out the tensioners?
@@MOTODANS Ok, my extenders have arrived so I will be very, very careful when I remove the tensioners. Good to know it might be is a possibility to drop it inside the engine, super thanks for the reply!!!
My bike still has the stock intake on it. So I will have to remove that and re- install so I can have access to Cam Chain Tensioner. Do you know of any videos of that? Additionally Tifftof talks about lining up those marks prior to installing cam chain tensioner. Maybe you could explain how to do that. Thanks for your videos they are a tremendous help. Keep up the good work.
Thanks great video . Just one question, I was on a trip and had to drive bike with ticking sound . I went a few km then was able to trailer home should I change oil and filter in case of debris in motor. I know it wouldn't hurt.
Nice one Dan, I have been noticing a wee bit of a rattle in my meanie and have been anxious about changing my tensioners, you put my mind at ease, cheers lad. Mark
Thank you for your great video. Do I need to worry about the chain possibly falling off if chain is stretched too much? I didn't see your video talking about checking timing.
As long as you don't turn the engine over with the tensioner out you will be fine. You can time the engine if you wish but same thing can happen if you rotate the engine
Unfortunately my 2005 Nomad with 20k miles on it, chain stretched to the point of blowing a hole in the spark plug tube. Can't seem to find a video on replacing the tubes. I did find metal shavings in the pre screen filter, hoping all shavings were caught.
You can just drive the stock tensioner stop off with a punch and vice. Vice being loose at the pinch. You just need a solid surface. I thank you for the help. ✌🏻✌🏻👍
Might be usefull to add the information that - depending on the position of the camshaft and the tension or grade of wear - the chain might skip when you remove the tensioner, which might pretty well result in a capital engine failure afterwards. Therefore Kawasaki has special marks for crankshaft and camshaft-position BEFORE work on or remove the tensioner. Almost all vids here on TH-cam lack this information as well as the one, that to much tension might pretty well lead to damages on the rails of the timing chain and/or the teething of the pinions of the chain. Cheap repair of clacking-sounds with pretty expensive following costs....
New drinking game… take a shot every time he says “wee”. Just kidding. Great video. I just got my hands on a 2000 VN1500 Classic and it has a bit of noise up top and I think this is my most likely culprit. This video is exactly what I needed to see to help me figure out what to do. Thanks.
Your content is incredible! I'm going to lower my dr650 the right way this weekend using your other video as a reference. Thanks again Keep the videos coming.
That's why you put the loctite on it for installation. That holds the extension in place until you have installed the tensioner. Once installed it has constant spring pressure pushing it up against the guide so it is impossible for it to fall off. As long as you don't rotate the engine when the tensioner is removed the timing won't be affected.
Great video. I just did both extenders on my 99 Nomad (57k miles). Like yours, I was on the last notch too. At $100 an hour motorcycle mechanics rate, I do a lot of my own wrenching, so thanks for showing me how to not only save my engine, but how to save money as well!
No noise. I had read alot online that this was a good upgrade save any engine damage when they become to stretched. From what I have read this is worth doing on even new bikes.
Thanks for the answer, I have some annoying deceleration noises in second and third gears, I hope to solve it, my bike has only 30,000 km, thank you and continue with your videos, I write from Florence Italy
Hi Dan I have MeanStreak 1500 fuel injected. There is an issue to access the rear cylinder Chain Tensioner. there is Plastic duct which between cylinders and is obstructing access to the Chain tensioner. This duct is not possible to move away. Please give me some advise how to do it?
Not sure sorry, my bike had all this removed before I bought it to fit an aftermarket filter. If you read some of the other comments they may have a solution
Quick question! My rear tensioner is leaking a little bit after installing the extender, is it safe to remove the tensioner with out having the extender fall in the engine? I did use red loctite
@@MOTODANS it’s terrible 😂 there’s a big plastic manifold that sits on top of tensioner makes it a pain to get the Allen bolts and you have to twist the tensioner as you pull it out or it fouls on the manifold. Talk about stress ha ha I’m glad it’s done tho it was on the last click like yours the bikes done 24k miles.
So you want to pull the springs out of them first so when you remove them they don't extend any further. One you remove the tensioner you will be able to extend it just by pulling on them see what you have left. You then want to set the tensioner all the way back in and reinstall as I show in the video. They will automatically adjust to the correct tension when reinstalled.
another question someone asked me and i didnt have an answer.. maybe you do? when you shift gears, do you pull the clutch handle all the waay in or half way? supposedly, halfway, saves the clutch. any ideas?
Hey John, Haven't heard of that before can't see it making any difference clutch wear happens as drive is getting taken up if the clutch is engaged enough to stop drive to change gear then upon release the same wear would be taking place. You can however change gear going up under acceleration with no clutch just by shutting the throttle.
I've got the same VMS and color to. How many miles or kilometers on yours when you did this? I'm second owner of the bike which has been well maintained and low mileage. It just turned 8,160 miles the other day. Should I already be considering this kit? Oops, sorry, if I had watched a few seconds more I would have heard your mileage. So you say it could be done on a new bike to? There wouldn't be a clearance problem with the larger adjustment button? I'm definitely going to at least pull mine to see how far the adjusters are out.
Nice one. That's a low mileage bike. Yea this can be done at any time. Pull yours out and check but I would imagine they would be out around half of the available travel. Something to just fit and forget.
Chen I got the bike with the filter that is on there. The crank case breather was routed straight up and tied to the frame. After this mod I fitted a barons big air kit and re routed it to the air cleaner
@@MOTODANS yeah I'd says . it seems to have the exact same tensioner though so I'm hoping that, thats the issue and its an easy fix , I only paid $800nzd for the bike so either way its not much of a loss
Great videos.. especially the bearings one. I have an 02 meanie,and having the same issue now.. unfortunately i dont have the facilities to do the repair myself.. going to the dealer onfriday.. but your video was very informative.. im about to do the cam tensioner soon.. i have the parts ready to go.. im a little apprehensive on removing the left side air cleaner though..not sure what to expect when i pull off the cover..I look forward to more videos!. great bike! i love it
Thanks John. Good luck with the tensioner job it's pretty straight forward. I'm not sure what the stock air cleaner is like that's the thing as mine came with the after market one on. Do you have a manual for the bike?
@@MOTODANS hey Dan i have the manual, but it doesnt show the crossover hoses that are behind the air cleaner..there may be some cylanoids also there. i like to know exactly what im getting into before i start so i dont have any surprises and get stuck half way through the job..
Yep it's good to know what your getting into before you start. Unfortunately I cannot help in this instance. You could just pop the cover off and take a look? Maybe even look in the manual for like an exploded parts diagram? Not sure if there are solenoids on the left I thought they were all on the right. I could be mistaken though as all mine are gone
@@MOTODANS yes, solenoids are on the right.. not quite sure how the connect to the left.. but youre right, i should just dive in and see whats what.. keep up with the videos.. they are great.. im looking for the forks oil video now.
@@johngraziano6652 Thanks John. I have stripped the forks and changed the oil but needed to use a few tools that I don't have access to in the house so never made a video on it. Also it was my first time stripping cartridge style forks so I wasn't sure what I was doing. Next time I change the oil I will make a video although it won't be for awhile.
Hello. I have a 1500 Mean Streak and want to put the extenders on it. Now your Amazon-link says for the Classic/Nomad. Are these also the correct ones for the Mean Streak? Greetings from the Netherlands.
Excellent video!! I've vaguely heard of these tensioner "extensions" before but...I never gave them much thought until now!! Thanks, Danny for the video, and I'll be ordering them and the gaskets asap!!! : ) Don W., Ohio, USA!
Hello . I have a vn 1600 nomad motorcycle and the clicking noise is heard when the machine is cold, but it decreases when it warms up. Is it the same problem?
Super amount, very understandably explained. I have a question, can someone give me the exact measurements From the new Divide? Unfortunately there is no shipping to germany
My bike doesn't have the stock intake it was all removed before I bought the bike. Currently running the barons big air kit which can be removed without touching the tank
hey dan, was thinking about tackling this mod next.. in reading these replies, i found this one.. and validity to it? Tifftoff 11 months ago Might be usefull to add the information that - depending on the position of the camshaft and the tension or grade of wear - the chain might skip when you remove the tensioner, which might pretty well result in a capital engine failure afterwards. Therefore Kawasaki has special marks for crankshaft and camshaft-position BEFORE work on or remove the tensioner. Almost all vids here on TH-cam lack this information as well as the one, that to much tension might pretty well lead to damages on the rails of the timing chain and/or the teething of the pinions of the chain. Cheap repair of clacking-sounds with pretty expensive following costs....
Hey John, It certainly is a possibility however extremely unlikely unless you rotate the engine with the tensioner out of the engine. Even removing with the engine at the correct position rotating the engine can cause damage. Yes i agree too much tension is just as bad if not worse than not enough. But these tensioners are automatically adjusting and as you can hear when you release them with the extender fitted they still move out meaning they are taking up the slack needed. As far as i know you can fit these on a 0 mile bike and the tensioners still have room to operate correctly.
Hi,i have vn15se from '90 , and on the rear cylinder, is a drain pipe from the spark plug,there i see is a oil dripping...can be the tensioner the problem? (I am new owner of Vulcan) thank you for your help! Excuse my english!😁🤝🤝🤝 all the best
Hey, I am not sure. The 1990 model will have a different engine to mine. There may be a rocker gasket that is leaking or even a gasket for the spark plugs tube?
Yes this is the most common issue with these bikes. Mine burned a little maybe 500ml between services nothing out the usual for a bike like this in my opinion
OTHER SIDE DONE AND DIDN'T HAVE THAT SPRING PRESSURE. ONE PROBLEM WAS I TORE OUT THE CENTER AIR TUBE AND HAVE NO FILTER NOW. LOL. LOOKS LIKE I'M GOING TO A RIGHT SIDE AIR CLEANER.@@tomwitte743
One VERY important procedure not shown is to place the cylinder to top dead center on compression stroke. If not there is a good chance the cam, can jump a tooth or two when you remove the tensioner. Then you have to remove engine and retime each cam.
Hey John, could just be the cable. Unscrew it from the speedo and drive the bike see if the cable spins. If not disconnect it from the wheel see if the wheel part spins. That should point you in the right direction
@@MOTODANS hey thanks for the quick reply dan. i appreciate it.. I took off the back cover of the speedometer cluster. i dont see where the cable is..'can you tell me wheres its connected to? where do i access it
Hey John my bad. Just went and checked mine you are correct all electronic. The speedo sensor should be behind the left hand engine cover. You will need to test the wiring between there and your speedo. If you have access to a repair manual there should also be a test you can do on the sensor itself.
I scored my meanie 15mths ago and apart from changing the oil several times i haven't looked under the hood, so to speak, so it's about time I did. I started looking around the internet for meanie tips and found your channel. Great resource! .... Kiwi living in Tasmania.
Hey John. Just a standard grease nothing special think it was castrols universal driveshaft and CV shaft grease I used. You don't have to do it at all only reason I do it is if any future repairs needed it means the gasket comes off easier and doesn't stick which would mean you could reuse the gasket. Same would apply if you are using a new gasket. Although if you don't have any don't stress and a better idea would be to replace the gasket anytime your in there anyway.
Hmm, you could be right that link i got them from on Amazon is no longer in stock. Could be worth asking the seller if possible? Or try chucksters customs, they list the tensioners on their website but with no price.
You can remove it it one piece if you wish. Only down side is as your backing the bolts out the tensioner keeps extending keeping pressure on the bolts making it more awkward. It is also good to remove and inspect the tensioner to see how much extension you had remaining
Great, helpful video - mine has the noise from the chain, 35,000 miles, now I know what to do about it.
Thanks.
To clarify on the earlier comments the crank tdc can easily be checked by removing cover on the left of the bike and removing the top inspection plug, centre plug then turning the crank with a ratchet.
(Cam timing requires engine removal!)
Make sure all 4 spark plugs are out.
Line up the F mark on the magneto with the notch on the casing for the front tensioner. Do the tensioner mod, replace the tensioner and check the alignment.
Turn the magneto to the R mark and do the rear.
Check the alignment again and bolt everything back up.
The tensioner extenders are £20.99 posted in the UK and the gaskets are £6.07 posted from Cradley Kawasaki, part number 11009 1858.
Thanks for that Stevie👍
You have the best description by far on how this is done. Very direct , simple . Thank you. Im doing mine today.
The best repair for that is the APE Cam Chain Tensioner. It has none of the springs or ratchet BS. Pure Genius. Have two of them on my Kawasaki. Installed them 15 years ago. No problems at all.
Can you put a link? I looked it up but looked like what i was coming up with were for dirt bikes.
i second that can you provide a link to the original store you can use the wayback machine if the link is dead
@@freshy2115 Its manual tensioner rather than an automatic, thats why there is no springs.
Thank you so much for this video. Great lighting and framing to see exactly what's going on the whole time - what a blessing! You rock.
Isn’t it best to replace the camchain once it gets stretched to the end of the tensioner?
Really helpful video.
Thank you for taking the time to make it!
Did panic a bit when I saw that my bike still had the air intake bridge blocking the front tensioner but I got small fingers so worked around it.
Started her and all seems fine at the moment 👍
Thanks Ryan, yep I was unsure what it would be like with stock intake glad it worked out 👍
I have a 2003 1600 Vulcan Classic with 31250 miles . Just installed these today 8/29 . I heard a noise on the left side of the motor while riding on occasion. But when I pull the spark plug tubes the rear one on the right side of the motor had the marks from the chain hitting it. Install the spacers and did a long test ride she sounds good !
I have the same bike, do you have a link for me of the parts
This seems like a temporary solution. If the chain is already stretched then putting the extenders on will give them more time but after a year or two wouldn't the chains need replaced?
Hi, did my Meanstreak tensioners today, want to say a big Thank You to you for your amazing video, see it's being used on a website as well by someone else to show how to do it. My Meanie was stock, no way could I take the air intake tube out so it was a frustrating time but got it done. thank you kind sir for your amazing videos, really appreciate your knowledge!
Thanks for watching, glad it could help. Yes i was very lucky with my intake!
Do you have a link to where you saw my video being used?
@@MOTODANS Hi I have put the link in a reply twice, but it dissapears. Anyway if you type mean streak cam extenders gadgets page into Google search, it's the first page that appears. Thanks again
@@MC-ft8zv Thank you 👍
I'm stumped, the air intake is in the way. I can't figure how to get it out. Stupid design
I worked around it, I was being impatient, all good.
I'm a mean streak owner rider thank you for the video cheers from Australia
Much appreciation for putting this very detailed and informative video together. I have a mean streak but it’s been sitting for years because the chain keeps getting loose. With your video I now have something else to try. Thank you again for putting your time into this video. I’m sure it’s going to help more then just me.
Thanks George, good luck with the bike
so did that fix your issue?
Thanks for your video, just changed my 1600 Nomad tensioner extenders and your video is a great tool to assist me.
Great video... just bought a 1988 Vulcan 1500... price was a steal...$300... runs perfect except a little chain rattle... going to try this before new chains.. thanks
Man you deserve over a million subscribers very good video appreciate the information
Thanks for watching 👍
All your Mean Streak videos are lifesavers! Fantastic work. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with idiots like me.
Thanks for watching George 👍
I'm am glad I came across this video. I changed the cam chain extensions today the front one had three clicks left the rear was on the the last one my meanie has 22k on it so glad I saw this video it potentially saved me a lot of cssh
Cheers Eric glad it helped 👍 Not much left there. Lucky got it in time 🤟
@@MOTODANS yes I got just in time the rear one was close and only 22k I wonder if having a power commander air kit and pipes made it wear faster
Don't really see how it would make that much of a difference however that is a really low mile bike
On to the next project REED valve block off kit time to get rid of all the ugly vacuum lines and the little bit of popping I have on the down shift
Did this on mine when I fitted the barons air kit, never made a video though as it already had an aftermarket kit fitted the the Reed valves had bolts in the pipes
fantastic video I will be doing this to my 99 nomad 1500 for sure seems an easy job thank you for the informative video um just wondering where the second one is located and is it an easier time to get too
I just bought a VN1600 2006 model that has a slight ticking. I have ordered cam chain tension extenders, and I hope they will fix the ticking sound. How about if my bike already has extenders? Any risk it will fall off and drop inside the motor when I take out the tensioners?
Hmm haven't thought about that. I suppose it is a possibility depending on how they have fixed them on.
@@MOTODANS Ok, my extenders have arrived so I will be very, very careful when I remove the tensioners. Good to know it might be is a possibility to drop it inside the engine, super thanks for the reply!!!
I have the same year/model as you. I’m going to do the tensioners next week. How did yours work out for you?
@@StefanFahlberg wo kann ich diese bestellen?
My bike still has the stock intake on it. So I will have to remove that and re- install so I can have access to Cam Chain Tensioner. Do you know of any videos of that? Additionally Tifftof talks about lining up those marks prior to installing cam chain tensioner. Maybe you could explain how to do that. Thanks for your videos they are a tremendous help. Keep up the good work.
Tnx for great tips. The only extenders I can find is for Vulcan Classic. Will those fit Mean Streak?
Should do as far as I am aware it has the same engine
Thanks great video . Just one question, I was on a trip and had to drive bike with ticking sound . I went a few km then was able to trailer home should I change oil and filter in case of debris in motor. I know it wouldn't hurt.
Wouldn't do any harm. Depending on the ticking sound may not be serious. Doing an oil change would give an indication how bad
Thanks a lot, magnificent tutorial, easy to understand.
Nice one Dan, I have been noticing a wee bit of a rattle in my meanie and have been anxious about changing my tensioners, you put my mind at ease, cheers lad.
Mark
Cheers Mark it is a straight forward job that is worth doing.
Thank you for your great video.
Do I need to worry about the chain possibly falling off if chain is stretched too much? I didn't see your video talking about checking timing.
As long as you don't turn the engine over with the tensioner out you will be fine. You can time the engine if you wish but same thing can happen if you rotate the engine
Unfortunately my 2005 Nomad with 20k miles on it, chain stretched to the point of blowing a hole in the spark plug tube. Can't seem to find a video on replacing the tubes. I did find metal shavings in the pre screen filter, hoping all shavings were caught.
Wow that's not good. Good luck with the repair.
You can fashion a large bolt to put in the spark plug tube then turn it, they unscrew.
You can just drive the stock tensioner stop off with a punch and vice. Vice being loose at the pinch. You just need a solid surface. I thank you for the help. ✌🏻✌🏻👍
Might be usefull to add the information that - depending on the position of the camshaft and the tension or grade of wear - the chain might skip when you remove the tensioner, which might pretty well result in a capital engine failure afterwards. Therefore Kawasaki has special marks for crankshaft and camshaft-position BEFORE work on or remove the tensioner.
Almost all vids here on TH-cam lack this information as well as the one, that to much tension might pretty well lead to damages on the rails of the timing chain and/or the teething of the pinions of the chain.
Cheap repair of clacking-sounds with pretty expensive following costs....
Where are those marks located?
If you remove the clutch cover on the l/h side of the bike there should be 2 plugs on the engine one to turn over and another one with a mark
Dan, what is the process of lining up those marks and did you do that prior to installing the Cam Chain Extenders?
I did not, if you rotate the engine until you see the mark it should be a T.
New drinking game… take a shot every time he says “wee”. Just kidding. Great video. I just got my hands on a 2000 VN1500 Classic and it has a bit of noise up top and I think this is my most likely culprit. This video is exactly what I needed to see to help me figure out what to do. Thanks.
Haha or Emm. 🤣 Nice one, enjoy the bike. Hope the vid helps!
Your content is incredible! I'm going to lower my dr650 the right way this weekend using your other video as a reference. Thanks again Keep the videos coming.
Thanks! Let me know how you go. Drop a comment in the lowering vid if you need any help!
How can you be sure that the extension will not fall into the engine. Also Will the cam chain timing not be off??
That's why you put the loctite on it for installation. That holds the extension in place until you have installed the tensioner. Once installed it has constant spring pressure pushing it up against the guide so it is impossible for it to fall off.
As long as you don't rotate the engine when the tensioner is removed the timing won't be affected.
Thanks man, very helpful. Even for other bikes.
Great video. I just did both extenders on my 99 Nomad (57k miles). Like yours, I was on the last notch too. At $100 an hour motorcycle mechanics rate, I do a lot of my own wrenching, so thanks for showing me how to not only save my engine, but how to save money as well!
Thanks Terry, Glad it helped. Certainly a worthwhile mod.
can you please send me the link of where to get these I have a 2003 kawasaki meanstreak 1500..I want to get the right parts ..ty ...great video
Available on Amazon www.amazon.com.au/Tensioner-Extenders-Kawasaki-Vulcan-Suzuki/dp/B08FMGKJFP
Thanks.what about my 2006 1500 ?do i need to change?
They are all the same
VERT HELPFUL! THANKS. Was your bike making a particular noise or was it based on mileage alone?
No noise. I had read alot online that this was a good upgrade save any engine damage when they become to stretched. From what I have read this is worth doing on even new bikes.
Thank you so much I did them works flawlessly
1500ツアラーですが、おかげで異音が解消しました。ありがとうございます。tanks!
Hi, are the ethes for the vn 1500 Classic the same as the vn 1500 Mean streak? Thank you
Yes they are 👍
Thanks for the answer, I have some annoying deceleration noises in second and third gears, I hope to solve it, my bike has only 30,000 km, thank you and continue with your videos, I write from Florence Italy
How do you screw on the cap with the oil hose in the way
Hi Dan I have MeanStreak 1500 fuel injected. There is an issue to access the rear cylinder Chain Tensioner. there is Plastic duct which between cylinders and is obstructing access to the Chain tensioner. This duct is not possible to move away. Please give me some advise how to do it?
Not sure sorry, my bike had all this removed before I bought it to fit an aftermarket filter. If you read some of the other comments they may have a solution
Thankyou!! great info and well presented!
Thanks for watching Henry!
Quick question! My rear tensioner is leaking a little bit after installing the extender, is it safe to remove the tensioner with out having the extender fall in the engine? I did use red loctite
Yes it should remain on the tensioner
@@MOTODANS Awesome thank you!
Thats a WEE bit of a good vid mate =) gona be doing this soon thanks for the upload.
Thanks👍
is there such a tensioner for the VN2000?
yours is an abslute breeze compared to mine, it still had all the standard intaked on. what a nighmare! you made it a little easier tho thank you
No problem, mine came with that intake so I have no idea what the stock setup is but it does look a nightmare!
@@MOTODANS it’s terrible 😂 there’s a big plastic manifold that sits on top of tensioner makes it a pain to get the Allen bolts and you have to twist the tensioner as you pull it out or it fouls on the manifold. Talk about stress ha ha I’m glad it’s done tho it was on the last click like yours the bikes done 24k miles.
How did you get the cap back on with the manifold and the oil hose in the way. I have been trying for hours and have not been able.
How do you adjust the tensioners if they haven’t been adjusted before
They are automatic adjusting
@@MOTODANS so if mines got the classic kawi click from the cam chain then I gotta get the extenders to silence it down?
You can always pull out the tensioner and see how much adjustment you have left and go from there.
@@MOTODANS I’m new to this so if there’s still adjustments to them when I take them out how do I get that adjustment out of them?..
So you want to pull the springs out of them first so when you remove them they don't extend any further. One you remove the tensioner you will be able to extend it just by pulling on them see what you have left. You then want to set the tensioner all the way back in and reinstall as I show in the video. They will automatically adjust to the correct tension when reinstalled.
Great video. Very helpful. Thank you.
another question someone asked me and i didnt have an answer.. maybe you do?
when you shift gears, do you pull the clutch handle all the waay in or half way?
supposedly, halfway, saves the clutch. any ideas?
Hey John, Haven't heard of that before can't see it making any difference clutch wear happens as drive is getting taken up if the clutch is engaged enough to stop drive to change gear then upon release the same wear would be taking place. You can however change gear going up under acceleration with no clutch just by shutting the throttle.
I've got the same VMS and color to. How many miles or kilometers on yours when you did this? I'm second owner of the bike which has been well maintained and low mileage. It just turned 8,160 miles the other day. Should I already be considering this kit?
Oops, sorry, if I had watched a few seconds more I would have heard your mileage. So you say it could be done on a new bike to? There wouldn't be a clearance problem with the larger adjustment button? I'm definitely going to at least pull mine to see how far the adjusters are out.
Nice one. That's a low mileage bike. Yea this can be done at any time. Pull yours out and check but I would imagine they would be out around half of the available travel. Something to just fit and forget.
Did you reroute your crankcase breather ? I did the air box mod to the right side and I have some oil getting into the filter now
Chen I got the bike with the filter that is on there. The crank case breather was routed straight up and tied to the frame. After this mod I fitted a barons big air kit and re routed it to the air cleaner
Did you still run it as high as you could?
I ran it straight up over the top of the cylinder then back down to the air filter. Never noticed any oil in my filter
Out of curiosity, how much pressure do you have coming out of the breather hose?
@RJC1022 not sure very little, on a cold day you could see steam coming out but nothing that I would call pressure
Was there an o ring and gasket on the tensioner originally?
Just a gasket on mine
Are the cam chain tensioners the same on a 2008 vulcan mean streak,and is it the same procedure to upgrade?
Yes
Thanks for the info and you made it look so much easier than I imagined,
Great video man Very detailed thank you
Thanks Michael 👍
hey how did the air box come out?
Hey Phil, I don't have the stock airbox. So I am unsure how easy it would be
I've just purchased a 1995 kawasaki vulcan 88 1500cc has a rattling sound in one of the cylinders! Could this be caused by a worn tensioner???
Not sure think those earlier ones had a different engine?
@@MOTODANS yeah I'd says . it seems to have the exact same tensioner though so I'm hoping that, thats the issue and its an easy fix , I only paid $800nzd for the bike so either way its not much of a loss
Very helpful, thanks.
Great videos.. especially the bearings one. I have an 02 meanie,and having the same issue now..
unfortunately i dont have the facilities to do the repair myself.. going to the dealer onfriday.. but your video was very informative..
im about to do the cam tensioner soon.. i have the parts ready to go..
im a little apprehensive on removing the left side air cleaner though..not sure what to expect when i pull off the cover..I look forward to more videos!. great bike! i love it
Thanks John.
Good luck with the tensioner job it's pretty straight forward. I'm not sure what the stock air cleaner is like that's the thing as mine came with the after market one on. Do you have a manual for the bike?
@@MOTODANS hey Dan i have the manual, but it doesnt show the crossover hoses that are behind the air cleaner..there may be some cylanoids also there. i like to know exactly what im getting into before i start so i dont have any surprises and get stuck half way through the job..
Yep it's good to know what your getting into before you start. Unfortunately I cannot help in this instance. You could just pop the cover off and take a look? Maybe even look in the manual for like an exploded parts diagram? Not sure if there are solenoids on the left I thought they were all on the right. I could be mistaken though as all mine are gone
@@MOTODANS yes, solenoids are on the right.. not quite sure how the connect to the left.. but youre right, i should just dive in and see whats what..
keep up with the videos.. they are great.. im looking for the forks oil video now.
@@johngraziano6652 Thanks John. I have stripped the forks and changed the oil but needed to use a few tools that I don't have access to in the house so never made a video on it. Also it was my first time stripping cartridge style forks so I wasn't sure what I was doing. Next time I change the oil I will make a video although it won't be for awhile.
Hello. I have a 1500 Mean Streak and want to put the extenders on it. Now your Amazon-link says for the Classic/Nomad. Are these also the correct ones for the Mean Streak? Greetings from the Netherlands.
Yes same basic engine
Great vid Dan......well communicated !!!
Thanks Joseph👍
Excellent video!! I've vaguely heard of these tensioner "extensions" before but...I never gave them much thought until now!! Thanks, Danny for the video, and I'll be ordering them and the gaskets asap!!! : ) Don W., Ohio, USA!
No worries, thanks for watching 🤟
Will this be the same for a 2003 meanstreak...how do you remove the air crossover tube to access the driver side camshaft tensioner
Yes same process. I am unsure on that hopefully someone else can help my bike had all that removed prior to my purchase
Thanks for the awesome videos for the mean streak! What shield do you have installed on there? Looks good
Thanks Nathaniel! I'm not to sure. It came on the bike and is not branded.
Hello . I have a vn 1600 nomad motorcycle and the clicking noise is heard when the machine is cold, but it decreases when it warms up. Is it the same problem?
brilliant video,did any oil leak after running
No it was fine. My original gaskets were still in good condition though. If unsure may be worth getting a set just incase
@@MOTODANS thanks for reply,i'm old school so have plenty of gasket paper here
Super amount, very understandably explained. I have a question, can someone give me the exact measurements From the new Divide? Unfortunately there is no shipping to germany
Thanks for that 👍 I am not sure on measurements. Hopefully someone can help you out who has ordered one
How did you get rid of the air intake without removing the fuel tank?
My bike doesn't have the stock intake it was all removed before I bought the bike. Currently running the barons big air kit which can be removed without touching the tank
If it’s anything like my nomad, you don’t need to remove the fuel tank. It should only be a few bolts to remove.
You weren't by any chance heading south towards ashburton on the DR today were you? Around roughly 1 - 2pm
Nope not me!
@@MOTODANS bugger lol. I was leaving ashburton in the rain on my dr and could have swore I passed you 😅
@@NzJohny 😂 We are down in Wanaka for the weekend. Seems we missed the rain!
hey dan, was thinking about tackling this mod next.. in reading these replies, i found this one.. and validity to it?
Tifftoff
11 months ago
Might be usefull to add the information that - depending on the position of the camshaft and the tension or grade of wear - the chain might skip when you remove the tensioner, which might pretty well result in a capital engine failure afterwards. Therefore Kawasaki has special marks for crankshaft and camshaft-position BEFORE work on or remove the tensioner.
Almost all vids here on TH-cam lack this information as well as the one, that to much tension might pretty well lead to damages on the rails of the timing chain and/or the teething of the pinions of the chain.
Cheap repair of clacking-sounds with pretty expensive following costs....
Hey John,
It certainly is a possibility however extremely unlikely unless you rotate the engine with the tensioner out of the engine. Even removing with the engine at the correct position rotating the engine can cause damage.
Yes i agree too much tension is just as bad if not worse than not enough. But these tensioners are automatically adjusting and as you can hear when you release them with the extender fitted they still move out meaning they are taking up the slack needed. As far as i know you can fit these on a 0 mile bike and the tensioners still have room to operate correctly.
Hi,i have vn15se from '90 , and on the rear cylinder, is a drain pipe from the spark plug,there i see is a oil dripping...can be the tensioner the problem? (I am new owner of Vulcan) thank you for your help! Excuse my english!😁🤝🤝🤝 all the best
Hey, I am not sure. The 1990 model will have a different engine to mine. There may be a rocker gasket that is leaking or even a gasket for the spark plugs tube?
@@MOTODANS thank you...i will digging more 😁🤝
Hello! This is the main problem of the VN1500 Meanstreak? I heard that this engine burns a little bit to much oil. It's true?
Yes this is the most common issue with these bikes. Mine burned a little maybe 500ml between services nothing out the usual for a bike like this in my opinion
@@MOTODANS Why exactly need that tensioner update?
Stock ones don't extend far enough allowing the chains to rattle. They can rattle enough to wear through the spark plugs tubes
@@MOTODANS and it doesn't exist one upgraded by kawasaki? 😇
Not that I am aware
Hey, wondering if you might have a link to the parts from this video. Thanks in advance
www.amazon.com/Tensioner-Extenders-Kawasaki-Vulcan-Suzuki/dp/B08FMGKJFP
GREAT VIDEO. GOT TO DO MY 2002 KAWASAKI VULCAN 1500 CLASSIC FI. WAITING FOR GASKETS. I'M AT 51,800 MILES. BIG TOM
Thanks for watching Tom 👍
WORKING ON IN NOW. A LOT OF TENSION ON MINE AND BIG HANDS . LOL. BUT IT'S IN AND ONE SIDE IS DONE. AT LEAST I CAN RIDE AND PUT THE REAR.
OTHER SIDE DONE AND DIDN'T HAVE THAT SPRING PRESSURE. ONE PROBLEM WAS I TORE OUT THE CENTER AIR TUBE AND HAVE NO FILTER NOW. LOL. LOOKS LIKE I'M GOING TO A RIGHT SIDE AIR CLEANER.@@tomwitte743
What about the 800 classic mine is at 44k and has started rattling
Not sure on that. It could well be a timing chain issue but not sure if it's the same as the 1500
One VERY important procedure not shown is to place the cylinder to top dead center on compression stroke.
If not there is a good chance the cam, can jump a tooth or two when you remove the tensioner.
Then you have to remove engine and retime each cam.
hi Dan, just wondering if you have any tips on how to check on the speedometer.. Mine just stopped working
Hey John, could just be the cable. Unscrew it from the speedo and drive the bike see if the cable spins. If not disconnect it from the wheel see if the wheel part spins. That should point you in the right direction
@@MOTODANS hey thanks for the quick reply dan. i appreciate it..
I took off the back cover of the speedometer cluster. i dont see where the cable is..'can you tell me wheres its connected to? where do i access it
@@MOTODANS and where does it connect to the wheels? ive looked all over
@@MOTODANS does this even have a cable? the odometer is digital. but the speedometer isnt.. im pretty sure we have the same year MS
Hey John my bad. Just went and checked mine you are correct all electronic. The speedo sensor should be behind the left hand engine cover. You will need to test the wiring between there and your speedo. If you have access to a repair manual there should also be a test you can do on the sensor itself.
Whats the namne fore that part i think i need it fore my bike, Thomas sweden
Camchain tensioner extender
Great video man
Where do you order the cam chain extenders from?
Amazon or ebay usually
Hi Dan, great video! Just wondering, where did you get that neat looking windscreen from?
It was on the bike when i bought it. It doesn't have any branding on it so am unsure on make. Attached with clamps to the handle bars
well done thumbs up brother
Thanks Arthur
Thanks for this vid mate....
Thanks For Watching Richard
I scored my meanie 15mths ago and apart from changing the oil several times i haven't looked under the hood, so to speak, so it's about time I did. I started looking around the internet for meanie tips and found your channel. Great resource! .... Kiwi living in Tasmania.
Cheers Richard. I will have had my Meanie for around the same length of time! Nice one would love to get to Tasmania for a ride one day!
@@MOTODANS Too right Dan, the roads here are 2nd only to the roads back home.
Where can I buy them ?
www.amazon.com/Tensioner-Extenders-Kawasaki-Vulcan-Suzuki/dp/B08FMGKJFP
Yeah great video! Very helpful! Thanks!
Thanks Ed 👍
Brilliant vid. Thanks🇳🇴
Thanks👍
Thanks for information
Would this need to be done on a 2007 VN900?
Not that I am aware
Did you not reinstall the big spring? I'm confused. I need to do this so I just want to clarify. Thank you.
Big spring goes in at this point th-cam.com/video/BfrK7GO3nh8/w-d-xo.html
@@MOTODANS I see you put the long. thin spring in but what about the wider and shorter one that went around the outside when you removed it?
Yes that one goes back in at the point linked above
@@MOTODANS Sorry; I just saw you do it before you went back over to the bike. I missed that before somehow. Thanks for the help. Ride safe brother.
No worries 👍 Take it easy
what kind of grease did you use on the cam gasket. do you need the grease if you put a new gasket?
Hey John. Just a standard grease nothing special think it was castrols universal driveshaft and CV shaft grease I used. You don't have to do it at all only reason I do it is if any future repairs needed it means the gasket comes off easier and doesn't stick which would mean you could reuse the gasket. Same would apply if you are using a new gasket. Although if you don't have any don't stress and a better idea would be to replace the gasket anytime your in there anyway.
I cant seem to find these anywhere? Are they discontinued?
Hmm, you could be right that link i got them from on Amazon is no longer in stock. Could be worth asking the seller if possible? Or try chucksters customs, they list the tensioners on their website but with no price.
www.amazon.com/dp/B08FMGKJFP?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details
@@gabrielmihai5034 still not available
The same seller. Chuckster is the man!
@@gabrielmihai5034 so he does have them?
Thanks for this video 🤙🏻
this was very helpfull thanks.
Thanks Mario👍
Thank you
Great video thank you!
Thanks Ryan👍
Might eyeball mine this spring. Only @17k.
Salute
Great Video
I just did this job it only tool a wee amount of time
I know its old video but why not remove tension assembly whole instead of removing it piece by peice on the bike
You can remove it it one piece if you wish. Only down side is as your backing the bolts out the tensioner keeps extending keeping pressure on the bolts making it more awkward. It is also good to remove and inspect the tensioner to see how much extension you had remaining
Nice, thanks!
Cheers 👍
I welded metal washers on to the end of the adjusters and saved $30
Does the same job👍
My bike has done 42,000 k's aswell i think ill need to do mine too i guess, when i try find the parts
Yep would be worth doing for sure 👍
Mint mate, thanks
part name for piece?
If you Google cam chain tensioner extender's vn1500