Chain Care Best Practice

Whats the best way of looking after your chain, my manual says clean and lubricate after washing or riding in the wet. That to me seems like overkill, also how often does everyone check for slack?

Any tips appreciated

 

I lube every 150-200 miles and clean it when I can't see my gold bling links.
Using castrol racing lube at the moment which seems to cling well.

Check for slack every month (600) miles for me.

 

I'm using some Fuchs stuff at the minute which says its anti fling by I really do doubt it. The lower part of the bike I have just used half a can of wd40 and 2 microfibres to clean properly

When I take it it for a service they use some grey stuff, but I can't find it anywhere

 

+ 1 for the lubing, I use Wurth dry lube

 

Do you lube it when the chains hot then leave it overnight to dry Kev ?

 

Yes normally after I have come off a ride, I'll wash the bike then lube the chain. Which if it's a Sunday will normally be left untill the next weekend

 

Lube it when you get off when it's at it's hottest.

 

i usually clean mine proper when the wheel is off, with diesel.
generally speaking, the only time i adjust it is when i change tyres.
inbetween i use ptfe dry lube... dries white and doesnt muck the wheels up.

i know some people go for a lighter chain and sprocket set for performance, but to me its not worth it for the road, id rather invest in a heavy duty set for longevity and reliability.
dont fancy another snappage :/

 

I've got a scottoiler, give it a good scrub every 1000 miles or so and there's nothing else needed, the only time I've had to adjust my chain was when I got a new back tyre and they didn't adjust it properly.

 

+1

I used to lube mine the second I got it back home. No tea, no thawing out. Straight up on the stand and get the lube on while the chain is still warm.
Penetration is easier and better when the cracks are warm. :shades:

If you wash it a few days later, re-lube it then too.

http://www.renthal.com/File/product15.asp

 

Paintbrush & parrafin every Sunday. Drench the chain in it.
Then wrap a towel around my hand and run the chain through it spinning the back wheel
move the towel about until it stops getting black and the chain is nice and shiny
then lube it up straight away, don't let any parrafin sit in there.

I do that every Sunday, and check tension whilst I'm going it...tighten it up if I need to but the new chain & sprocket has only needed tightening twice so far.

Despite cleaning & lubing it every week it still has little rusty spots hiding away. Nothing major but it is just a con of winter riding I guess. unavoidable unless you have a garage.

 

Apparently i should have 45-55mm of slack that seems alot.

 

Remember the suspension travel uses up some of that when you sit on it.

 

I've been told about an inch so 25mm is best. Always check it on the ground though, do it on a paddock stand and there's no weight on the wheel. so the chain gets really tight when you sit on it.

 

Should be an inch of play in the chain, always check chain tension when sat on the bike. Check your manual to see if it states for the chain to be adjusted on the side stand or on centre/paddock stand. I paintbrush white spirit onto the chain, wipe off and use silkolene lube. I do it every week normally because of the amount of salt on the roads whilst commuting and all the other crap.

 

you need slack on the chain when you are sat on it.
in use, the chain will be tight on the top run with slack at the bottom.
if its too tight it causes wear and loses you power.

 

never use wd on your chain I know its good but its a penetrative oil and eats into your o rings and eats all the lube best thing I have come across is transmition oil (thick oil) and a old tooth brush clean and lube with it .works wonders its also costs alot less. And doesnt fling if you do it after a ride try it you will love it .

 

I check tension and lube the chain every friday as weekly maintenance and also so it's ready for any ride outs at the week end.

Adjusting is a piece of piss on the bandit, no locking nuts to play around with. Just loosen the wheel nut then adjust the allen bots at the end of the swingarm. Usually takes about a minute to get it spot on.

Currently using wurths chain lube which is good but is quite sticky when dry so attracts quite a fair bit of grit from the roads. When I've run out of chain lube though I have used spare engine oil and even if that's not available then I'll use used engine oil. Just a bit on a rag then rub it onto the chain while turning the rear wheel by hand. You can really feel the difference in force needed to turn the wheel when done properly

 

WD40 is fine for all chain seals. As seen here.


Second study I've seen of this type and both gave the same result.


I will normally clean the chain every 3000 miles with WD40 soak for a bit then wipe of and leave to dry for a bit, then run through gear oil to soak. wipe of excess the go for a short run then apply chain lube.

Re-apply chainlube every 150-200miles or after a long ride or if the chain looks dry. Check tension every time it's lubed.