How can I understand if my motorcycle sprocket and chain are in good condition or worn out?
Sign for the Sprocket-
There are two sprockets in a motorcycle, one is a drive sprocket attached to the engine and it has between 10-18 teeth. Another one is a driven sprocket attached to the rear wheel and it has between 28-64 teeth. Check visually both sprockets that teeth are shaped and well hooked to the chain or not instead of blunted. If sprockets are blunted and not well fitted to the chain then replace them.
signs for the chain-
1. The easiest way to check the chain is to pull out the chain close to the rear sprocket and see if half and more teeth of the sprocket are revealing whether the sprocket is in good condition which means your chain is worn out. When you are pulling the chain back you only can pull a very small amount if the chain is in good condition.
2. You tighten your chain to maintain the right tension level but it gets loose after a while which means the chain is worn out.
3. If you take a closer look at the chain you can easily notice the gap between the inner link and joint connection between one pin to another are very loose. That indicates your chain needs a replacement.
How can I take care of my motorcycle chain?
Here are some following steps you should follow to take care of your motorcycle chain.
1. Figure out your chain type- Two types of chain could be seen- the first one is the Plain chain. metal-on-metal links and no seal between them. The second one is the Sealed chain. O-ring, X-ring, and Z-ring chains. Plain chains are easy to clean or you can clean them roughly but sealed chains require gentle cleaning.
2. Clean the chain- The chain cleaning period depends on what type of rider you are and how frequently you drive your motorcycle. It also depends on What type of road you are driving on, whether is it off-road or highway, and what the weather is. As a rider, I will suggest cleaning the chain after driving every 500-700 kilometers.
3. Keep in the right tension- Always tension your motorcycle chain according to the user manual of your motorcycle. Because too loose or too tight a chain may affect different particles of your motorcycle. An over-tight chain may increase wear components, the chain and sprocket will wear faster than their normal lifetime and also it will make your engine Overheat.
Recommendation: Whenever you are tightening your chain don’t stand your motorcycle on the middle stand. Ask someone to sit on your motorcycle for balance so that you will get a compressed suspension and you will get the eligible chain tension. So that you can set perfect tension for the chain.
4. Be aware of weather- Try to clean and lube your chain frequently when It’s rainy season. Because of mud your chain and sprocket will get rusty and it causes damage.
How can I clean my motorcycle chain?
Clean the chain when it is warm. This means, before cleaning your chain, run your motorcycle for 10-15 minutes so that your chain will warm and it will be easy to get off all the grime and oil from the chain. Put your motorcycle on a double stand. You can clean the chain with a chain cleaner or can use kerosene. In my recommendation, chain cleaner will be the best option. Apply the cleaner and leave it for 5-10 minutes, use a brush to rub the chain, and be gentle with the chain if it is an O-Ring, X-Ring, or Z-Ring type chain. On the other hand, you can roughly clean sealed-type chains. Now wash the chain with normal water. wipe up the chain with a soft rag and dry it properly. To make the chain warm go for 5-7 minutes of a quick ride for better penetration of lube. Then lubricate your chain with the manufacturer suggesting lubricant.