Chain maintenance - Page 2

**dabney** · 07-18-2010, 09:16 AM

wonderful! thanks!

**Rebel junky** · 07-19-2010, 12:50 AM

great tips...thanks alot!

**dabney** · 07-31-2010, 09:57 PM

OK, then, can I use 'kerosene alternative' to clean the chain with (like the guys at home depot said) ?

**flitecontrol** · 07-31-2010, 10:36 PM

^ Yes, lamp oil is often more readily available and is basically kerosene.

**Kodak** · 08-08-2010, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fridgitator

I don't remove the rear wheel. I take the front sprocket off. Not saying it's a better way, just my preference based on my lack of a level garage floor, and a good lift. Anyway, there are a couple pix Here.

Thanks for the advice Fridgitator, and everyone else here. I'm new to riding, and naturally, maintenance. Your guys' advice made my first chain cleaning and lubing a successful experience.

In addition to riding, I'm also new to forums. I had a question and I searched around the internet and this forum for a bit looking for an answer, but I couldn't find it. I apologize if it's already been asked. Could anyone tell me how to read my chain replacement indicator? Clymer was a little vague and I'm curious to know which mark I should go off of when measuring against the sticker on the swing arm. My assumption is it's the marking with the arrows, but if that's the case, my chain is in dire need of replacement. I may just be in denial :\

**Guba** · 08-09-2010, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kodak

Thanks for the advice Fridgitator, and everyone else here. I'm new to riding, and naturally, maintenance. Your guys' advice made my first chain cleaning and lubing a successful experience.

In addition to riding, I'm also new to forums. I had a question and I searched around the internet and this forum for a bit looking for an answer, but I couldn't find it. I apologize if it's already been asked. Could anyone tell me how to read my chain replacement indicator? Clymer was a little vague and I'm curious to know which mark I should go off of when measuring against the sticker on the swing arm. My assumption is it's the marking with the arrows, but if that's the case, my chain is in dire need of replacement. I may just be in denial :\

First, I want to point out that if you changed out a sprocket different from the stock set up, which is a 14T up front and 33T on back, then the chain replacement indicator is useless.

If you have a stock sprocket set up, when the arrow reaches the mark farthest from the engine, it's time.

**Kodak** · 08-09-2010, 10:41 AM

Thanks Guba! Yeah, the sticker on my bike looks a little different than what I've found on the internet (I hope it's not an aftermarket in which case I'd assume it's useless. For an 85, this sticker looks fairly clean). The real confusion for me was if it the arrow etching on the metal adjustment plate was the marking I should be using. Well I guess the next adventure is to get a new chain since the arrow is now so far back that it's almost hidden by the swing arm frame. I'm thinking it might be a good idea to put a new chain on there regardless. I knew nothing about chain maintenance when I started riding in April, and I think my chain's slack has been in excess of 2 inches this whole time :S

Thanks again!

**Guba** · 08-10-2010, 12:37 AM

An '85 is supposed to have 108 links. It's possible that your chain just has too many links. Who knows what the PO did for a replacement.

**fastpakr** · 08-10-2010, 01:44 AM

Interesting, I've never removed the sprocket or the wheel to clean the chain. Fill a pump spray bottle with kerosene. Lift the rear wheel by whatever means you prefer. My method of choice is just a standard automotive floor jack on the swingarm. Put the trans in neutral and spray the chain with kerosene as you spin the wheel by hand. Let it soak in for a few seconds, then use a rag and brush to clean off the chain. Within a few minutes you should have all the grit off and a nice clean chain. I usually wipe it down with a rag moistened in a degreaser like Simple Green. Not a large quantity, just enough to get rid of the kerosene. Let it dry for a minute, then spray it with new chain lube. Wipe off the overspray and let it set on the chain for 15 minutes or so before riding. The whole process (not counting the 15 minutes of drying time) shouldn't take more than 5-10 minutes and only needs to be done every couple of weeks for typical on-road riding.

**Fridgitator** · 08-10-2010, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastpakr

Interesting, I've never removed the sprocket or the wheel to clean the chain. Fill a pump spray bottle with kerosene. Lift the rear wheel by whatever means you prefer. My method of choice is just a standard automotive floor jack on the swingarm. Put the trans in neutral and spray the chain with kerosene as you spin the wheel by hand. Let it soak in for a few seconds, then use a rag and brush to clean off the chain. Within a few minutes you should have all the grit off and a nice clean chain. I usually wipe it down with a rag moistened in a degreaser like Simple Green. Not a large quantity, just enough to get rid of the kerosene. Let it dry for a minute, then spray it with new chain lube. Wipe off the overspray and let it set on the chain for 15 minutes or so before riding. The whole process (not counting the 15 minutes of drying time) shouldn't take more than 5-10 minutes and only needs to be done every couple of weeks for typical on-road riding.

I don't drop and scrub the chain every time. I do as you describe for regular maintenance, but any time I have reason to pull the sidecover and chain guard off, I give the chain and general area a good cleaning.

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