Would you like some free power from your bike?

Ok so it’s not completely “free” but if someone was to offer you a product that released your bikes horsepower, increased fuel efficiency, helped reduce maintenance costs for only a few pounds you’d be interested right?

The answer is fairly simple – get some of the basics right.Motorcycle_Chain_Lubrication

Are your tyre pressures set correctly?

Is you chain adjusted to the correct tension?

When was the last time you lubricated your chain and are you doing it correctly?

Chain Lube, Chain Wax, Chain Gel, or even engine oil!?!.. What should you use and why…

Here are some tips which may help not only release power from your bike but will also lengthen the life of your chain and sprockets.

Clean your chain:Engine_Chain_Cleaner

Use a dedicated Motorcycle Chain Cleaner spray [which won’t harm the chains seals] to remove excess lube, dirt and grime that builds up on the chain and sprockets. This will not only save it getting flung off onto your wheel, frame, engine etc. but it will allow the fresh lube to get where it needs to be to do its job. Its also makes your bike look better!

I find it better to spray the cleaner onto a rag then use that to clean the chain. This is best done after a ride whilst the chain is still warm. Using harsh solvents like brake cleaner or contact cleaner can damage the seals in the chain; it’s always best to use the right tool for the job!

 

Choose the right product:Motorcycle_Chain_Lube_non-O-ring

There are many options on the market at the moment and what’s best for you depends on what type of chain you have. In general there are two types – open chains and sealed chains (e.g. O-Ring/X-Ring chains).

For open chains you are better off using an “Oily” type chain lube which is designed to coat all moving parts as well penetrate the chain and lubricating the core of the chain, then thickens to leave a protective film. As they are formulated not to damage any chain seals Oily lube can also be used on sealed chains if desired.

For sealed chains (e.g. O-Ring/X-Ring chains) we’d recommend using a ‘Waxy’ type chain lube. The seal inside is designed to hold in the grease the chain was manufactured with and keep out water and dirt. Therefore ‘Waxy’ sprays are specially designed to coat all exposed moving parts of the chain reducing friction and wear and extending the life of both the chain and the sprockets. These types of sprays are also formulated not to harm and damage the chains seals.

When to lubricate?

The best time to lube your motorcycle chain is after a ride when the chain is clean and still warm and dry which will help the lube/wax coat the chain. The time whilst your bike is stood before your next ride will also allow the lube to “set” onto the chain making it less likely to “Fling off” when you next ride. Whenever your chain is “dry” or needs it, whether before or after a ride it is worth doing. If in doubt get the lube out!

Weather and Jet Washing:Chain_Lube

If you use your bike in the rain or through winter then you’ll certainly need to take more care keeping it lubricated. The water and salt will try to remove the lube off the chain and if left on a chain will cause the chain to corrode and get tight spots/links.

Also beware of using a jet wash or high-powered hose directly onto a chain. Blasting the chain with high water pressure could possibly force it past the chains seals and corrode the chain from the inside. Again a dedicated chain cleaner will do the job well. Spraying lube onto a wet chain is also less effective as the water held on the chain will try and repel the lube.

Using Engine Oil!?!..

Some riders prefer to use engine oil to lube their chain, and whilst it’s possibly better that not lubing the chain at all I certainly wouldn’t recommend it.

Not only does it fling off everywhere the oil isn’t designed to be used on the type of rubber used to make chain seals therefore can harm or swell the seals causing damage and wear to the chain. Not worth it in my book – get yourself a product that was designed to look after a chain not lubricate engine parts!

We have a full range of Motorcycle Chain Care products which you can buy online HERE.

Health and safety bit – Keep your fingers and hands clear of the chain and sprocket interface, it will hurt and you may loose fingers. Also DO NOT lube or clean the chain with the engine running and bike in gear – another fast way to loose body parts!!

Happy riding!

MotorcycleRaceParts

 

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