2 more KE100 maintenance quesitons

[db4570]

OK- so I'm committed to this 1998 KE100 I bought. Problem is, I don't have a manual, so don't know the basic maintenance stuff. For example:

It appears it just uses regular 10W40 in the transmission, but how high do I fill it?

I know how to adjust the chain tension, but how do I square it up, or make sure it's parallel to the sprockets? It's tough to eyeball due to the swingarm configuration. What do you guys clean and lube your chains with? When I was a kid, we'd just slosh 'em around in a coffee can with gas, and glob some sort of motor oil on them. Any tecnological improvements since then?

OK- I know I said 2 questions, but hear's another: the rear end seems really sloppy. I know it's not some hot, tight cafe bike, but on the road it feels like the rear end is wobbling and wiggling on even mild turns. Is this just the way these things are, or can they be snugged up?

Thanks, guys!

David

[serlant]

For the oil, remove the oil level screw, situated next to the kickstart, and fill until it trickles out of the hole, then its full, as for the alignment, i believe there are notches on the swimgarm, they've just above the axle bolt. gimme a sec i'll try and get some pictures
The manual is only goes up to 87, but its bsically the same and i use it on my 1996 KH125

[stevend135]

He pretty much summed it up

[db4570]

Thanks for the pictures! I had looked for those marks, having vaguely remembered them from younger motorcycle days, but didn't find them. It turns out they were just covered in grime. Easier than I thought!

David

[Eflaher]

DB4570- I just bought a 2001 Ke100 and the same thing happened, the rear end was all over the place. All the spokes were loose. Just get a spoke wrench and start checking them the loose ones won't have the same pitch when you give them a tap. If many of them are loose you may have to be a little more systematic on how you tighten them because you could warp the rim a little. Just go on YouTube and search for how to tighten dirtbike spokes.

[db4570]

The spokes were really loose, and a couple were broken, which I bought replacements for but haven't yet replaced. I tightened the rest sort of by feel, but will try to figure out the official method.

Thanks for the input!

David

[elr658]

Another place where a Harley manual comes in handy as all shop manuals have wheel building instructions.