Readers ask: How To Tell If A Motorcycle Chain Is Worn Out?

How do I know if my chain is worn out?

Another ballpark method for checking chain wear is by measuring it with a ruler. Pick a rivet and line it up at the zero mark. Count 24 more rivets and your last rivet should be at the 12″ mark of your ruler. If it is off by more than 1/16″ your chain is stretched to the point of replacement.

What does a bad motorcycle chain look like?

Another, much easier way to check for a worn chain is to try to pull the chain away from the rear of the sprocket on the rear wheel. If the chain is worn, you’ll reveal about half a tooth of the sprocket. Look for sprocket teeth that are hooked, pointed or chipped. The front sprocket on my ’70 Yamaha showing some wear.

How long does motorcycle chain last?

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 often should you replace your motorcycle chain?

To avoid this accelerated wear of your cassette and chainrings, a general rule of thumb is to replace your bike’s chain every 2,000 miles. Mind you, this is just a starting point. No two chains will wear at exactly the same rate because no two riders treat their chains the same.

How often should I lube my bike chain?

If you are a frequent rider, using your bike several times throughout the week, your bicycle will benefit from a regular cleaning and lubrication of the drive chain. Bicycle Tutor recommends cleaning and lubricating your bike’s drive chain at least once every month to maintain optimal performance and protection.

How often should you replace your cassette?

My rule of thumb is to replace it at 75 per cent wear (as measured with a chain-wear indicator). If you stick with this guideline, your cassette and chainrings will last a lot longer. A cassette, in most cases, can last for approximately two to three chain replacements if they are done at the right time.

What happens if a motorcycle chain breaks?

Most broken chains would simply cause the bike to loose all power. The rider would then coast to the side of the road to make the repair. In the worst possible case a broken primary chain could jam in the case in a way that locked the rear wheel. This could result in a high side flip…a catastrophic type of accident.

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).

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.

What’s a high mileage for a motorcycle?

Generally, high mileage on a motorcycle is anywhere from 20,000 to 50,000 miles. For sport bikes, the high mileage number will be on the low end (usually around 25,000), while cruisers and touring bikes typically become high mileage in the 40,000 – to the 50,000-mile range.

How often should I clean my motorcycle?

As a general rule of thumb, it’s important to wash your motorcycle at least every two weeks. Obsessives will do it every week, or sometimes more frequently. Additionally, irregular dirt such as road salt and bug guts require immediate attention to prevent paint or metal damage.

Do motorcycle chains 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.

How do you know if your sprocket is worn out?

Look closely at the sprocket teeth to see if they have become sharp at the tips and/or slightly curled. The teeth on a new sprocket are straight and have a flat or domed shape at the tip. If the teeth are sharp, the sprocket is worn.

How long do motorcycle sprockets last?

Just like any other machine component, these two wear out with time and need replacement. Generally, a well-cared-for bike will do 20,000 to 30,000 miles with a single chain- sprocket set. However, depending on the chain type, quality, and how you hold your bike can sometimes need replacement after just 5,000 miles.

What’s the best motorcycle chain lube?

The Top 3 Chain Lubes

1. Motul C5 Chain Paste. For over 150 years Motul has produced premium oil and lubricants.
2. WD-40 Motorcycle Chain Lube. WD-40 Specialist Motorcycle Chain Lube, like all their products,is an easy to apply synthetic formula.
3. Motorex Racing Chain Lube.