Then check the chain tension around the rear sprocket. The chain should be tight equally, all the way around the sprocket. If portions of it are loose, that means the chain is stretched. When your chain is new you should measure the distance between links. Write it down and whenever you take the chain off to clean it measure again. When you can only fit 99 links in the same space you need to change out your chain and sprockets. Does it really matter if you ride on a worn chain and sprockets?
The honest answer is yes, it matters a great deal. A broken chain while riding can be extremely dangerous. The best case scenario is when the chain breaks, you lose power, and simply pull over to the side of the road and call for a tow. In the worst-case scenario, a broken chain can be potentially lethal, especially if it causes you to crash at a high speed.
Imagine cruising at 70mph, your chain breaks and gets tangled in the rear wheel, ceasing it up. Another possibility if for the chain to whip around your legs, ankles, and feet, potentially causing injury. Proper riding boots will help, but, any unprotected ankles or feet could end up cut or broken. A broken chain can be flung from the motorcycle into traffic, causing a hazard to other drivers.
A common rule is to replace both front and rear sprockets every time you replace your chain. This is a good rule to follow if your chain has lasted for its full life of, say, 15, miles. Nevertheless, you should inspect your rear sprocket for signs of wear during normal motorcycle maintenance days.
If you were to replace your chain and keep your old, worn-down sprockets, it will wear out your new chain faster. Likewise, if you replace your sprockets, without replacing your chain, both will wear out prematurely. So, how can you tell if your sprockets need replacement? You should replace your sprocket:.
The teeth of a good sprocket should be evenly shaped, with equal space in between each tooth, and should have a flat spot at the tip, not a point. In the image below, notice how the worn sprocket teeth have a wave-like shape to them. If you purchase your chain and sprocket set on Amazon, like this Driven Racing Gold RK MAXX set, be sure you are purchasing the correct size for your year, make, and model of motorcycle. Keeping your chain clean, properly lubed, and adjusted will extend the life of a chain by thousands of miles.
In general, you want to lube after riding while the chain is still warm. Most mechanics agree that you should replace your chain about every 2, to 3, miles, depending on your riding style. Many Tour De France riders wear out two or even three chains on their primary bike over the course of the three-week race.
The easiest way to determine if you need a new chain is to use a chain-checker , which measures how badly your current chain has stretched. Although a properly maintained chain can technically last nearly 8, miles, it becomes much less efficient as it wears and elongates, says Jason Smith of Colorado-based research firm Friction Facts, with two watts of lost power for every one percent of elongation.
According to Smith, this increases the center-to-center distance of your chain, and this chain stretch will wear out your gears prematurely. To keep a chain in optimum shape , you need to clean it often.
Every pro and amateur wrench has their preferred method. Bikes and Gear. United States. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories. Are Wider Tires Always Faster? If you have not maintained your chain and sprocket, now is the time! With the number of frequent rides, you must inspect on any signs that your chain needs replacement. This will allow you to know when to replace motorcycle chain. Not lubricating the chain would form rust quickly. The reason behind this is that the chain has exposed to moisture and high temperatures that catalyze the oxidation process.
This moisture reacts with the air forming rusts. If the rust forms on the pins and rollers, it is a sign that the seals have damaged and requires a replacement for the chain and sprocket. If your chain and sprocket form rust, you must replace these two components.
If you feel the chain has kinks and loose shifting, this the initial indication of the links has stuck. As the seals cannot keep dirt and dust out of the pins. Kinks weaken the protection from residues that results in the risk of breaking and causes excess wear onto the sprocket. To avoid the kinks and loose shifting is to lubricate or replace the chain. To find the indication of kinks is to look at the worn spots located on the inside of the plates.
This is a sign of chain misalignment. A well-maintained motorcycle chain makes a smooth and little noise on the road. If the chain makes a rattling or squeaking noise, this is the sign that your chain needs to change. To keep the noise level low is to find a good quality chain lube and lubricate the component. If lubricating the chain lube does not reduce the noise, your motorcycle chain needs repairing or replacement.
Be sure you find the right chain lube based on the conditions you ride. Stretching the chain is normal for a long ride. Stretching occurs where the holes become large through one link attaching to the next. One way to indicate overstretching is if the motorcycle does not pull the chain hard enough to stretch the metal physically.
This expands the holes over time. If you find that you can no longer adjust your chain to the proper tension, this is where you need replacement. To inspect if your chain has overstretched is to switch off the engine of your motorcycle. Press down the top of the chain to add tension by using one hand. Check the tension of the chain around the rear sprocket, it should tighten around the sprocket. If the parts of the chain come loose, the chain has overstretched. A loose chain means overstretching; it is time to replace your chain.
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