Motorcycle chain maintenance and usage precautions: the key to ensuring riding safety and performance
Motorcycle chains face many challenges during use. Poor coordination between the chain and the sprocket is one of the common problems. When the chain pitch is greater than the sprocket pitch, the chain will be abnormal when riding, which not only affects the power transmission efficiency, but also may cause abnormal noise. At this time, it is often necessary to adjust the coordination between the chain and the sprocket, and even replace it in serious cases. Lack of lubrication of the chain is also a major hidden danger. The lubricating oil on the chain will gradually consume after a motorcycle is driven for a long time. If it is not replenished in time, the dry friction between the metal parts will aggravate the wear, reduce the service life of the chain, and may also cause safety problems. In addition, it is not advisable to have a chain that is too tight or too loose. If the chain is too tight, it will increase the engine load, cause the small flywheel bearing to be scrapped prematurely, and may also cause the chain to be overstretched or even broken; if the chain is too loose, it is easy to jump teeth, the speedometer sensor may fail, and the speed cannot be accurately displayed. The wear of the chain and sprocket will also accelerate, and the chain may even fall off during driving, endangering the safety of the rider.
In terms of daily maintenance, car owners need to master the correct method. Cleaning is the first step in maintenance. Don't rush to oil the chain after rainy days or off-road riding. You should first use WD-40 with an old toothbrush (do not use a wire brush to avoid damaging the chain) to carefully clean the sand in the gap of the chain, especially the small flywheel position, which is very easy to hide dirt. The sand and mud mixed with the engine oil are like sandpaper, which will quickly wear the sprocket. If conditions permit, you can use a special chain cleaner, but it is strictly forbidden to use a carburetor cleaner because it will corrode the oil seal.
The oiling process is equally important. It is recommended that car owners prepare two bottles of oil. Use dry chain wax, such as MOTUL C2, for daily use, and use wet chain oil, such as 7100, for long-distance riding. When oiling, focus on spraying the roller position on the inside of the chain. After spraying, let the vehicle idle for a few laps to allow the oil to fully penetrate. There is also a little trick. After spraying the oil, let it stand for 20 minutes, and then wipe off the floating oil on the surface with a dry cloth. This can not only ensure the lubrication effect, but also prevent the oil from being thrown everywhere.
There are also some tricks to adjust the tightness of the chain. It is more appropriate to check the tightness of the chain when the double support is on the ground. Generally, the pressing amplitude is 1.5-2cm (1.8-2.5cm for liters), and the average value should be measured at three points. When adjusting, you need to use a 15mm + 19mm double-ended wrench. After the adjustment, be sure to test the bike, especially when riding with others, to ensure that the chain does not rub against the rocker arm.
In addition, there are some advanced precautions for the use of the chain. Every 2000km of riding, the chain can be turned back and forth (but this method cannot be used for oil-sealed chains), so that the chain wears more evenly; when changing tires, check whether the front and rear sprockets are in the same straight line. If the deviation exceeds 2mm, it needs to be adjusted in time; once the chain is found to be "dead", that is, a joint is stiff, this is a precursor to the chain being scrapped, and a new chain should be replaced immediately.
Industry insiders especially remind ADV owners that the chain will be stretched due to stress after off-road riding, and the chain tightness must be checked after running on bad roads. The service life of a properly maintained chain can reach about 30,000 kilometers, while a chain that is neglected may need to be replaced after 10,000 kilometers. Car owners can remember the inspection formula: "One wipe, two turn, and three align, moderate tightness without abnormal noise, flexible joints without rust", through regular and standardized maintenance, the service life of the chain can be extended to ensure riding safety and comfort.
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