Basic Chain Care for Your Motorcycle

Judging by what I see on the street, the vast majority of riders pay little or no attention to their motorcycle's drive chain. In part this sad situation exists because it can. Current-generation drive chains, the majority of which use some form of O-ring sealing between the moving parts to retain lubrication, are incredibly durable. Modern chains, even the economy versions, will tolerate the sort of abuse that would have left a top-shelf premium chain of just a few years ago in smoldering ruins. But continue to ignore it, and even the best chain will display its indignation, usually by leaving you stranded in some out-of-the-way place on a dark night. Dry, kinked and out-of-adjustment chains steal horsepower and will ruin a set of sprockets in short order. In extreme cases, I've seen a poorly maintained chain take out everything from swingarm and rear wheel bearings to transmissions and even engine cases. Besides, nothing marks you as a mechanical loser like a dry, rusty chain drooping forlornly between the sprockets like a limp—well, use your imagination here.

Fortunately most chain woes can be forestalled with a little simple maintenance. As with most things mechanical, 10 minutes of preventive maintenance can save 10 times that in cost and labor over the long run. Depending on how often and how hard you ride, you should initially perform the following ritual once a week or every 600–1000 miles. Once you get a feel for the amount of chain maintenance your bike requires, the schedule can be adjusted up or down to suit.

For more maintenance tips click here.