One of the most important elements in a motorcycle is its chain.. If this relaxes, the wheels will not be able to turn. And it often happens. It is possible to tighten the chain again without too much damage. On the other hand, when this happens too often, the chain wears out more and more and can go so far as to become defective. If you are no longer under warranty then purchasing a new chain kit will cost you too much. This is why this article offers you the best advice to take good care of your chain.
Motorcycles - general information
Do not hesitate to consult our guide on motorcycles to learn about the different types of motorcycles that exist, the characteristics of each and buying advice if you want to replace your motorcycle.
The importance of motorcycle chain maintenance
Like all parts of your vehicle, you must take good care of your chain kit. After or before each drive, remember to check its condition, especially if your road is long and trying. The first cause of the problems affecting the motorcycle chain is its lack of maintenance. In fact, an enclosed chain has a lifespan of approximately 50 km. It is the rain, dust and the many residues and debris that the wheels throw on the motorcycle that wears down the chain. All this can relax the chain of the motorcycle. This will no longer operate in a linear fashion and will therefore transmit shocks to the transmission, making the gear shift jerky and will hit other parts of the motorcycle. This is why it is important to take care of the motorcycle chain, and it starts with cleaning it.
How to clean a motorcycle chain
Like everything else on the bike, the chain also needs to be cleaned from time to time. Motorcycle chains are always lubricated, and over time the lubricant gets too old and worn out. We must therefore start by getting rid of it. Taking into account the different parts that make up the chain kit, such as the presence of synthetic material gaskets, it is highly inadvisable to use solvents that are too powerful. Therefore, you cannot use acetone or unleaded gasoline. This type of solvent can melt gaskets. However, you can use flavorless petroleum. This must be applied with a brush. Dry the chain with a cloth, rotating the wheel a few times to remove excess. Some mechanics advise never to clean your chain, but it is also advisable to do it once or twice a year. A rare but necessary cleaning, especially if you are driving on dirty and dusty roads. Of course, after cleaning comes the greasing step.
Lubrication and lubrication of the chain
Unlike cleaning, the chain must be lubricated regularly. As a general rule, it is advisable to lubricate the chain every 500 to 1000 km in dry weather. On the other hand, if the weather is rather wet, it is advisable to do so after each ride.
Types of lubricants
There are different types of lubricant: the first is dry grease. This product is used as an aerosol spray which sprays fine films of grease which stick little and which do not retain too much dust. The second product is paste fat. This is applied with a brush or toothbrush. The paste grease is solid and allows you to target the place to be lubricated, but it also retains too much dirt. And finally, the liquid grease also comes in the form of a spray can and has medium lubrication and adhesion. Its fluidity allows it to flow throughout the chain but it is also expelled because of the centrifugal force of the motorcycle.
Motorcycle chain lubricant on Amazon
How to lubricate your chain
The lubricant you use should not be poured all over the chain kit, but only where there is friction. The grease is only useful inside the device, on its surface of the rollers, and on the teeth of the sprockets. The rest of the parts only need a coat of rust protection. Remember not to apply an excessive amount of lubricant since it will trap too much dust and dirty the motorcycle when you ride. A final tip would be to lubricate your chain after riding rather than before. This will be hot and will allow the product to infiltrate more easily. And then when you ride, the lubricant will already be cold and won't splash on the bike.
Chain Tension Adjustment
The chain tension depends on the model of the motorcycle. Even if your chain relaxes from time to time, you have to be careful not to over tighten it. Check the instructions that accompany the purchase of your motorcycle, or the sticker stuck directly to your motorcycle, since the necessary tightening values are indicated by the manufacturer.
As we often advise, always keep an eye on the parts of your motorcycle. To check the tension of your chain, all you have to do is press on the lower part of the chain. If it moves too much and has a large clearance, up to 3 cm, it means that the chain is too slack. To be sure, by pushing the chain upwards with your finger, measure the distance and compare it to the value indicated on the manufacturer's instructions. It is advisable to do this maneuver with both wheels on the ground and the driver seated on the vehicle in order to have the exact weight that the chain must support daily.
To retighten the chain, start by loosening the axle of the rear wheel a little. Line up the wheels, then spin a notched piece that looks like a snail outward. Remember to check the tension by pressing down with your finger. Once your chain is tensioned, screw the wheel axle back in with a torque wrench. Now that your chain is tight, remember to take care of it by cleaning and lubricating it regularly. And if you have to tune your chain too often, it will be easier, and safer, to change it completely. One last little test to do to examine it would be to pull on the wound link on the crown. If you can see more than half of the tooth, then your chain needs to be changed.
The products recommended in this article
The WD40 is compatible with plastic, non-porous rubber and rigid metal surfaces. It is the perfect barrier against humidity.
Bottle of 2.2 liters of deflavored petroleum which has an impeccable degreasing effect and allows to clean the motorcycle chain well.
X-Trem Road grease developed to lubricate motorcycle chains. The product has a swiveling diffuser head that allows the power of the jet to the precision of the spray.
