Chain maintenance How do I clean my motorcycle chain?

Hey Bud,

If you want to test if your chain is too loose or too tight there are some simple methods of doing. Grab the chain just before the sprocket and give it a pull, there should be a bit of give but nothing crazy. You can also place two fingers underneath the chain near the guide. You should be able to fit two fingers underneath without any problem (Palm should be vertical) For details check out this guide about caring for your chain Motorcycle Chain Lube the Ultimate Guide to Taking Care of Your Chain...

You can buy chain lube at the bike shop...it tell you how on the can. As for changing the oil....good idea, BUT....have someone professionally do that. Cheap insurance, 'cause, if you foul-up Big$$$$$$$!

Whether or not your chain needs adjusting, you'll want to keep it clean and well-lubricated. Most modern chains are o-ring types which use rubber components, and are sensitive to certain solvents. Make sure you use an o-ring approved cleaning agent when you spray the chain and sprockets or use a soft brush to apply the cleaner. Next, you'll want to wipe off the excess grime using a rag or towel, which will create a clean surface that's friendlier to lubricants. Be sure to thoroughly reach all the sprocket teeth and chain links by rolling the rear wheel (or the entire bike, if it's not on a stand.)

Whether or not your chain needs adjusting, you'll want to keep it clean and well-lubricated. Most modern chains are o-ring types which use rubber components, and are sensitive to certain solvents. Make sure you use an o-ring approved cleaning agent when you spray the chain and sprockets or use a soft brush to apply the cleaner. Next, you'll want to wipe off the excess grime using a rag or towel, which will create a clean surface that's friendlier to lubricants. Be sure to thoroughly reach all the sprocket teeth and chain links by rolling the rear wheel (or the entire bike, if it's not on a stand.)

and have noticed that the cheaper brands such as Hyosung use final-drive belts instead of o-ring chains. Is this a significant indicator of lower quality or performance? Is there any real difference between the two types of final-drive? I have heard that the belt slightly lowers the horsepower to the rear wheel. To be honest I haven't noticed. I do like the minimal maintenance. Chains are a little noisier require lubrication, cleaning, more frequent tensioning..... Is Harley Davidson a cheaper brand? They use belt drives. They last at least as long, if not longer than chains.,,,

I know this is a maintenance question but I'm looking for a little local information. I went to clean my chain yesterday and noticed that it's way too long. There's a bit of kinking too so it's time to get a new chain. The chain maintenance info on this board seems pretty detailed and doesn't look too hard (lol perhaps I should mention that I'm a noobie and haven't worked on my bike much yet). Should I attempt this on my own? Any suggestions where in TO I should get the chain and tools? Or should I take the bike to Rev Cycle (any rough estimates on price)?,Depending on your skill and comfort level you can probably tackle this job OK, here are some rules (I'm making up early Saturday morning without the benefit of coffee) Buy the best quality chain you can buy, (x or o ring) If the chain is screwed chances are your sprockets are too (yeah I know $$$) It's a good time to go up in the rear or down in the front (sprocket teeth, don't do both) if your bike has a single swing arm forget it (tools stands etc too much hassle adjusting probably not worth it just take it too the dealer unless your very determined and are investing in the tools and time etc) otherwise no biggee. Now so your chain lasts don't over adjust, unsprung the chain will appear loose get some else to sit on the bike as you check the chain tension all the way through the suspension travel check chain and sprocket alignment (laser, eye ball whatever) sometimes shims or other pieces go missing (especially when chain have kinks or wear prematurely) chain wax is your friend, lube it hot and use a clean rag to get excess and clean sprockets.,,,

I know this is a maintenance question but I'm looking for a little local information. I went to clean my chain yesterday and noticed that it's way too long. There's a bit of kinking too so it's time to get a new chain. The chain maintenance info on this board seems pretty detailed and doesn't look too hard (lol perhaps I should mention that I'm a noobie and haven't worked on my bike much yet). Should I attempt this on my own? Any suggestions where in TO I should get the chain and tools? Or should I take the bike to Rev Cycle (any rough estimates on price)?,Depending on your skill and comfort level you can probably tackle this job OK, here are some rules (I'm making up early Saturday morning without the benefit of coffee) Buy the best quality chain you can buy, (x or o ring) If the chain is screwed chances are your sprockets are too (yeah I know $$$) It's a good time to go up in the rear or down in the front (sprocket teeth, don't do both) if your bike has a single swing arm forget it (tools stands etc too much hassle adjusting probably not worth it just take it too the dealer unless your very determined and are investing in the tools and time etc) otherwise no biggee. Now so your chain lasts don't over adjust, unsprung the chain will appear loose get some else to sit on the bike as you check the chain tension all the way through the suspension travel check chain and sprocket alignment (laser, eye ball whatever) sometimes shims or other pieces go missing (especially when chain have kinks or wear prematurely) chain wax is your friend, lube it hot and use a clean rag to get excess and clean sprockets.,,,

I know this is a maintenance question but I'm looking for a little local information. I went to clean my chain yesterday and noticed that it's way too long. There's a bit of kinking too so it's time to get a new chain. The chain maintenance info on this board seems pretty detailed and doesn't look too hard (lol perhaps I should mention that I'm a noobie and haven't worked on my bike much yet). Should I attempt this on my own? Any suggestions where in TO I should get the chain and tools? Or should I take the bike to Rev Cycle (any rough estimates on price)?,Depending on your skill and comfort level you can probably tackle this job OK, here are some rules (I'm making up early Saturday morning without the benefit of coffee) Buy the best quality chain you can buy, (x or o ring) If the chain is screwed chances are your sprockets are too (yeah I know $$$) It's a good time to go up in the rear or down in the front (sprocket teeth, don't do both) if your bike has a single swing arm forget it (tools stands etc too much hassle adjusting probably not worth it just take it too the dealer unless your very determined and are investing in the tools and time etc) otherwise no biggee. Now so your chain lasts don't over adjust, unsprung the chain will appear loose get some else to sit on the bike as you check the chain tension all the way through the suspension travel check chain and sprocket alignment (laser, eye ball whatever) sometimes shims or other pieces go missing (especially when chain have kinks or wear prematurely) chain wax is your friend, lube it hot and use a clean rag to get excess and clean sprockets.,,,