Does the engine need to be taken out of the bike to fit a new timing chain? My mechanic said it did, although he's not familiar with this bike.

We're fitting the manual cam chain tensioner soon anyway and hoping there's no need to replace the chain. She does sound awful though.

 

It can be changed with the engine in the frame.

 

Do the tensioner first. Those Hyvo chains are extremely strong and durable, should last the life of the engine. They run with constant lubrication and have gone over 100,000 miles in bikes like the Concours. Put in the tensioner and see what happens. I think you will be pleased and the cam timing will be fine.

 

Think I saw you comment that on another post, so that's the plan. My mechanic thinks the MCCT will need to be adjusted on here after every ride but I thought I remember reading on here 6 months or something?

 

Your mechanic doesn't have complete understanding of how the cam drive will wear and is wrong. I had the background to understand the mechanics of the system and develop the parts I make, having an Associate of Science Mechanical Engineering Related Technology degree and a Bachelor of Science in Technology, so you understand my resources in my work. Then there is the fact that I've been doing cam chain tensioners for a variety of bikes for around 12 years having sold several thousand kits world wide. I have experience here.

I will tell you I find adjustments with seated in cam drives (chain and sprockets seated) will be at least 10,000 miles or more. Unless there is ticking from the cam drive there is no need to adjust. It is based on actual wear, the ticking, not time. I had a Concours rider who had put on over 20,000 miles without adjustment.

Recap - adjustment is only needed when there is ticking and your mechanic really needs to learn something. The cam drive won't wear anywhere near fast enough to be adjusted after every ride or even every 8,000 miles. If you have questions or concerns contact me by email or phone. If you call just make sure it is before 9:00 pm eastern time.

 

Thanks man. I live in Vietnam and my mechanic has not seen many bikes of this kind, so there's bound to be some learning required. I'll explain to him what you told me and think we will be fine with the instructions. Thanks again