Maintain Your Chain!  Advantage  Inspection  Maintenance Keith Branham April 2, 2016 BMAC TechTalk

Advantages of Chain Drive Systems A roller chain is normally made up of 5 components, which, collectively produce a series of "Travelling Bearings". DURABILITY - Roller chain drives give long service life because the chain load is distributed over several sprocket teeth. RUGGEDNESS- The proportions, parts heat treatment, and press fit construction of roller chains help them withstand shock loads and rough drive conditions. EFFICIENCY- Roller chains transmit power with high efficiency throughout the entire life of the drive. If properly set up, they are the most efficient drive system there is.

Illustration by Mark Paris

Inspection First, read your motorcycle owners manual Do a once over- make sure it's still relatively flexible Grab chain halfway up backside of rear sprocket. If you can pull it more than halfway off the rear sprocket tooth, it's worn out

Worn sprockets will show hooked, chipped, or missing teeth Take a look at the chain and sprocket from the top. The chain should be centered on the sprocket tooth. Inspect the chain anytime you feel up to it; it's just a lot easier to do it when it's freshly cleaned. Inspection

Maintenance- It’s important! Centerstand the bike so the rear wheel can spin freely Spray chain cleaner directly on chain and allow to soak Use a peace of cardboard as a backsplash Set a drain pan or newspaper underneath to catch drips Scrub chain with a brush to remove caked on debris Shown: Tirox 360 and Grunge Brush

Maintenanc e Rinse with fresh water from hose Chain should be dry before lubricating Ride for few miles at 40+ mph to dry and warm the chain Lube chain immediately, while warm, and let cool down for 30 minutes Direct lube right between the side plates and the rollers

Maintenance When should the chain be adjusted? "When it's loose” Rule of thumb is when chain slack exceeds twice the manufacturer's recommendation Follow procedure outlined in your owner's manual.

Any good advise to offer? Flip sprockets Never reverse direction of chain Can install new chain on used sprockets but not used chain on new sprockets O-ring or not, keep it lubed!