How To Prolong The Life Of Your Motorcycle Chain – Royal Enfield (2023)

If you don’t maintain your motorcycle chain, it will stretch and eventually snap. So, how often should you replace a motorcycle chain? Most manufacturers recommend replacing your motorcycle chain every 4,000 to 5,000 miles, but this varies depending on the type of chain, the conditions in which you ride, and how well you maintain it. If you live in a dusty area or do a lot of off-roading, you’ll need to replace your chain more often. If you ride in wet conditions, you should also check your chain more often for rust and corrosion. Here are a few tips to help you extend the life of your motorcycle chain: – Clean your chain after every ride. – Lubricate your chain regularly. – Check your chain tension and adjust as needed. – Inspect your chain for damage and replace it if necessary.

Because I will only be down a few hours, I will be able to get all of my parts here for 24,000 miles. Some chains can be run a little looser and are more useful. I always adjust my chain when my suspension is compressed so that the swingarm, chain, and sprocket are parallel, and then adjust half an inch when my chain slacks off. Champion’s chain spray grease is a good choice for me. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before applying it and wiping it down with a soft cloth. My chains only wear out after 20,000 miles of use. The chain/sprockets should be replaced every 20,000 miles, and I believe that it will become routine.

Some racetracks restrict the use of WD-40 because it improves grip. It was best to clean roller chains with solvent. Roller chains can last for up to 50,000 miles if they are cleaned with a solvent and dipped in hot grease once a week. Since then, the use of o-rings has advanced significantly, which has had a significant impact on the game. They will not become too tight and require more time to heal after the fact. My NC has been using a Tutoro oiler to help it maintain its integrity. The comment above describes a chain with a lot of slack (albeit within reason). After 35,000 miles on my CBR1100X chain, I had decided that WD40 was still within my tolerance, so I sold the bike with 35,000 miles.

Stretching occurs as soon as the roller chains become poorly lubricated. If a chain has an elongated length of 3%, it must be replaced.

How Do I Know When I Need A New Motorcycle Chain?

How To Prolong The Life Of Your Motorcycle Chain – Royal Enfield (1)

Another method for determining if a worn chain is present is to pull the chain away from the rear wheel’s sprocket. When a chain is worn, you will see about half of the tooth of the sprocket. A new chain will snugly wrap around the sprocket and keep it in place.

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Your chain’s condition will be kept in the spotlight as you get closer and personal with it. Chain lube is required for the longevity of your chain; corrosion can shorten the life of your chain. When your chain is close to completion, it will kink up or out of line, leaving a smooth finish to it. As a chain wears, it will occasionally have tight or loose spots. If the chain is out of spec, you will need to adjust it. When too much tension is applied to the chain, the countershaft sprocket may wear out. Your chain and sprockets will be harmed by a loose rear wheel.

On most motorcycles, a chain final drive system is used. The chain’s front (countershaft) and back wheels drive the chain. Your bike’s chain and sprockets are worn out and should be serviced on a regular basis.

If your bike makes strange noises, you should definitely inspect the chain. Wear and damage should be investigated by removing the chain from the sprocket. If there is any wear or damage to the chain, it must be replaced.

How Often Should A Motorcycle Chain Be Adjusted?

How To Prolong The Life Of Your Motorcycle Chain – Royal Enfield (2)

How often should a motorcycle chain be changed? Depending on the model of your motorcycle, the owner’s manual provides the number of miles you can ride before adjusting your chain. It is recommended that you check and re-adjust your chain every 500 miles (805 kilometers).

If you’re going on a long trip with a motorcycle, it’s critical to check it on a regular basis to ensure that it’s in good working order. You may become stranded if you do not replace your bike chain. Your chain is the primary link between your engine, gearbox, and rear wheel. Maintaining a motorcycle chain on a regular basis requires little more than a simple fix. Wax is used to clean and lubricate the chain after it has been cleaned and oiled. If you want to inspect your chain after it has been cleaned, you should do so. Dry chains are those that stand up and angle their shape.

If the chain has reached the maximum, you must replace it. It is possible to carry a spare chain, but it is heavy and should be kept to a minimum. In the beginning, a new chain will stretch more, so keep an eye on it after it’s replaced or on a new bike. It makes perfect sense to tour with Chinese bikes in Africa. You will notice a clicking sound if you push the bike backwards. It is best to clean and lube the chain while it is still hot in order to allow the wax to seep in. If you suspect the chain needs to be replaced, you should do so as soon as possible.

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The most important thing you can do on a daily basis is to keep your bike in good working order. Our bikes were in a bad situation at the end of the trip, but they survived thanks to their original chains and sprockets. The slow speed and lack of power were primarily to blame for this, as were the frequent inspections and cleanings.

How Often Do Motorcycle Chains Break?

How To Prolong The Life Of Your Motorcycle Chain – Royal Enfield (3)

This is a difficult question to answer, as it depends on a number of factors, such as the type of motorcycle chain, the quality of the chain, how often the motorcycle is used, and how well the chain is maintained. Generally speaking, however, motorcycle chains break relatively frequently.

When a motorcycle chain breaks, there are several possible scenarios. When your motorcycle loses power, it is because the engine pushes the rear wheel backwards, causing your driving force to erode. When the chain is wrapped around the back wheel, it may become entangled between one of the sprockets or the back wheel. When a chain breaks, you will typically hear a clanking sound and feel a little jolt. When riding a motorcycle, you should be able to fix a broken chain as long as you are at a safe speed. In this article, I’ll go over how to deal with a chain break and what it means for most people. A chain can break on a motorcycle for a variety of reasons, all of which can be avoided by maintaining it properly.

The chain can break due to a number of factors, one of which is a lack of chain maintenance. Always replace your bike’s chains with high-quality ones and consult a reputable mechanic. A small amount of rust on a chain is acceptable, but a large amount should be avoided. Rust occurs when there is insufficient lubrication in the engine. In a rusted link, it can become weak and can even break. The incorrect tension is also the major cause of motorcycle chain failure. If there is rust on your chain, you should inspect it on a regular basis. The tension of your chain is determined by your motorcycle; be sure to check your owner’s manual if you want to know how to set it. A street bike chain typically cannot move more than a half inch up or down.

Wear And Tear: Why Motorcycle Chains Break

Motorcycles break their chains for a variety of reasons, but the most common is worn out. A chain that has been ridden for 2500 miles, for example, will stretch out over time. It is also true that the length of a chain will be greater than the length of the new chain. Metal fatigues become more prone to failure when the chain is stretched. How can a bike chain break? The chain may snap if you shift it under a heavy load, such as when you are pumping hard on a climb. When pedaling while shifting, even ordinary pedaling can cause chain stress. Shift before you climb so that your chain does not snap, and then reverse your shift to avoid snapping your chain. Tensile strength can be obtained by employing a variety of tactics. The strongest chains can carry loads weighing up to 8,000 pounds. Some chains are pre-stretched to increase efficiency.

Motorcycle Chain Stretch Limits

If the distance is greater than 63-1/8′′, the chain should be replaced.

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Following installation of the new chain, a few short rides will reveal that the chain has stretched. If a chain continues to stretch in an overly rapid manner, it may be defective. You will need to adjust your seat position after the first ride to ensure that the right amount of tautness remains. As a result, as your chain adjusts, it will stretch slightly. How do you know if a person’s legs are stretched too far? The chain is quite different, so begin by reading the service manual. If the chain is properly adjusted, there will be no rubbing against the rear wheel’s sprocket.

If the chain is too tight during a ride, it will snap and cause a serious accident. After 300 miles of riding, you should give your motorcycle chain a good workout. You may want to do more maintenance on your chain in extreme weather, dusty environments, or when it rains. To keep your chain in top condition, clean and lubricate it. As a result of lubrication, dirt buildup, corrosion, and wear and tear will be avoided. Examine the item to see if it is uneven, bent, or worn; if so, check for issues like kinks, uneven wear, or worn or bent sprockets.

The rollers are what cause the stretching, and they wear out over time. The pins are held in place by rollers, but they will eventually become too loose, causing the chain to stretch out. It is critical to check and replace your chain on a regular basis, especially if you ride a heavy bike or ride in difficult conditions. A stretched chain can not only make your ride more difficult, but it can also cause serious damage to your bike.

When To Replace Your Chain

It is generally accepted that one percent of the chain’s length between links is the point at which it is time to replace the chain. If you go past this point, the chain can become too stretched, and the chain can ride too high on the sprocket, resulting in damage.
If you are unsure whether or not your chain needs to be replaced, it is best to err on the side of caution and replace it before it reaches 1/8 inch (3.18mm) of elongation. A chain that only slightly extends may be fine if it only stretches slightly before being replaced. If one of your chains and cassettes is too stretched, replace it together as a safety measure.

How Often Should You Lube Your Motorcycle Chain

You should lube your motorcycle chain every 300 to 400 miles, or at least every time you ride. If you ride in wet or dusty conditions, you should lube more often.

Regular lubrication and inspection of the chain drive are critical to the proper operation of a motorcycle. The motorcycle’s drive chain should be lubricated every 500 miles (800 kilometers) of use. Before riding in the rain or on cloudy days, your motorcycle’s chain drive should also be inspected. Lubrication problems can result in worn-out or damaged sprockets. If chain lubrication is not provided, uneven power transmission from the engine to the rear wheel is possible. There is a constant stream of jerky wheel movements caused by an uneven transmission while riding the bike. To keep the motorcycle chain in good working order, it is critical to perform regular maintenance.

By turning the bolt, you can adjust the chain slack requirements. The wheel should then be pushed forward once the front wheel has been pushed. If you want to clean the chain and the sprocket while rotating the wheel, do so at the same time. The chain can be cleaned with a high flash-point solvent using a dry cloth. It is not necessary to use gasoline or low flash point solvents to clean drive chains.

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The Best Way To Keep Your Bike Chain In Good Condition

How often should I lubricate my bike chain?
If you ride your bike for short periods of time, you should lubricate your chain at least every other month or every 150-200 miles (240-320 kilometers). It depends on the conditions you ride in and the type of chain lube you use, as well as how often you use it.
Do I need to lube my motorcycle chain every time I wash it?
It is recommended that motorcycle chains be lubricated every 300-600 miles in order for them to achieve their full potential and last a long time. It is not a good idea to grease the chain after it has been ridden. Once the link has been sealed properly and the solvent solvent has evaporated from the spray, you can re-apply the spray and use the bike.

Motorcycle Chain And Sprocket

The motorcycle chain and sprocket is one of the most important parts of your bike. It is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels. The chain and sprocket must be properly maintained in order to ensure that your motorcycle operates properly.

The Cost Of Replacing Motorcycle Sprockets And Chains

Replacing both sprockets and chains on a motorcycle can cost anywhere from $20 to $200, depending on the model and whether or not a quality O-ring chain is required. It is generally a good idea to replace both at the same time to ensure that everything runs smoothly and efficiently, but this is not always necessary. In terms of acceleration, larger rear sprockets will be more effective, whereas smaller front sprockets will be less effective.

Motorcycle Chain Problems

You may notice chain wear such as kinks, stiff spots, missing or failing O-ring or X-ring, separation of link plates, badly worn rollers, excessive stretch, corrosion, loose components, excessive noise or rattling while underway, as well as all of the above, and you may

There are a variety of reasons that a motorcycle chain may not be in place. If the chain is loose due to a loose or improperly fitted sprocket, the chain tension may need to be adjusted. Loose chains can also cause engine and transmission damage. When a motorcycle chain becomes loose, it is critical to tighten it. If the chain becomes slack, it could become damaged. It is recommended that dirt bikes’ chains be inspected and adjusted every 200 miles (320 kilometers) between them. Furthermore, the motorcycle should be inspected for flaws and rust on a regular basis.

How To Keep Your Motorcycle Chain Tight

If your chain isn’t staying in place properly, it’s a good idea to have it checked out by a professional mechanic. You should take care of loose chains on your motorcycle because they can cause major problems.

FAQs

How To Prolong The Life Of Your Motorcycle Chain – Royal Enfield? ›

Using the proper lubricant will ensure the chain works correctly and can help to extend the life of the chain. Household spray lubricants are too thin and can actually dry out bicycle chains.

Does oiling bike chain help? ›

Using the proper lubricant will ensure the chain works correctly and can help to extend the life of the chain. Household spray lubricants are too thin and can actually dry out bicycle chains.

How often should you lube motorcycle chain? ›

How Often? Cleaning and oiling your chain should be done roughly every 300 to 600 miles, depending on how much grime it accumulates and the type of driving you do. If you take your bike out for excessive city riding or activities such as off-road dirt biking, you will want to lubricate the chain more frequently.

How long will a motorcycle chain last? ›

If maintained regularly a decent quality motorcycle chain should give you 15,000 to 20,000 miles (24,000 – 32,000 km) of hassle free riding while high end Gold X or O-ring chains will last 20,000 to 30,000 miles (32,000 – 48,000 km).

Which lube oil for Royal Enfield Classic 350? ›

The recommended engine oil for Royal Enfield Classic 350 is SAE 15W 50 API SL Grade (Semi Synthetic).

Should I oil or wax my motorcycle chain? ›

In conclusion, the lubrication method you choose depends on two things: your circumstances and your preferences. If you're going to be riding in especially wet, dusty, or dirty conditions, or if you prefer a lubricating agent that's long-lasting, then chain wax is probably the best option for you.

Should I use bike chain grease or oil? ›

Bike oil isn't typically used for chain lube, but performs better than grease. Generally speaking, bike oil will help reduce friction and prevent damage but the protection won't last very long. If you end up using bike oil and chain lube, use it in small quantities. Don't be tempted to absolutely coat your chain in it.

Is it better to wax or oil a bike chain? ›

Chain wax extends the lifespan of your chain longer than chain lube. This is because chain wax has a better resistance against water, sand, and dirt. Friction wear test results showed waxed chains to have the longest lifespan. Source: Zero Friction Cycling.

Which lube is best for motorcycle chain? ›

Best Overall Motorcycle Lube—Bel-Ray Super Clean Lube

This is thanks to the rust, corrosion, and wear-resistant formula. This option can be used with all types of motorcycle chains, including rollers, o-ring, z-ring, and x-rings.

Can you put too much lube on motorcycle chain? ›

With chain lubrication, less is definitely more.

Over lubricating your chain, on the other hand, is also bad for your chain and will annoy your bike mechanic. Excess lube attracts dirt and dust and creates gross buildup on your drivetrain. This can actually wear out your drivetrain faster than a dry chain!

How long does Royal Enfield chain sprocket last? ›

@ Dr | If you put fresh oil in chain as per the oil dryness and drive perfectly, you can maintain more than 40000 km. In my STD 350, presently 41300 km driven without changing chain sprocket.

What is the life of chain sprocket in Royal Enfield Classic 350? ›

Well, it totally depends on its usage and condition. If you are facing any issue while riding then we would suggest you to get it inspected at the nearest service center. If the chain is well maintained in a bike like Classic 350 then it can last up to 15000km.

How long will motorcycle chain last without lube? ›

Your motorcycle's chain needs to be lubricated every 400-800 miles to keep it at its best. This can vary depending on your bike's use; road bikes will need the chain cleaning less than off-road bikes.

Should I use oil or grease for bike chain lubricant? ›

Bike oil isn't typically used for chain lube, but performs better than grease. Generally speaking, bike oil will help reduce friction and prevent damage but the protection won't last very long. If you end up using bike oil and chain lube, use it in small quantities. Don't be tempted to absolutely coat your chain in it.

Where do you spray bike chain lube? ›

Lube the chain

But, place a rag underneath the chain to catch any excess lube that may drip. Take your can of WD-40 Bike All Conditions Lube, and spray directly onto the inside surface of the chain whilst turning the rear wheel slowly in a counter-clockwise direction.

Videos

1. Everything You Need To Know When Replacing Your Motorcycle’s Chain and Sprockets | The Shop Manual
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5. Which Chain Lube Is Best For Royal Enfield Bikes ? | Motul vs Royal Enfield Chain Lube
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