Motorcycles: Maintain Your Chain
Your bike gives you freedom, thrills, and high-speed commuting, but only if you take good care of it. Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do on your own without any help from a mechanic, including keeping your chain in good condition. We here at Biggs Harley-Davidson know that your motorcycle is a symbol of independence, so we’ve put together some tips for maintaining your chain. If you have any questions, or you just want to see the motorcycles we have for sale, contact our store in San Marcos, California, today!
Inspection
You should be checking on your chain about twice a month, or once every 500-700 miles. Pull on it gently to move it up and down one inch to see if it’s tight enough, or too tight. Your owner’s manual will explain the specifics of your chain’s needs and function. If you don’t have your manual, the manufacturer will have a copy on their website that you can download or print. If you find a problem, make sure it’s with the entire chain rather than a single link.
Next, check the sprockets. The teeth need to run smoothly with the chain to prevent too much wear and tear. If the teeth seem to be a bit worn, or if they’re wearing down unevenly or at a strange rate, you should check the connection. In a worst case scenario, you’ll have a few parts to replace.
Cleaning
Keeping your chain clean is a major part of keeping it functional. Clean chains run better and for longer. Before you start, though, you’ll want to gather all of your supplies. You’ll need four main things:
- A chain cleaner
- A brush (ideally designed for this specific task, but something like an old toothbrush will work)
- Chain lubricant
- A towel
Check with your owner’s manual to make sure all your supplies are compatible with your machine, and remember that you’ll likely be doing
Now that you’re all prepped, get the rear wheel off the ground and thoroughly spray the chain with your cleaner, rotating the tire to make sure you reach the entire chain. After it’s sat for about ten minutes, scrub diligently to make sure you get into every nook and cranny. Once the chain is totally dirt- and grime-free, pat it down with the towel. It needs to be totally dry, which may require some air-drying after the pat down.
Finally, spray the chain with lubricant while you rotate the tire again. Check your lubricant’s directions to see how long it needs to set before you can use the bike again.
We hope these tips help you maintain your chain! If you need help with a maintenance issue you can’t handle, or you’re just on the market for a new motorcycle, contact us at Biggs Harley-Davidson. We proudly serve the people of San Diego and Oceanside, California—let us serve you today!