Tips for Chain Maintenance

IMPORTANT: Jeff’s Bikes & Bits recommends installation by a qualified motorcycle mechanic. Always replace with equivalent chain and correct master link as recommended in the manufacturer’s service or owner’s manual. Failure to install a replacement chain and master link equivalent to those of the motorcycle’s original equipment type, size and pitch can be dangerous and result in serious injury and property damage.

DETECTING A WORN OUT CHAIN: Rust, kinks, stiffness, excessive stretching (1.5% for non-sealed and 1.0% for sealed chain) and abnormal rattling noise are all signs of a worn out chain, which can break at any time. Replace immediately if any of these conditions are present. In the case where even one O-ring or Quadra-X Ring is missing or damaged, the entire chain should be replaced immediately.

INSTALLATION: 1. Place your motorcycle on a center stand so the rear wheel can spin freely.
2. If the front sprocket is difficult to access, it will be easiest to use your old chain to route the new chain through and around the sprocket (fig. 1).
a) Using pliers, remove the master link and connect the new chain to the old chain. Pull through until the new chain reaches the rear sprocket.
b) Remove the old chain and connect both ends of the new chain using the new master link (fig. 2).
c) Make sure the closed end of the clip is facing the direction of rotation (fig. 3).
d) If installing an O-ring or Quadra-X Ring chain, be sure to slide the seal over the master link pins before installing the master link plate and clip.

3. Standard chain adjustment for most street models is 1" to 1 3/8" (2.5 to 3.5cm) of slack. We strongly recommend checking chain slack every 300 to 350 miles (480 to 560km). Refer to your owner’s manual for proper adjustment specifications (fig. 4).

CAUTION: If chain is not adjusted equally, the sprocket/wheel alignment will be off, causing chain to derail, possibly causing damage and/or injury.

MAINTENANCE: Lubricate your chain every 300 to 350 miles (480 to 560km) with a quality lubricant such as SAE 80-90 wt. motor oil or aerosol lubricant designed specifically for motorcycle chains. When operating in hot, dry and/or dusty conditions, you may need to lubricate more frequently. Apply a moderate amount so lubricant penetrates between pins, rollers and bushings (fig. 5).

CLEANING: Do not use harsh solvents or chemicals, such as gasoline or benzene. JEFF’S BIKES & BITS recommends using a biodegradable degreaser with a soft (non-wire) bristle brush or clean cloth for removing dirt. Use kerosene (paraffin oil) if necessary, let dry and lubricate immediately within 10 minutes.

CAUTION: Replace chain immediately in the event of contact with battery acid. Immediately clean chains that come in contact with rock salt or salt water. Always lubricate after cleaning (fig. 6).