One of the most rugged parts of a motorcycle is by far the bike chain. Not only does it take on immense acceleration and deceleration force, but it is also one of the few parts of the internal mechanism that is not fully covered. Taking care of the chain is the route towards keeping your vehicle in optimal condition for any bike rider. Let’s take a look at a few simple steps that can help you achieve this.
1. Why it’s necessary to take care of the chain
In order to extend the lifespan of your bike chain and avoid replacements too soon, regularly checking and cleaning the part can go a long way. This also makes for smoother power transmission and improves acceleration, as well as avoiding any further possible damage.
2. Chain maintenance is easy
Even if it may sound intimidating, the process of maintenance is actually quite simple. It involves primarily only two steps- cleaning and re-lubricating the chain. Apart from this, re-tightening the chain is important but not always necessary every time you clean it. Beginner riders can also do this themselves without any hassle or complications.
3. What you will need
A few good, high-quality products can really make a difference in this process. Primarily, what you’re going to require is the following- a plastic sheet, chain cleaner, grunge brush (hard bristle brush), soft rag and chain lubricant. Keeping these items handy can allow you to complete the whole activity in under 15 minutes.
4. How to clean the chain
Before you begin, make sure to use the plastic sheet to cover the rear wheel and the tyre fully, so as to protect these parts from the chemicals you’ll be using. Be especially careful about covering the brakes. After that, spray the chain cleaner on the chain, on the inner surface on the lower side, and on the top side too. Use the other hand to rotate the wheel and check the chain slack. Use the grunge brush to clean any stubborn dirt on both sides.
5. How to re-lubricate the chain
After brushing, use the soft rag to carefully wipe away the dirt and grime. Lubricating your chain again after cleaning is vital. To do this, spray the lubricant in short bursts on the chain, again on the inner and outer sides. Rotate the wheel by hand to even out the lubricant. Ideally, leave the lubricant overnight so as to ensure that it penetrates each and every part. Use a clean rag to wipe off the excess the next morning.
6. Tightening the chain
Having too much slack can pose the risk of the chain breaking, or even simply being quite inefficient. If you do notice that something is not right and/or the chain has too much slack, ideally you should get it tightened with the help of a professional. It can be a finicky process involving the wheel adjusters and wheel alignment. It also requires you to have the bike’s rear wheel elevated in the air, which can make this quite difficult to do alone.
7. How to select the right products
In order to use the most suitable cleaners for your bike chain, it is important to keep a few things in mind. It is recommended to stay away from any kind of corrosive or abrasive cleaning fluids. These can destroy the lubricating grease inside the linkage. For sealed chains, O-ring or X-ring chain lubricants are the best. Apart from this, oil-based and multipurpose lubricants also work perfectly.
8. How often to lubricate
This question is something that depends on your usage of your bike, including where you ride, how often and the general weather conditions. On average, cleaning and lubricating the chain after every 500 kms is a good idea. More frequent rides call for more frequent maintenance, as well as during the monsoon as the chain is exposed to mud and dirt of all kinds.
9. What to look out for in the chain
While examining the chain for wear and tear, make sure to check the master link and affirm that it is secure. At the same time, if the chain or the sprocket is worn down or rusty, note that it is time to change those parts altogether. In these situations, a cleaning is ineffective and continuing to drive with rusty parts is incredibly dangerous.
10. How long bike chains should last
It does not matter how many kilometers you have traveled, if your chain needs replacing it should be replaced. This mostly is dependent on how aggressively you drive, especially in regards to accelerating and braking. Applying a smoother driving technique enables a longer life for both the chain and the socket.
A few simple steps done regularly can really ensure a safe and enjoyable ride regardless of the distance or the weather conditions. All you have to do is pay attention to the condition of your vehicle as neglecting these issues can cause a big safety hazard.
