Motorcycle chain and sprocket care: clean, lube, adjust, replace

The chain and sprockets carry all the engine's power to the back wheel. Looked after, a set lasts many thousands of kilometres; neglected, it wears out quickly, wastes fuel and can snap or jump off at speed.

Clean and lubricate every 500 km

1. Put the bike on its centre stand with the engine off.
2. Clean the chain with a brush and a little kerosene or chain cleaner to remove sand and old grease.
3. Let it dry, then apply chain lubricant to the inside of the chain while turning the wheel by hand.
4. Wipe off the excess. Thick, sticky grease collects sand and acts like sandpaper.

Do it more often after rain, mud or dusty roads.

Adjust the slack

• Check the up-and-down movement midway along the lower run of the chain. Set it to the figure in your manual.
• Adjust both sides of the axle equally so the wheel stays straight; the marks on the swingarm help.
• Check at a few points while turning the wheel. If the slack varies a lot, the chain is wearing unevenly.

When to replace

• The adjusters have reached the end of their range.
• You can pull the chain away from the back of the rear sprocket and see the teeth.
• Sprocket teeth look hooked or pointed, like waves.
• Links are stiff or kinked even after cleaning.

Always replace the chain and both sprockets together. A new chain on worn sprockets wears out in a fraction of its normal life.