FAQ: How To Adjust Motorcycle Chain?

How tight should a motorcycle chain be?

On average, however, most street motorcycles will need a chain tension of about 20 – 30 mm, or about a half inch to an inch in slack. This means that the chain should be able to move about a half inch to an inch up and about a half inch to an inch down. It’s easiest to measure this using a measuring tape.

How often adjust motorcycle chain?

You should check and adjust your chain every 500 miles (805 km), and more often for a dirt bike. It’s also a great time to look for kinks or rust, and to give your chain a quick cleaning and lubrication, too.

Can you adjust motorcycle chain without stand?

You don’t need a stand to tighten your chain.. If you however have to lube and clean the chain you can lift the rear wheel easily by locking the front brake with a piece of string or duck tape, then tip the bike over towards the Sidestrand until the rear tire lifts off.

What happens if motorcycle chain is loose?

* Chances of breaking the chain is very high, which might result in a harm for other parts of the motorcycle and the rider as well. * Reduced suspension travel due to the high amount of tension. * Power loss due to higher friction (though the amount is negligible).

Can you use wd40 on motorcycle chain?

So, can I use WD-40 on my motorcycle chain? It is highly recommended that you do not use Multi-Purpose WD-40 on your motorcycle chain. The WD stands for Water Displacement, and it is designed to disperse water away from metal parts to prevent rust.

Why does my motorcycle chain have a tight spot?

It can be because of a poor quality chain stretching unevenly, an old chain in need of replacement, a rear sprocket spinning out of round, the rear wheel not being square inside the swingarm or even a slightly bent otput shaft. Tight spots where chain is starting to bind.

How do I know if my motorcycle chain needs Lube?

You should always lube /clean your chain if it looks dry or rusty, OR if it’s become a gooey oily mess. Remember, you can add too much lube, and this will just attract dirt.

How often should I lube my chain?

Lube your chain when the cracks and crevices are vacant of lube. Ride 5 miles a week in good weather and you’re good for months. Average 30 miles a week in good weather and you should be lubing about every 2 weeks.

How long does a chain last on a motorcycle?

But chains wear out over time and need replacing. So, how often should a motorcycle chain be replaced? In general, a properly maintained motorcycle can will last 20,000 to 30,000 miles, sometimes more. But, some last as little as 5,000 to 10,000 miles.

How can I lift my bike without a stand?

You really don’t need more than one jack. Put a block under the side stand and the jack on the other side of the bike. Forward of the sidestand if you want ot raise the front wheel, behind the sidestand to raise the rear. Either way, your bike will be supported by a wheel, the sidestand, and the jack.

Can a motorcycle chain stretch?

During use a chain will stretch (i.e. the pins will wear causing extension of the chain ). To measure how much a chain has stretched, put the motorcycle in gear and rotate the rear wheel to tension the top strand of the chain. Misalignment of front and rear sprocket is a major cause of rapid wear.

What would a loose drive chain cause?

A motorcycle chain will stretch as it wears. It may need frequent checking and adjustment to keep the tension correct. In extreme cases, a loose chain can jump off the sprocket and become wedged in the rear wheel. This could cause serious loss of control and result in a crash.