Topic: Newbie Chain Question

[Stogie1020]

I am totally new to motorcycles, so sorry for the stupid question, but does my chain look OK?

If not, what do I need to do as far as lube/oil for it?

Do the rear sprockets look OK (teeth seem to have the correct "shape")?

Thanks?

[333]

Need more details.  How many miles on the bike?  Is it rideable?  Is the reddish color surface rust, or just the lighting?

If it is rust, take WD40 and a ScotchBrite pad and clean the outside thoroughly.  Then use the WD and a rag to clean the inside of the chain, getting dirt and old lube out from in between the links.  Then go for a ride.  Long enough for the chain to heat up (with a dry chain, this won't take long).  Lube the warm chain with a aerosol chain lube from your local shop.  As the chain cools, the lube gets sucked inside the chain where it's needed.

And finally, a well cared for chain and sprocket set should last about 10K miles.

[Stogie1020]

Sorry,

50K on the bike

Just bought it

No idea how many miles are on the chain/sprockets


How hard is it to replace the chain and sprockets?  Is there a walk through somewhere I could read?

[Bodi]

If it runs freely - no kinks or spots where it won't flex easily - it's OK. A bit of surface rust is not terminal. Get some non O-ring motorcycle chain lube from a bike shop, there are many brands. Stuff from an industrial supply house not made for motorcycles is not recommended.
The sprocket looks pretty good. You check by pulling out the chain at the rear of the sprocket: a good chain and good sprocket will pull out a little bit, worn chain and/or sprocket and the chain may pull out almost off the teeth at the back of the sprocket with the top and bottom engaged nicely.
Since a worn chain will wear out a good sprocket quickly and a worn sprocket will ruin a good chain quickly you should replace both if they are badly worn.
Changing the chains and sprockets is not too bad, the rear sprocket is a bit of work since it probably has some rubber damper thingies attached... but overall this is one of the easier jobs. You will need an impact screwdriver for the engine cover screws (DO NOT try to remove them with just a normal screwdriver) but this is a cheap tool, maybe $20.00 from Sears.

[wdhewson]

The chain looks bone dry with rust coming from the "hinges". 

In my book, it is suitable for light duty, close to home riding, and OK if the bike is being sold for restoration.  But if you are a "motorcyclist" (rides long, smart, and spirited), get a high quality chain, set play correctly, and generously lube it.

[famoussas1]

im new as well for the most part, cant you take the new chain (if just replacing the chain itself) and attach the new one with the master link to old one, and pull it through (while in neutral) the trans then take off old chain and you got a new one on?

[cameron]

If you aren't changing your sprocket, you could do that.
 Or even inspecting your sprocket.

[scrapvalue]

Sprocket looks good.
Buy some good chain lube and juice it up.
Let it set over night and then ride it for a while and lube again.
Doesn't look like there are many miles on the chain or sprocket, it's just real dry and needs a good lubing.
I have had good luck with removing old chains and soaking them in automatic transmission fluid.
After it has soaked for a day or two, hang it up over a drain pan and let it drip off for a couple hours.
Should free it up fine.

[Stogie1020]

Great suggestions everyone, thanks.

The chain seems to work fine (rode for 1.5 hours today), just trying to learn about maintenance and when to start "worrying"...  


What would be a good chain lube to get and where would I find it?  I have a Honda Powersports place near me, but could I find this at a Napa/Autozone?

[dave500]

google chain tips or similar,youll see how to properly lube the chain not just cover it with oil or spray lube,i use wd40 then wipe it over then use chain spray lube,you have to direct the lube between the links wear they rub not so much over the rollers.on the centre stand spin the wheel as you spray it.

[Stogie1020]

ok, thanks.