Chain tightening

I just bought a kz 1000 ltd. pretty cool bike. but latley i have heard some weird noise, turns out my chain is slapping the frame, any body know how to tighten the chain or would it be smarter to go to the mechanic?

1st, if is loose enought to slap the frame, DON'T ride it. The possibility is that it can pop off the sprocket and what follows that is not fun.

Chain tightning is fairly simple and even with the stock tools, a beginner can tackle the task. If you happen to have the manual, there are EZ steps outlined there to tighten and a description of what is tight. Be sure to measure the chain while seated on the bike.

Since you just acquired the bike, and without any description of the condition, I would caution you to have someone with a bit of knowledge inspect the chain and sprocket. Many of these old bikes need new chains. I just purchased one, and the person rode it daily, but the chain is horrible, you can hear links bind as it rolls.

If you were to inspect the chain, again, since these are older bikes, may want to check the swing arm bearings.

Don't want to drown you in inspections... but... these are older bikes.

I agree that you should have someone who knows about bikes to take a look at it. You may need to change the sprokets also. If you can get a service manual (a must for DIY), it will show you what and how to measure everything out to see if it falls within specs. I wouldn't ride it until you know it's safe!

You really need the Factory Service Manual if you're going to ride this bike. Not only will it save you tons of money by instructing you how to do everything from the simplist routine maintenance (such as adjusting the chain, changing fluids, etc.) it also provides descriptions of how the various components work and how to check safety items. IMO, without it you won't know how to do simple preventative maintenance and you will end up suffering problems (some of which could hurt you) that could have been easily avoided. You can find original Kawasaki manuals on eBay and other sources, just be sure to get the one for your exact model bike. If you need help finding one, let us know. Ed