cam chain tensinor

So i havent even started my bike and im wonderin if i should change this cam chain tensoner i have seen the manual ones but dont understand the benifits???? Also valve clearance should i have a shop check this before i try to ride or is this something that as long as it hasnt been mested with isnt an isue ????
im new to bikes and this site has helped me alot !!!!
thank you for the friendly enviorment

save your money,make sure bike runs then adjust the valves.

You didn't mention what bike it is, but some of the early auto chain adjusters had problems. The factory upgrade afterwards worked fairly well. With the factory units they either worked or didn't, so if yours is working, don't worry about it. If you are diligent with maintenance, the aftermarket manual adjusters eliminate adjuster problems and don't tend to flex or slip. Racers like them.

Valves wear like anything else, and need periodic adjustment. I'd also check to see that the carbs are synced.

the thing that is really nice about the manual camchain tensioners is they wont back off when you back off the throttle abruptly after really hard acceleration like some of the stock automatic ones can do the other side benifit is that they actually have to be adjusted from time to time and it forces you to actually maintain your motorcycle.

Wow you guys know so much thank you i dont mind mantance your suposed to work on your bike to ride and ride to work on your bike . I have an 84 kz 700 19000 on the clock and just want a nice riding bike . so far i have a list a mile long that i have replaced and just have a long winter to tinker. my family has planed a trip to sturges SD and im taken my kz i just dont want to be the bike that has to be towed back to camp!!!!

Hi Ready, I believe after 1981, Kawasaki came out with a foolproof chain tensioner. I have a 1980 KZ 650 E, where the automatic chain tensioner was not working properly. The noise was terrible. I replaced it with one from a 81 or 82 (automatic), and the engine noise was brought down to a whisper. No more can of marbles. I can't believe how nice these bikes run when everything is cleaned and adjusted properly. There are a lot of guys here willing to help with any problems you have as they did with me. Good luck getting yours to run as good as mine. Bob