The Importance of Motorcycle Chain Maintenance

A motorcycle chain is the link between your engine and your rear drive wheel. This is a very critical part on your motorcycle. If you have no chain, you cannot move anywhere. Sure you can sit in one spot and sound cool but motorcycling is about the open road, wind in your face and freedom. Don't let your chain hold you back. It is an easy item on the motorcycle to maintain and it can save you a lot of trouble in the long run.

An improperly maintained chain can cause damage to your motorcycle. Without proper lubrication, the chain will dry up and start to rust. This will cause the links of the chain to start binding. At this point, your chain slack is no longer accurate as there are tight spots (more than a good chain). This will cause excessive wear on your sprockets and the chain's life itself will be dramatically shortened if not cared for. This will cost you more money and time than needed because you will constantly be replacing sprockets and chains.

Another danger of an improperly cared for chain is severe damage to your motorcycle or your life. A severely rusted chain can break while riding. Imagine spinning that engine up to 11,000 RPMs and have the chain snap... The chain can possibly contact your leg and cause painful scenario or it can get lodged in the rear wheel causing it to lock up and create a deadly crash.

Most chains should be at least lubricated every 600 miles or after riding in very dusty conditions or in the rain. A rear lift stand is a great tool to have so you can just spin the rear tire and hit it with some lube. You should keep an eye on how dirty it is getting and clean it with a proper solvent to keep grit out of the O-ring seals. Kerosene is a recommended cleaner and I have found it works wonders. Again, a rear swing arm lift is a great item to have in this process. It is much more convenient than trying to walk the motorcycle to expose a new section of chain. Never turn the motorcycle on and put it in gear to spin the wheel while cleaning the chain. You can and will lose fingers if your hand gets caught between the chain and sprocket!

You can use a "soft" bristle toothbrush to help get the grit out with the kerosene. A stiff brush can push the grit through the O-rings on the chain which will cause damage. You should then dry the chain off completely and give it a good lubrication with your lube of choice. It is best to lubricate a warm chain so it can get into all the little spaces easier. I don't like to ride on a completely dry chain, so I will give it a light coat of lubrication so I can take a quick ride to warm the chain up. I will then give it a better coating.

Why take a chance on such a critical part of your expensive investment? Keep up on that chain maintenance and your chain and sprockets can last many thousands of miles!

Happy riding...