Motorcycle chains transfer torque from the engine to the driving wheel. This kind of drive is characterised by reliability and a high efficiency coefficient.

Types of motorcycle chains

• Non-sealed. Due to the absence of seals, lubricant in the roller links is quickly consumed. As a result, the service life of the part in case of its proper maintenance and careful riding is from 10,000 to 20,000 km. At the same time, the life span also depends on the design specifics of the motorcycle component. For example, there are inexpensive standard spares which are the least durable. As a rule, they are used in vehicles with low displacement engines. There are also heavy-duty non-sealed chains which last longer. They are suitable for vehicles with an engine with the displacement of up to 0.65 l.
• Sealed. Special seals help to keep the lubricant inside the links. There are the following kinds:
  • O-Ring. The seal is made in the shape of a ring. Chains of this type are relatively inexpensive. With timely servicing, their life expectancy is 16,000 on average.
  • X-Ring. The seal has an X shape. It reliably retains the lubricant. These motorcycle chains can last twice as longer than O-Ring components.

Malfunctions: their causes and symptoms

• Worn pins. Due to that, the distance between them becomes larger and the component becomes longer. Very often it starts producing noise which remains at any speed. When accelerating, the bike might jerk, and vibration might occur during braking. Attrition can be a result of natural wear, intensive loads, riding the bike off-road and on dusty roads.
• Breakage. As a rule, this is a consequence of the component wear. This happens when the bike is moving, and is accompanied by a loud popping sound. The failure might lead to the rider’s falling and getting injured if riding at a high speed.

Tips on how to maintain and replace motorcycle chains

• It is recommended to replace the part together with the sprockets. Otherwise, it can prematurely get out of order.
• It is forbidden to use hard brushes to remove dirt from the component. Non-sealed parts can be cleaned with a soft brush, and sealed ones – with a cloth soaked in a special chemical.
• It is necessary to regularly check its tension. As a rule, you should put your bike on the centre stand and spin the rear wheel. This will enable you to find the point where the chain drive is tensioned to the maximum extent at the lower part. If this parameter doesn’t correspond to the figure specified by the motorcycle manufacturer, it has to be adjusted.
• The components need lubricating at the intervals stated in the manual, for example, every 600 km. Do it more often if the vehicle got wet or was used in very dusty areas.

AUTODOC : only high-quality motorcycle parts

At our online shop, we often run promotions which help you to cut down your repair and maintenance costs. You can buy motorcycle chains as well as brake pads, shock absorbers, clutch plates and many other things on favourable terms.