quickly. To obtain top performance, it is necessary to install new sprockets when
replacing a drive chain to obtaining the same level of wear and reliability for all the
components of the drive system.
11/21

Final Drive Chain Maintenance Precautions
All Models and Model Years (Except XDiavel)
Service Repair Bulletin SRV-SRB-18-030

Tensioning the chain
The correct tensioning of the chain is an extremely important factor for its life and efficiency.
The inspection and chain tensioning must be carried out in case of use:



on the road, after the first 100 km and every 400 km thereafter
off-road, after each use

Prior to tensioning, the chain must be set to the position where it is most taut
NOTE
The Specified chain tension value for each model and variation is provided in
Section 4: "Maintenance operations - Adjusting the chain tension" in the Workshop
Manual, and on the relevant adhesive label on the swingarm.
Excessive chain tensioning will cause an increase in the work load between the pins and the
bushings, overheating the chain and prematurely consuming the lubricant film resulting in
increased wear of the chain itself.

Below are some phenomena that could occur in the event of incorrect tensioning of the chain:
A. Micro cracks in the chain rollers, which are not visible to the naked eye; however, when
the chain is inspected, deep scratches can be found on the roller surface.

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Final Drive Chain Maintenance Precautions
All Models and Model Years (Except XDiavel)
Service Repair Bulletin SRV-SRB-18-030

B. Breakage of the link in the longitudinal direction due to excessive stress.

C. Spinning pins.

13/21

Final Drive Chain Maintenance Precautions
All Models and Model Years (Except XDiavel)
Service Repair Bulletin SRV-SRB-18-030
Changing the chain
Any dedicated motorcycle chain tool publicly available can be used to replace the final drive
chain, as there is no specific tool sold directly by Ducati for this operation.
After removing the chain master link, follow the procedure below:
1. Using the fork of the old outer link or master link, connect one end of the chain to be
replaced with the new chain
2. Slowly pull the other end of the old chain until the new chain is wrapped around the front
sprocket; continue until the end of the new chain is on the rear sprocket
3. Remove the old fork together with the old chain
4. Wrap the other end of the new chain around the rear sprocket so that the two ends are
positioned one after the other on two consecutive teeth
5. Take the new link to be riveted and make sure that the two O-rings resting on the plate are
in place on the fork
NOTE
In the specific case of Regina chains, special O-rings can be used which, in
addition to guaranteeing a better sealing of the lubricant, are handed so they
must also be installed in a specific direction.

The two special O-rings to be inserted on the master link must have the
protruding side facing the internal link, as shown in the figure:

14/21

Final Drive Chain Maintenance Precautions
All Models and Model Years (Except XDiavel)
Service Repair Bulletin SRV-SRB-18-030
6. Insert the fork of the new master link from the rear part of the chain, avoiding any contact
with the pins so as not to remove any lubricant.

Old fork
Old chain

New
chain
Old chain

New fork

New chain

7. Install the other two new O-Rings, one on each bushing and finally fit the closing plate.

15/21

Final Drive Chain Maintenance Precautions
All Models and Model Years (Except XDiavel)
Service Repair Bulletin SRV-SRB-18-030
NOTE
If special O-rings are required for the Regina chains, install them on the
opposite side of the master link, with the protruding side facing out, as shown
in the figure:

8. Spin the rear wheel so that the link to be riveted is in the chain lower branch, i.e. in a
position allowing you to easily work with the tools required to install the chain link plates

16/21

Final Drive Chain Maintenance Precautions
All Models and Model Years (Except XDiavel)
Service Repair Bulletin SRV-SRB-18-030
9. Use the chain tool for closing the chains to tighten the assembly in a few steps (possibly
applying a higher tightening torque) to ensure that distance X between the two external
links is adjusted to the range specified in the table on page 17

Distance between the external plates X (mm)

Regina

DID

min.

max.

530 ZRP B2

22.55

22.70

525 ZRPK

20.15

20.30

530 ZRPB

22.55

22.70

520 ZRDK

18.20

18.35

520 ORAW2

16.68

16.83

525 HV3

19.50

19.70

525 HV2

19.50

19.70

520 V6 KAI

17.10

17.35

520 VP2-T

16.70

16.90

520 VF

16.46

16.66

525 HV3

19.50

19.70

525 VAZ

18.75

18.95



if X is lower than the minimum value in the table, it is necessary to remove the link,
check O-Rings for wear (change them, if damaged) and repeat the operation



if X is higher than the maximum value in the table, tighten to a higher torque until you
reach the proper value indicated in the table

17/21

Final Drive Chain Maintenance Precautions
All Models and Model Years (Except XDiavel)
Service Repair Bulletin SRV-SRB-18-030
10. Use the chain tool for closing the chains to rivet the two pins in a few steps to ensure that
the value of the diameter Y of the two riveted pins is included in the range specified in
the table on page 18

Pin diameter Y (mm)

Regina

DID





530 ZRP B2
525 ZRPK
530 ZRPB
520 ZRDK
520 ORAW2
525 HV3
525 HV2
520 V6 KAI
520 VP2-T
520 VF
525 HV3
525 VAZ

min.
5.45
5.45
5.45
5.45
5.50
5.50
5.55
5.40
5.40
5.45
5.50
5.70

max.
5.65
5.65
5.65
5.65
5.65
5.80
5.75
5.60
5.80
5.80
5.80
6.00

If the measured Y value is lower than the minimum value given in the table, continue
to rivet the two pins by applying a higher tightening torque until the correct value is
detected
If the measured Y value is higher than the maximum value given in the table, remove
the link, order a new riveting link and repeat the entire operation

18/21

Final Drive Chain Maintenance Precautions
All Models and Model Years (Except XDiavel)
Service Repair Bulletin SRV-SRB-18-030
NOTE
Use a magnifying glass to make sure there are no cracks on the circular surface
of the riveted area, as shown

11.

Once steps 9 and 10 are complete, apply a certification mark on the closing link as shown

19/21

Final Drive Chain Maintenance Precautions
All Models and Model Years (Except XDiavel)
Service Repair Bulletin SRV-SRB-18-030
 FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1) When is it necessary to change the final drive kit?
If any of the following are present:
 cracks on the plates
 cracks on the pins
 spinning pins
 damaged O-Rings
 scratched rollers
 front sprocket teeth wear
 rear sprocket teeth wear
 drive chain stretch beyond the allowed limit
2) What are the causes of an excessive noise of the drive chain?
 Improper tensioning (chain too taut or slack)
 Insufficient lubrication
 Improper front to rear sprocket alignment
 Improper size match between the chain and the sprockets
 Chain hitting or scraping onto vehicle parts
 Wear of the front or rear sprocket
 Wear of the chain
 Wear, failure or misalignment of other drive system parts
3) What are the causes of an excessive oscillation of the drive chain?
 Improper tensioning of the chain (too taut or slack)
 Improper front to rear sprocket alignment
 Uneven wear of the chain, front or rear sprockets
 Presence of stiff joints
4) What are the causes of the chain possibly jumping a tooth on the sprockets?
 Excessive wear of the front or rear sprocket
 Excessive stretch of the chain due to wear
 Insufficient tensioning of the chain
 Improper front to rear sprocket alignment
 Incorrect positioning of sliders, chain guide or tensioners
 Wrong sprocket size; bent, waved, damaged sprockets
 Presence of foreign objects between the chain and the sprockets

20/21

Final Drive Chain Maintenance Precautions
All Models and Model Years (Except XDiavel)
Service Repair Bulletin SRV-SRB-18-030
5) What are the causes of front sprocket wear on just one side and rear sprocket wear on
the opposite side?
 Improper front to rear sprocket alignment
6) What are the causes of stiffer joints of the drive chain?
 Excessive tensioning of the chain
 Insufficient lubrication
 Improper front to rear sprocket alignment
 Oxidation of chain joints
 Incorrect chain rating for stress the demand of the vehicle application
 Broken or missing O-rings
 Improper installation
 Foreign objects or material (sand, mud) in chain joints
7) What are the causes of a possible breakage of the chain pins, rollers or bushings?
 Excessive load or load applied in a violent manner
 Excessive wear of the front or rear sprocket
 Excessive stretch of the chain due to wear
 Insufficient lubrication
 Improper tensioning of the chain
 Improper front to rear sprocket alignment
 Improper size match between the chain and the sprockets
 Number of teeth of the front sprocket lower than the suggested minimum
 Presence of foreign objects between the chain and the sprockets
8) What are the causes of a possible failure of the drive chain links?
 Chain hitting or scraping onto vehicle parts
 Excessive tensioning of the chain
 Presence of foreign objects between the chain and the sprockets
 Considerable front to rear sprocket misalignment
 Incorrect chain rating for stress the demand of the vehicle application
 Corrosion caused by external factors (battery acid, fuel or other fluids)
For questions about this Service Bulletin,
please contact your Service Area Manager

21/21