3 basic tips to take care of your Motorcycle Chain

Being a rider we have known that an average motorcycle puts about the same amount of power to the chain sprocket as a small car, and all of it through the drive chain. Let it run dry and dirty and you don't have to be Einstein to work out, it won't be long before it starts eating itself and your sprockets/pocket away.

Ignore your chain and sprockets and at best it'll wear out three or four times quicker than it should, knock a big chunk off your bike's performance and will need a lot of adjustments.

As we share the three steps to chain heaven, you should have the confidence of being able to take care of your motorcycle chain sprocket without any external dependence.

1. Inspection:

It is advisable to check your chain and sprockets for any possible damage, wear and free-play in adjustment before every ride.
Check for tight spots by rotating the rear wheel slowly. If it is not rotating freely then a new chain may be required.
Inspect the chain sprocket for wear, making sure that the apexes of the teeth are not curved or damaged.

2. Cleaning:

Before lubrication the chain should be cleaned using a good quality Chain Cleaner as the combination of dirt and grit with chain lube/grease can make a 'grinding paste', severely reducing your chain life. It is also suggested that one should aim to clean the chain every 500 kms.
While choosing the chain cleaner, make sure not to use petroleum-based cleaners, detergents and wire brushes as they can damage the chain and/or seals.
If it's grimy, go over the links with a soft nylon brush or sponge, never use a wire brush. Once done, rinse off thoroughly with clean water.
Avoid using high pressure jets or pressure washers, as the water can be forced inside the O, X or Z rings, and make sure the chain's completely dry before you lubricate.

3. Lubrication:

Your motorcycle chain must be lubricated after every 500-800 Kms to ensure peak performance and a long life.
Get your motorcycle on its center stand or on a paddock stand and start spraying the chain with a good quality Chain Lube.
Spray at the inside of the chain, rotating the wheel until you've covered three full revolutions of the chain.
Again, always go for a recommended motorcycle chain lube/grease, as other non-specialist products may not lubricate effectively.
3 steps and you are done with the maintenance of your bike’s chain.