Why Bother About Bike Chains?
Every motorcycle part is as important as the other. We must not
overlook one part and focus on the other parts because that
could lead to a very risky riding environment.
Let us take chains as an example. Neglecting your chains may
mean future bike discrepancy. Chances are, you may end up in the
hospital wing, operating room or morgue. To preclude this from
happening, we must avoid chain and chain related failures
through bike maintenance and inspection.
To keep mud, water and rust away, cleaning, lubricating,
tightening, alignment or replacement of chain can be resorted
to. The most thorough cleaning is that which detaches the chain
from the bike and soaking it in kerosene, diesel fuel and other
recommended solvents. However, beware of solvents that can
destroy especially the o-ring chains. The remedy is not soaking
but just wiping them with a solvent-soaked rag.
If you choose to lubricate other than the rest of the available
remedies, the secret is thorough emersion. Soak the chains in a
pan of oil for several days so as to allow the oil lubricant to
flow in the chain rollers, bushigs and pins. Aside from oil,
there are also spray on lubricants like WD40, TFF, CRC and more.
The newest lubrication nowdays is chain wax. They provide chain
a thick water and corrosion blocking coating.
Tightening and aligment of chains is a great way to enjoy the
chain longer. Chains stretch up to 2 percent of its original
length. Tightening and alignment is the best remedy to this. In
cases of misalignment caused by the rear wheel being not in the
center or improper wheel spacers causing misaligning, still,
tightening and alignment is the remedy. Be sure to consult the
manuals of the bike model to be guided.
Now that you know the importance of maintenance and inspection,
application will be the most appropriate thing to do. Do not let
knowledge sulk in the corner of your minds.. USE IT!