Motorcycle Chain and Sprocket Maintenance Questions and Answers (FAQs)
Like tires and engine oil, a motorcycle drive chain and its sprockets are wearable components – sooner or later they will wear out and need to be replaced. Chain and sprocket wear rates can vary greatly, depending on where and how you ride, what kind of bike you ride, and how well you maintain the driveline. do As a bike owner, it’s a good habit to regularly check your bike’s chain and sprocket for wear and tear. Here’s what to consider when it comes to bike sprockets and chains.
How often should I change my bike chain and sprocket?
A well-maintained bike chain can typically last 15,000 to 20,000 miles, or even longer. The sprocket should last longer than the chain. Bikes that are ridden off-road (off-road) expose the chain and sprocket to sand and dirt that will accelerate chain wear. A chain that is regularly cleaned, lubricated and adjusted is likely to last longer than one that is allowed to accumulate gunk. Since the chain and sprocket work as a system, a well-maintained chain can also extend sprocket life. It is advisable to regularly maintain the driveline and inspect your chain, and then replace it and the sprocket when they show signs of excessive wear.
How do I inspect my bike chain?
On most motorcycles, the chain is exposed and easy to inspect. On bikes with side cases or saddlebags, you will need to remove the equipment to see the chain.
Follow these steps to inspect your bike chain:
Chains can be very dirty. Wear nitrile shop gloves before inspecting or servicing the chain.
If your bike is equipped with a center stand, use the stand to lift the rear wheel and put the transmission in neutral so you can rotate the rear wheel to inspect the entire chain. As you rotate the wheel, inspect the chain for dirt and rust, links that are tangled together, and damaged links.
The next step is to clean and lubricate the chain. If you don’t have a stand, push the bike forward in the garage or driveway and inspect the chain one section at a time. In your bike’s operators or service manual.
How to take care of the bike chain and sprocket so that they last longer?
Follow these maintenance tips to extend the life of your bike chain and sprocket.
Keep chain clean and lubricated
Keeping the chain clean and lubricated can reduce wear. If your bike has a center stand, lift the bike by the rear wheel. If it doesn’t have a stand, clear one section of the chain, and then push the bike forward to expose the next section. Using a spray bottle with commercial motorcycle chain cleaner or kerosene, wet the chain and start the process. Use a nylon brush or bike chain cleaning brush to remove more gunk, then spray the chain clean again. Use a cloth to clean the chain. Allow the chain cleaner to dry before operating the chain.
Lubricate the chain
Lubricate the chain after cleaning. Check your operators or service manual to see if your bike has a sealed or unsealed chain.
- Sealed chains (often called O-ring or Z-ring chains) use a small rubber O-ring to retain the factory-installed grease inside the chain links. These chains should only be cleaned and lubricated with products specifically designed not to damage these O-rings. On an O-ring chain you only need to lubricate the outer plates to prevent rust.
- X (unsealed) chain requires lubrication inside the chain plates and pins. You will want to spray lube between each link and outside of the links. Then clean the chain to remove excess lubricant.
Motorcycle chain lube (for both O-ring and standard chains) usually dries with a sticky or waxy finish and is less likely to “throw” off the chain than regular oil while riding. occurs, which can rub off on the wheels and other bike components. It can also attract less road sand while riding.
As you ride, the chain both reaches and stretches, and you’ll need to regularly tighten the chain when it becomes “longer” than specified in your operator’s manual. A chain that is too loose can cause premature wear, excessive noise, and jerky transitions between acceleration and deceleration. If the chain is too tight, it can prematurely wear the driveline bearings. Your operator’s or service manual will provide instructions on how to measure chain deflection, and how to adjust chain cushion.