For all of you who own a chain drive Harley Davidson motorcycle, keep in mind that middleweight bikes drive a power equal to that of a small car through the rear wheel and the drive chain. Chain lube maintenance is a crucial part of making sure your chain does not start eating itself and the sprockets and you are left stranded in the middle of nowhere with your Harley Davidson Bike. Lack of proper lubrication can wear out your chain 3 to 4 times faster. If you are one of those people who use a well-known penetrating oil, the infamous WD-40 as a chain lube then you need to continue reading this article to save your motorcycle’s dear life!
First of all, it is important to do a quick check before every ride. Examine the chain, look for tight spots in the rear wheel, inspect the sprockets for wear and tear and make sure to protect your chain from rust. Make sure to clean your chain before every lubrication. Cleaning should be done using a mild degreaser, preferably with a spray-on-rinse-off formula. Avoid wire brushes to clean the chain links and use an absorbent towel to dry the chain properly. Instead of using pressure washers, use compressed air to blow off any debris left on the chain. If you don’t have the time to clean the chain before every lubrication, cleaning should be done every 700-1000 miles.
Apply the lube using a clean paintbrush when your bike is on its paddock stand, spray-based lubes can also be used. After the lube has been applied, take your bike for a spin around the block at low speeds to let the lube settle in and shake off any excess lube. The chain should be lubricated every 500 miles to ensure its longevity and efficiency.
Things to take care of:
- O-ring style chains need to be warmed up before applying the lube.
- Thin, even coats should be applied while making sure the chain undergoes 3 revolutions before you are done applying the lubricant.
- Make use of specified lubricants for your chain type to prevent them from attacking the chain seal which will expose the inner lubrication in the chain and let debris in.
- Avoid cheaper products as they undergo less testing by the producers.
- Water-based chain cleaners attack the dirt and grime on the chain longer as compared to solvent-based cleaners and are safer for your other bike parts.
- Grease-based lubricants are used in winters whereas dry lubricants are used in summers. Grease-based lubricants are useful in preventing the water from staying on the chain and protect the chain from corrosion.
- Avoid using grease-based lubricants in summers because they tend to stick. Dirt gets stuck on the lubricant which makes it pasty and has a damaging effect on the sprockets and chain of the motorbike.
Checkout our article on the Top 5 Best Seats for Suzuki Hayabusa Motorcycles
Treating your motorcycle the right way is crucial for making sure they last a long time and help in making memories that you can cherish in the days to come. We hope that our to-the-point guide and tips on how to increase the life of your motorcycle chain and properly lubricate it come in handy the next time you do the deed. Till then stay safe and happy driving!
