It pays to look after your chain. Correctly adjusted and properly lubricated, the chain delivers optimum power to the back wheel. If rusty and dry it can’t do your engine justice. Inspect your chain every 500 miles at the outside. Powerful bikes and large capacity V-twins particularly give chains an especially hard time. A further complication is that road grit sticks to chain lube, effectively making a grinding paste that accelerates wear. So as well as adjustment and lubrication, keep your chain clean. We used a Yamaha Fazer for this guide. What you will need: - Sockets/spanners to loosen the wheel spindle - Spanners to adjust the chain - Paraffin or chain cleaner - Fresh lubricant Setting up the bike If your bike has a centre-stand, chain care is much easier with the bike on that. Otherwise use a paddock stand or have a friend lift the bike up on the side-stand while you rotate the wheel and clean/lubricate the chain. Cleaning the chain If using paraffin to clean the chain, rinse it off quickly to avoid perishing rings on O or X ring type chains. Allow the chain to dry before applying lube or moisture will be trapped under it. |