The chain on motorcycles is one of the transmission systems present in most of these vehicles today, regardless of type or displacement. It is the most common system because it is the cheapest, but at the same time it is the one that requires the most maintenance.
In this article you will learn how it works, what aspects to take into account to take care of it and how to tighten the chain of your motorcycle correctly to get the most out of your great travel companion.
The chain of a motorcycle: Functions and benefits
As we have already said, the chain is a vital element for the functioning of the motorcycle . It is a transmission system that transports the engine's power to the rear wheel so that it moves the motorcycle. In turn, it goes through the gear change in order to guarantee good acceleration.
A priori, people think only of the chain when talking about it on a motorcycle, but just as important are two other pieces that complement the secondary transmission system: the pinion and the crown. The useful life and correct functioning of the set of parts that make up the chain depend on the use and mileage of the motorcycle, but also on its care and the quality of these parts.
The usual thing is to find chains with seals , which provide greater durability by retaining the grease inside. However, in competition motorcycles, such as Moto GP, motocross or trial, it is common to find chains without seals, since they are lighter.
Possible problems in the chain of a motorcycle
Checking the motorcycle chain is as important as having a heart check after a certain age. The consequences of not doing so can be dangerous, even fatal. A chain that is not checked and that is not properly maintained can break or get stuck in full traffic and cause an accident, with the risk it poses to the rider and other pedestrians. Therefore, it is not just an act of safety for yourself, but an act of collective responsibility.
The key is to perform good maintenance, periodically cleaning the dirt that accumulates and greasing it correctly. In a chain with seals, it is necessary to do a service every 800 or 1,000 kilometers . They are also subjective review periods, since they depend on how you use the motorcycle. If you are a rider who is a fan of wheelies and more aggressive riding, you better check the chain more often. On the other hand, if you only use the motorcycle to go to work, it will not be necessary to go to the mechanic ahead of time.
How to tension a motorcycle chain
One of the most important aspects for the good health of your motorcycle chain is that it is properly tensioned. Although it is a simple process, it is important to execute each step correctly since, although it is easy to do it, it is also possible to end up doing a mess. These are the steps to follow to tighten a motorcycle chain :
The shaft must first be released . Just loosen it with a wrench. Once done, the chain will loosen, causing it to fall. During the whole process it is necessary to have the easel on. To tension the chain of a motorcycle without a stand , you can rest it on the side leg or purchase an external stand.
Remove the other nuts . It is very possible that these cost you more than the axis. If they are in front of the axle, you will need to loosen the locknuts first. Then you must turn the nuts a little and this way the chain will be tightened . Then the lock nuts are tightened again. In case the nuts are behind the axle, the procedure is the same.
Retighten the axle nuts . When you do this step, make sure the swingarm on the turnbuckles is level properly, otherwise you could ruin the entire drivetrain. The shaft must be tightened gently to prevent the chain from loosening during the process.
By following these steps you can tighten the chain of an enduro motorcycle, a competition motorcycle or simply a small moped. Each type of motorcycle also has its indications and peculiarities, but the process to follow is very similar in all cases.
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1. When to change the motorcycle chain
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