The chain is one of the most important components of your motorcycle as it is the chain that powers the rear wheel. It must therefore be in good condition in order to avoid any power dissipation (caused by the motorcycle chain grease which does not flow) when it is transmitted from the engine to the rear wheel via the cam chain tensioner. A motorcycle's chain, sprocket and cam chain tensioner are the main components that transfer power from the engine to the road.
The chain and sprocket technique is one of the most efficient methods of powering the rear wheel and that is why most manufacturers use it. We also have belt drive scooters like the Honda Activa and others that use a V-Matic belt drive system and a few motorcycles like the Hyosung ST7. Large V-twin motorcycles like the Suzuki Boulevard 1783 cc use a shaft drive system like in a car.
Motorcycle chains - General information
On the market, there are a whole bunch of motorcycle chains that meet specific needs. So, before you get started, we advise you to take a look at our complete guide on the subject.
Why chain maintenance?
In Europe, the environmental conditions are very varied, including tons of dust, dirt, mud and pollution, which means that the chain of your motorcycle, in addition to the other parts, must be lubricated regularly. Rain, dust, mud and sleet; etc. are all factors that disrupt the chain of your bike.
In recent times, many manufacturers are offering motorcycles with chains sealed by O-rings, which are exposed to the environment and are not equipped with chain covers, which makes them more exposed to dust. Chains, whether O-ring or conventional, are subject to wear and must be maintained regularly for your motorcycle to perform at peak performance!
Tips to prevent the grease of your motorcycle chain from leaking
The chain lubrication pipe should be regularly cleaned and adjusted. If your motorcycle has a conventional chain cover, you can remove it and perform maintenance.
Chain maintenance steps
- Place your word on the main booth.
- Put polyethylene on the rims to rid them of excess fluid.
- Clean the pipe
- Lubricate the chain
Clean the pipe:
Wash your motorcycle's chain pipe with paraffin (kerosene), a soft brush and a piece of cloth and remove the dirt and mud accumulated on your chain pipe. Do not use water or liquids like thinner, alcohol, WD40 or even diesel! After you've cleaned off the dirt with the brush and paraffin, wipe down your motorcycle chain hose with a clean, dry cloth.
Soft brush available on Amazon
These days, manufacturers like Motul, 3M and others also offer hose cleaners that you can use right out of the box. They can save you a lot of the hassle mentioned above. Non-leaking grease pipe cleaners can cost between 150 and 600 rupees, or even more for a box.
Lubricate the pipe:
Lubricate the grease pipe with chain lubricants which are lightweight, non-sticky lubricants designed for motorcycle chains and do not attract dust. There are a large number of hose lubricants available on the market, from Motul to OKS and others. Manufacturers like Yamaha also offer their own branded hose lubricants under the Yamalube name.
Chain lubricants can cost anywhere from $ 10 to $ 50 or more. Another alternative you have is SAE 90 gear oil. It is much cheaper and does its job fairly decently. However, nothing beats the convenience of chain lubricants that only require pressure on the tip!
Lubricate the entire pipe. If you see rust, put a little more lube on that area. Spray the hose lubricant liberally and don't be stingy but be careful that too much does not fall out. Also make sure that your motorcycle is not turned on and that it is not in speed! Also spray the lubricant at the angle that suits you. NEVER PUT YOUR FINGER ON OR NEAR THE PIPE DURING THE ENTIRE PROCESS!
Inspection and adjustment:
Check to see if the grease is flowing towards the chain of your motorcycle. The chain on your motorcycle should have the correct tension and play. In both cases, no fat or a poor quality fat, the power delivered will not be optimal and / or the movement of the rear wheel will not be regular! You can learn how to maintain your chain yourself, or you can take your motorcycle to the nearest mechanic to get the job done. He should not charge you more than 10 to 30 euros for this job!
Our recommended products for a motorcycle chain grease that does not leak:
To conclude, here are some recommended products on Amazon:
