The chain is a very important Component
of your Bike as the chain is what powers the rear wheel. The Chain drive
of your bike has to be in proper condition so that the there is no
power dissipation when the power is delivered from the engine via the
cam chain tensioner to the rear wheel. A Bike’s chain, sprocket and the
cam chain tensioner are the main components that transfer power to the
road from the engine. The chain, sprocket technique is the most
efficient method to power the rear wheel and that’s why most of the
bikes employ this method. Some bikes employ Belt driven method like the
Gearless scooter Honda Activa that employs a V-Matic belt driven
transmission system. Big V-twin Bikes like the Suzuki Boulevard 1783 cc
employs a Shaft Driven Transmission system like in a car. The chain cant
handle the extra torque produced by the bigger engine as there is
higher wear and tear so shaft system is used in higher engine capacity
bikes.
Why Chain Maintenance: India is a country, which has
a diverse range of environmental conditions so this ensures that the
chains in your bikes need regular care. Rains, dust, muddy and slushy
roads etc all wreak havoc with your bike’s chain. These days many bikes
come with an O Ring sealed chain, which is exposed to the environment.
The conventional Chain Guard prevents the chain from getting damaged.
The O Ring chains are more prone to wear and tear as they are exposed
and need regular maintenance so that your bike’s chain is healthy.
Conventional Chains also need regular maintenance.
Tips for maintenance of O Ring Chains and conventional Chains: Your
bike’s chain need regular lubrication, cleaning and adjustment. In case
you have a bike which has a conventional chain cover remove it and then
go ahead with the job.
Cleaning: Wash the chain with paraffin, a soft brush
and a piece of cloth and remove the dirt accumulated in the chain.
Don’t use Water as it might rust the chain links because if the water
has salt or minerals or chlorine and sodium it will damage the chain.
After the dirt is cleaned with the brush and paraffin wipe the chain
with a clean dry cloth.
Lubrication: Lubricate the chain links and the chain
with used engine oil. For this you need not buy expensive oils,
whenever you get your bike serviced ask the workshop to give you some
old engine oil in a bottle. Use this used Engine oil and lubricate all
the areas of your bike’s chain by rotating the wheel so that you
lubricate all the areas of the chain. Check if the chain has rusted or
starting to rust if it is, then put more lubricant on the rusted areas.
It is a good idea to touchup with paint in the rusted areas to prevent
further rusting, WD 40 Antirust spray is also helpful. Make sure your
bike is switched off to prevent any injuries to your hand.
Inspection and Adjustment: Check if your bike’s
chain has a free play of 2-4 mm in general by moving the chain up and
down in a vertical direction with your fingers. Your bike’s chain must
have the correct tension and free play of the rear wheel. If the tension
is more the chain wont power the rear wheel smoothly during motion. If
in case the chain is loose, the power delivery from the engine to the
rear wheel wont be optimal and there will be loss of power due to
slippage. Take the bike to your mechanic or service center and get it
adjusted to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Always remember that all the moving parts will affect the performance
of your bikes. The Transmission system in bikes is often overlooked by
many people. You must inspect the Transmission system every three weeks
in general to ensure your bike’s engine and transmission components are
in perfect working order. Remember you bike must not only look good
Cosmetically but also function properly and regular Chain Drive
Maintenance will ensure this and the performance of your bikes wont drop
through passage of time.
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