The motorcycle chain is a major part that is responsible to make run the motorcycle. When to replace a motorcycle chain, depends on many factors. Here I will tell you the 9 ways to replace a motorcycle chain and sprockets to avoid any danger in riding time. If you have enough time to read the motorcycle tire repair that will be a great deal for you.
When to Replace Motorcycle Chain or Bike Chain – 9 Ways!
#1. Types of chain
We can see two types of chain in the present time. The two types are O-ring and X-seal. An older chain cannot last longer than these types of chains. O-ring and X-seal enable the motorcycle to run for a long time.
When you ride a motorcycle, ordinary chains absorb dirt and dust from the road. As a result, the chain gets weightier by the course of time. In this result, the chain can last only for 30,000 miles. You must replace the chain every 30,000 miles.
On the other hand, O-ring and X-seal chains are more efficient to avoid dust from the road. The automobile developers have invented a sealed chain so that the pin and roller in the chain cannot catch dirt easily. Riders can use these types of chains longer than the ordinary one.
#2. Riding tracks
Dust level in the roller of the chain depends on your types of riding. The previous measurement was for ordinary people. In the case of professional riders, they need to replace the motorcycle chain very often.
Professional riders create extreme pressure on the chain to gear up and exhilarate in a short while. To roll up fast, the chain loses its strength. As a result, the pressure may damage the chain.
The motorcycle chain absorbs too much dust in the countryside, off-road, mountain, muddy road, rocky street, and so on. The more dust in the road the more dust in your chain. Here, we should replace the chain within a short period.
#3. Lack of maintenance
Maintenance is the key factor for anything that is a machine. Motorcycle demands regular maintenance to keep its outlook and engine parts condition as well. The motorcycle chain requires regular lubrication. Lubrication is an ongoing process for a motorcycle chain. It ensures the fitness and thickness of the chain.
We should check out the condition of our motorcycle before taking any ride. A little of mistake may cause a nightmare in the middle of your journey. A damaged chain can cause an unwanted accident. Thus, a lack of maintenance may force you to replace the motorcycle chain at any time.
#4. Signs to replace motorcycle chain: Sprocket
Have you noticed there are two sprockets engaged with the chain? The combination of the sprockets ensures the speed, flexibility, and the force. Sprockets bear the pressure of piston and the wheel as well. Wheels have several teeth.
By the course of time, the teeth become sharper. When they have come to the least level of sharpness, It may displace the chain. Old chains are responsible to make the sprockets damage. At a time, they lose the correct measurement. The two sprockets must remain the right position to roll up the chain.
#5. Noise
Before getting touch with other symptoms, you may here extra noises coming from the chain crank. Too much noise means too much problem. You may hear the noise because of irregular lubrication. Noise makes you sure that the chain is full of dust or it is having problem rolling.
You can lubricate the chain with engine oil if the chain is a new one. Do not do this for the old one. When you lubricate the old chain, it may fall you in danger on the road. Replace the chain hearing the noise for the first time.
#6. Kinks
The first sign of a damaged chain can be the links or the kinks on the chain. The matter is how you can identify the kinks. Follow the instruction below.
Place the motorcycle in the center-stand. Look at the rear wheel whether the wheel is off to road or not. Now, turn the wheel and touch the chain. Try to feel whether the chain is striking or not. If it struck, you can see a zigzag line. Kinks ensure that it is time to replace the chain.
#7. Number of pins
A chain is full of pins that hold the metal one after another. The pins have a certain measurement to roll the chain equally. You may find the measurement of the pins in the user manual guide. If you fail to find the measurement, get the measurement from an expert on your motorcycle brand.
Take a scale and hold it on the chain. Make sure that the engine is off. Measure the pins of the chain with the original measurement. If you find any changes in the distance of pins, you should replace the motorcycle chain.
#8. Overstretched
Over time, the rolling lines begin to decay. As a result, the chain starts to expand day by day. It also loses flexibility as well. When there is no flexibility, it may spread at any while. We can capture the condition when we gear up the first one. If the chain expands too much, it will stretch immediately.
We can experience overstretch due to over presser also. To avoid an unwanted break in your journey, replace the motorcycle chain soon.
#9. Rust
Rust is the only villain that creates corrosion in metals. Look at the chain and try to find discolor. Turn the wheel and check out the full chain. If the chain gets rust, you will see sustains of brown color. Here you can lubricate the chain again. Be sure that the chain is ready to run more. Rust is a sing to replace the motorcycle chain.
What if a chain wears out during riding?
Surely, it may damage the wheel, sprocket, and you as well. It may force a motorcycle to have a sudden hard break. A hard break may cause any accident too. Do not allow your fortune to be misfortune. Whenever you get these signs, replace the motorcycle chain.
How to maintain motorcycle chain?
- Tighten the chain at the right measurement.
- Do not let the chain to lose.
- Lubricate the chain after every 30000 miles.
- Try to use the X-seal chain for better longevity.
- Do not wash the chain with water.
- Clean the chain with petrol.
Bottom line
A better chain can provide you the utmost pleasure of riding. Read both factors eventually and take care of your motorcycle.
