There are currently various types of motorcycles and scooters available in the market that use different transmission systems. However, the most commonly used types are belt-driven and chain-driven transmissions. Specifically, chain-driven transmissions are commonly found in regular scooters and large-displacement motorcycles.
It is important to regularly check and tighten the motorcycle chain
After a period of use, the motorcycle chain often becomes loose and starts making strange noises if it is not regularly maintained and checked. In the following guide, we will explain how to check and tighten a motorcycle chain to ensure smooth and seamless operation of your vehicle.
Why is it important to tighten the motorcycle chain?
The motorcycle chain is a crucial component in the power transmission and movement of the vehicle. It is responsible for transferring the pulling force from the engine block to the front sprocket, which then transmits it to the rear sprocket, causing the wheels to rotate during operation. Additionally, motorcycle chains are typically made of metal combined with rubber and continuous joints. Hence, after a certain period of use, the axle joints may become loose, stuck, and directly impact the transmission.
Regularly check and tighten the motorcycle chain
When the chain becomes loose after a period of use, it will sag and cause a jerky operation of the vehicle. The loose chain can also produce loud noises when it flaps around, and even worse, it can potentially cause the chain to slip off the sprocket. Therefore, it is important to regularly check this component, tighten the chain, and maintain it properly to ensure smooth and seamless operation of the vehicle.
How to check the motorcycle chain
In fact, checking the condition of the motorcycle chain is quite simple for many current models. For models that use an exposed chain without a case, such as scooters, you can easily observe the condition of the chain with the naked eye. If the chain is too loose and produces loud noise, it indicates that the chain is loose and needs to be tightened, maintained, and cleaned.
Check the motorcycle chain to determine the tension and alignment of the vehicle
For motorcycles with chain cases like Honda Wave and Honda Dream, you can use a wrench to remove the chain case cover and check the tension of the chain. By turning the rear wheel gently by hand, you can see whether the chain jumps and lifts up, and also inspect the wear of the chain’s connecting joints to assess their stiffness.
If the chain is dirty, loose, stuck, and frequently jumps, it is recommended to proceed with tightening the chain and maintaining it according to the following method.
How to tighten the motorcycle chain
To tighten the motorcycle chain, the first step is to use a properly sized socket wrench to loosen the rear axle nut on the motorcycle. After setting up the center stand, you can loosen the chain clamp nut as well.
Once the nuts are loosened, you need to use the appropriate tool to adjust the chain clamp nut. It is important to note that with common chain tightening nuts, tightening them clockwise will tighten the chain, while loosening them counterclockwise will loosen the chain.
Loosen the front axle nut before tightening the motorcycle chain
On modern motorcycles, the rear axle chain tightener is often equipped with a measuring scale with pre-marked lines on both sides of the motorcycle forks. It is important to adjust both sides to achieve a balance according to the measurements to ensure that the wheels are not skewed. However, remember that the chain should not be overly tight. The optimal tension is where the up and down travel distance of the chain is only around 2 to 3 cm.
Once the chain is tightened, it is essential to recheck its operation to ensure there are no issues. Gently turn the rear wheel by hand, and if it rotates evenly, smoothly, and does not feel heavy, then you have successfully tightened the chain.
How to maintain and clean the motorcycle chain
The simplest method to maintain and clean the motorcycle chain is to take it to a motorcycle repair shop for cleaning. However, if you are skilled and prefer to do it yourself at home, please follow these instructions.
Regularly cleaning and maintaining the chain ensures smooth vehicle movement
Before performing maintenance and cleaning on the chain, you need to gather the following tools:
– Kerosene or cleaning solution
– Toothbrush
– Oil can with a capacity of 300cc, or a chain spray bottle
First, when the motorcycle is still on the center stand and the chain is exposed without a chain case, pour kerosene onto the chain. Rotate the wheel evenly to apply the kerosene to all surfaces of the chain. Use a toothbrush to clean every nook and cranny, ensuring that no area is left untouched, including the sprocket.
Afterwards, use a spray bottle to spray water on the chain to remove any remaining grease. Then, wipe it dry with a clean cloth, or use an air gun to blow-dry it. Finally, lubricate the chain with lubricating oil or chain spray, applying it to all the gaps between the chain links, and the front and back surfaces of the chain.
Note: There are various effective methods to tighten the motorcycle chain. However, during the operation, avoid starting the engine or letting the wheels rotate while cleaning and maintaining the chain, as it can be dangerous and cause injury.
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Kuro
The simplest way to increase motorcycle chain tension and check for chain slack
Increasing motorcycle chain tension is a fairly simple process; all you need to do is have a set of tools ready, such as wrenches or sockets, and you can adjust the chain slack in a matter of minutes.
