WORKSHOP
CHAIN GANG
A worn chain and tired sprockets not only make your bike feel bad, it’ s causing your bike to use more fuel. We take you through some essential chain maintenance to keep it tip-top.
This issue we are looking at getting longer life out of your chain and sprockets. Along with checking your tyre pressures( see KR February 2017), lubricating your chain is one of the most financially rewarding jobs you can do on your bike. Chains stretch, sprocket teeth wear and for the sake of a couple of minutes a week you can save a bunch of cash. Think about it for a minute … every time your chain does a loop around those sprockets it has to pivot between the link on each side of it a couple of times. Lubrication makes a huge difference. If you can give your chain a quick, regular clean and lube you will be rewarded with less frequent( and expensive) chain and sprocket replacement.
THE BASICS Having the some items on hand to do the job is your first step. These are the basics of what you’ ll need …
• Bike with rear wheel off the ground, on a centre stand, sidestand, Snap Jack or paddock stand
• Old newspaper( to lay under the chain)
• Chain cleaner
• Clean rags and paper towels
• Chain lube
• CRC or similar( for cleaning wheels)
GET TO IT
• Set your bike up so you can turn the rear wheel WITHOUT the engine running. Lay out your newspaper from under the counter-shaft sprocket to the beyond the rear sprocket.
• While turning the wheel, spray the top of the lower run of chain, down onto the side plates with chain cleaner. Then with a toothbrush held loosely, or a proper chain brush, held
KIWI RIDER 67