Motorcycle Chain Maintenance

Position your motorcycle on a stand or a lift so that the rear wheel is elevated off the ground. Ensure the motorcycle is stable and secure before starting any maintenance.

Carefully inspect the entire length of the chain for any visible signs of wear or damage such as rust, cracks, or stiff links. Additionally, check the sprocket teeth for excessive wear or damage.

Use a chain cleaning brush and a suitable chain cleaner to remove built-up grime and dirt from the chain. Rotate the wheel to access the entire chain, and make sure to clean both sides of the chain.

After cleaning and drying the chain, evenly apply a high-quality motorcycle chain lubricant. Rotate the rear wheel to spread the lubricant across the entire length of the chain, focusing on the inner surfaces where the chain meets the sprocket.

Refer to the motorcycle's manual for the correct chain tension specifications. Use a ruler or a specialized chain tension tool to measure the chain slack at the midpoint between the sprockets.

If adjustment is needed, loosen the rear axle nut slightly, and use the chain adjusters to change the chain's tension. Ensure that the wheel remains aligned and that both sides have equal adjustment.

Once the proper tension is achieved, tighten the rear axle nut to the specified torque value found in the motorcycle's manual. Make a final check on alignment and tension.

Conduct a short test ride to ensure that the chain operates smoothly. After the ride, recheck the chain tension and make any necessary adjustments.

Always perform maintenance on a cool motorcycle to avoid burns, and keep the ignition off to prevent accidental starting.

Ensure that the chain cleaner and lubricant are appropriate for your motorcycle chain type (O-ring, X-ring, etc.) to avoid damaging the chain.

Perform chain inspection and maintenance at regular intervals as specified in the motorcycle's manual to preserve chain integrity and function.