Guide to motorcycle chain care: tensioning, cleaning, lubricating!

Reading time 4 Min.

The Motorcycle chain lifespan can be a problem child or a long-running problem - depending on how well it is cared for. From barely 8.000 kilometers if neglected, up to 60.000 kilometers with careful care the spectrum is sufficient. Play while doing it tension, Cleaning and Lubrication a crucial role. Tighten Therefore, always adjust the chain correctly to avoid settings that are too loose or too tight; Both can lead to premature wear or even chain breakage. Correct chain tension not only protects the chain itself, but also the gear and bearings from damage. The Rule of thumb The correct tension can be found in the bike manual. It is particularly important that there is still minimal play when the suspension is fully compressed.

Motorcycle chain care

The Cleaning is indispensable and should be at least all 2.500 km or even clear when used off-road more often take place. But it's not just about the appearance of the chain, because dirt and sand particles sitting between the plates can damage the O-rings and drastically shorten their service life. Use this NUR specific chain cleaner and avoid aggressive solvents, which could damage the O-rings. The Lubrication of course it should after cleaning and when the chain is completely dry. A good Kettenspray ensures less friction and wear. The choice between fatty and “Dry Lube” chain sprays depends on personal preferences. While greasy sprays have one better corrosion protection offer, pull dry sprays no dirt and keep the environment cleaner.

As an alternative, a cardan drive?

Some bikers even choose one fully automatic chain lubrication systemto reduce maintenance costs. It provides one constant lubrication and extends the intervals between manual care units. If you want to avoid the maintenance effort entirely, you could switch to a motorcycle Cardan drive think. But be careful: The chain drive has its advantages, such as lower friction losses and more direct power transmission. It is also easier to change the gear ratio for the race track. In summary, caring for your motorcycle chain is not a chore, but rather an investment in longevity and performance. With the right eye for tensioning, cleaning and lubricating, you can avoid expensive repairs.

Summary information about chain lubrication:

• Lifespan of a well-maintained motorcycle chain: Up to 60.000 km
• Lifespan of a neglected chain: Barely 8.000 km
• Average lifespan: Approximately 25.000 km
• Main stand: Makes care easier by allowing the rear wheel to rotate freely
• Chain types: Standard, O-ring, X-Ring, XW-Ring, Quadring
• O-ring chains: Sealed with Permanent fat filling, lower friction losses
• Cleaning interval: Approx. all of them 2.500 km, more common in the field
• Cleaning supplies: Use special cleaners, not aggressive solvents
• Lubrication interval: Every few hundred to 1.000 km
• Chain spray: Dry Lube vs. greasy spray; Dry Lube prevents dirt from adhering
• Chain tension: Avoid setting too loose or too tight
• Chain change: When visible shark teeth or if the chain can be lifted up to the tooth tips of the chainring
• Chain tension adjustment: About eccentric or slider, setting values ​​must be identical on both sides
• Checking the chain tension: At several points on the wheel to check for varying chain slack

Which care products are the best?

• S100 White Chain Spray 2.0
  • Provider: Dr. OK Wack
  • Price: 17,99 EUR for 400 ml
  • test winner with perfect lubrication performance
  • Excellent corrosion protection
• Procycle Dry Lube chain spray
  • Provider: Louis
  • Price: 9,99 EUR for 400 ml
  • Buying tip with top price-performance
  • Optimum throwing behavior
• S100 Dry Lube chain spray
  • Provider: Dr. OK Wack
  • Price: 17,99 EUR for 400 ml
  • Minor soiling
  • Impeccable creeping ability
• WD-40 Specialist Motorbike Chain Spray
  • Supplier: WD-40 Company
  • Price: 13,29 EUR for 400 ml
  • Perfectly dosed
  • Excellent throwing properties
• Liqui Moly chain spray white
  • Provider: Liqui Moly
  • Price: 13,99 EUR for 400 ml
  • Perfect corrosion protection
  • Satisfactory lubrication performance
• Motul Chain Lube Road+ C2+
  • Provider: Motul
  • Price: 14,99 EUR for 400 ml
  • Minor soiling
  • Sufficient lubrication performance
• PDL Profi Dry Lube
  • Provider: Profi-Products
  • Price: 16,95 EUR for 400 ml
  • Still sufficient lubrication performance
  • Excellent throwing properties
• Castrol Chain Spray OR
• • Supplier: Castrol
  • Price: 14,99 EUR for 400 ml
  • Excellent corrosion protection
  • Good lubrication performance
• Racing Dynamite White Chain Spray
  • Provider: Polo
  • Price: 8,99 EUR for 400 ml
  • Satisfactory lubrication performance
  • Excellent visibility
• Racing Dynamite Dry Lube chain spray
  • Provider: Polo
  • Price: 9,99 EUR for 400 ml
  • Good lubrication performance
  • Excellent creeping ability

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