Adventure Motorcycle Chain Maintenance Honda Africa Twin and other bikes

If you have a chain final drive motorcycle, its important to clean and check the tension regularly to insure the longevity of the chain and sprockets. In this video, Ill show you how to clean and adjust your chain on the Honda Africa Twin which will be the same for most chain drive motorcycles
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[@timothyjohnson839]

Jesus this video was satisfying to watch. Nothing beats a clean chain lol

[@posterestantejames]

you don’t have to fill silences with words. It’s okay. Just add words when you really need to. I love the addition of your family’s dinner announcement. (melted my heart)

[@larrypeplinski593]

Call me dense, but this maybe the 4th time to watch this. I'm glad that you're just as friendly each time.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Glad to help!

[@VanderBori]

"overtight rear axel nuts" tip is very usefull. Thanks man.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

You bet!

[@user-uk3ky6qc2n]

Just picked up an 890 after riding belt drives for the last 20 years. I'd watch a whole maintenance series with you! Nicely done and thanks!

[@drdebrillos8909]

Thanks man I like your straight forward approaches and help, thanks for putting the time in, it really helps out man

[@mustang281100]

Thanks For the Tip I just bought the Motion Pro Chain Tool. You have the Best Honda Africa Twin Videos.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Thanks, thats a big compliment!

[@micksimbad3745]

Thank you for this video, it helped answer all my questions, turns out my chain is super loose and now I know I don't need to take it to a shop because tightening is easy! Thanks again, you got yourself a new subscriber

[@nickgrant2249]

Thank you BAM. Really good information. Will be doing this tomorrow. All the best from England.

[@patrickcooper9641]

Hello there Kyle, great detailed video on chain maintenance. This is pretty much how I did it back in my days. I started with a 500 XT. No chains in the last 20 years but this might change extremely soon when I get my 700 Tenere! Cheers

[@RaptorPackAdventures]

Thank you for the clear instructions. I’m a brand new owner of a KLR 650 and have no knowledge of maintenance and cleaning the bike. Best video I’ve seen yet. Now I have to put the center stand back on and find a table. Lol 😆

[@michaelneijenhoff7201]

Watched this video and Chanel for the first time. With 30 od years riding and maintenance experience i was impressed with your video, tips, and nowledge. A lot of similar tips and tricks same here but learned a few more. So thank you! Subscribed to your Chanel and looking forward to see more.

[@chiliboom6140]

Thank you for the video, friend! Very informative with easy to follow instructions. Cheers!

[@cottageadvlife]

This is a really detailed, step by step video. This is a good video to keep as reference.

[@simonjohn249]

Great video tutorial, will look out for both the Motion Pro & Chain monkey tools.

[@dabike]

Best guidance on chain maintenance I have ever seen!

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Thanks for watching

[@BlackThor15]

Great video and very useful, thank you for sharing it, well done. Stay safe!!

[@AllThingsCloudie]

Great video, thanks for the clarification on types of chains.

[@larrypeplinski593]

Thanks Kyle. I will check out the tools too.

[@ayman-8455]

Thank you for the details, very useful clip. Thank you very much

[@jannepartanen2665]

Thanks from Finland.Stay safe

[@MrManaal]

Good content brother. Look forward to your videos every week. Respect from INDIA 🙏🏾

[@backcountryadvmoto]

I appreciate that! 🙌

[@ibrahimalshammari5773]

Nice thanks for the good quality explanation

[@AutoMan84]

Thanks for the guide, now its time to set the chain slack on my AT.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Have fun!

[@peetee49]

Very informative 👍

[@charlessykes6927]

Appreciate the advice, Thanks

[@hardworkingamerican8847]

Cool info . Agree with you on the wax . I have a bunch of small bottles of it that I found in a storage unit and have been using it for 5 years now , not on my motorcycle but my mountain bike and 2000w lithium 60v scooter that I have my dog chase me on . We have a small park that I can take her running on and that chain gets real dirty real quick . Usually don't fuss too much about it but that attitude is different with maintaining my motorcycle . Looks like I have to get rid of more crap in the garage because that table lift is just what the doctor ordered . I have to get a flash drive and load it with all the how to videos and so far a couple of yours will be one it . Have fun on your ride !

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Thanks for watching. If you search craigslist or facebook you can usually find a used one for cheap 👍

[@fatviv2194]

Thank you thank you thank you !! Great video 👍

[@MrJohnnynapalm7]

Really good explanations - thanks for sharing 👍

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Glad it was helpful!

[@fuzimuf]

Once again, a great video. And another 6 beer task 😝🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🥳👌

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Thanks again!

[@ShooterMedic1818]

Love your vids man.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Thanks! And thanks for watching

[@RidetheBean]

Thank you for showing this in detail. Very useful for a noob like me 😝

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Glad it was helpful!

[@biophillie]

I like you. You talk straight..

[@mardelplatalimousines3423]

Awesome, many thanks!

[@backcountryadvmoto]

You're welcome!

[@Kemrer]

Thank you

[@aeror115]

Now I want to jump into my garage for some maintenance work on the bikes 😂

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Its the best therapy

[@AdventureTravelandScuba]

excellent video i just made the similar one realising today with addition of spricket and chain replacement 👍

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Nice 👍

[@AdventureTravelandScuba]

@@backcountryadvmoto KZbin freshmen 😂 started my channel in last November

[@shugyoforyou211]

I love the unscripted message from "your sponsor" 😂👍

[@backcountryadvmoto]

If you’re talking about the chain monkey, this video was not sponsored. I bought this tool with my own money several years ago. It’s just something that I like using to save time

[@KIANSBD]

thank you

[@lw8447]

thanks !!

[@sbreslin41]

Great video

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Tim for FTA uses this as well. havent tried it yet. Ill have to give it a try

[@-C.T.-]

Thanks for the great content you put up related to the AT. I just recently bought the Rugged Roads Acerbis chain block similar to what you have and wanted to ask about how much additional noise the piece adds when the wheel is rotating? Mine really seems to be rubbing on the (sides) of the chain and makes a considerable amount of noise. I'm wondering about additional wear on the chain if it is rubbing as it passes through the block. Thoughts?

[@randygantt1]

I just added the ACERBIS Chain Guide on my 2017 AT...did yours rub a little on the side of the chain out of the gate? I have tried to adjust is and it will not completely go away. I assume it will rub down over time. Great videos, awesome channel! Thank you.

[@plympytheplumber4605]

K1 is the best chain cleaner! makes for some good tire shine too 😜

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Good to know!

[@curtn7076]

I wish the belt drive was used more on adventure bikes. Quite, way less maintenance and lasts about 10X longer. I had a Buell Ulysses with belt drive for years and what a Time saver that was.

[@clintonfrizzell8467]

Just so I'm clear, what kind of beer should I be using to clean my chain?? Love the channel, thanks for all the great clips, new subscriber!!

[@backcountryadvmoto]

None, dont waist the beer! Thanks for the sub!

[@snowcityrider4114]

Very interesting video. good adjusting tips and tool recommendations. Started following you since the Pacific Divide series (which is a bucket list item personally) and keep enjoying your content. keep it up

[@backcountryadvmoto]

+SnowCityRider Thanks! I appreciate you following along

[@othoapproto9603]

Hey, Drive shafters don't think your off the hook, He's talking to you too. Check your differential oil often.

[@baldandbiking]

Asking because I haven't tried this yet, but looks like you only loosen or tighten the axle nut on the far side. So the nut facing you doesn't turn. Correct?

[@BML5054]

Congratulations for your channel, awesome content. A quick question, why did you went with bark busters Storm instead of the vps ones? Cheers

[@backcountryadvmoto]

I went with the storms for no real reason except for the fact that I live in north idaho and the weather can change at any moment so I wanted the most coverage as possible.

[@scottboyan]

The manual says that lock nut (the 12mm) should be torqued to 20 lb-ft. How do you get that torqued down correctly?

[@jeffward7502]

I noticed that my swing are has that hard plastic guard on both top and bottom. I suppose as long as I measure both the upper and lower position of the chain from that plastic guard on the bottom of the swing arm, it should be good. I measure 1.25 inches so it appears I should be good.

[@richardsprings1414]

Would you have any aftermarket products for the Africa twin you would be interest in selling

[@vtrack1963]

Great tutorial! You explained each detail well, and this will help me (new bike owner). Both your video and the Revzill@ video suggest using kerosene as a cleaning agent, and in both videos it worked great. My 2019 Suzuki DL1000A/XA manual (page 7-31) specifically says to NOT use kerosene or other volatile cleaning agents. I’m not sure why since Suzuki sealed chains seem to be the same or similar to other manufacturers sealed chains. Does your AT manual have a similar restriction? Also, I think you have convinced me I need a lift/table. Looks like it makes most jobs easier.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

That interesting that is specifically says not kerosene, because it is not considered to be a volatile cleaning agent. Kerosene has been used by the pros for years with all types of chains.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

And no, the AT manual mentions to use the Honda cleaner or similar

[@vtrack1963]

Backcountry Adventure Motorsports Thank you for the response. I think I will use it when I run out of the expensive cleaner I bought in cans. An o-ring chain on one bike shouldn’t be any different than that on another. From the videos, I think the kerosene works better.

[@resonantcasevids]

For maintenance jobs you use a Harbor Freight motorcycle platform lift. Wondering why you chose this over the smaller (easier to store) and cheaper scissor lifts that support the bike only in the middle? Thanks!

[@backcountryadvmoto]

First off, great question and thanks for watching. I got the lift used and barley pain $100 for it. secondly, I have 8 motorcycles and this works for all of them. Try changing the oil with a scissor lift that supports it in the middle. 😬I use this lift because it can get lift the bike up very high and it is convenient for me, so its just my preference.

[@eltonsmith2931]

what Acrebis chain guide is that? Their website doesn't show any results for CRF1000. Did you have to mod one to fit? Any details appreciated.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

www.advmotorrad.com/rugged-roads-acerbis-2-0-chain-guide-crf1000l-africa-twin

[@ashwin0985]

👍

[@richm4402]

Good video, I would like to respectably disagree with your comment about overtightening the axle nut damaging the wheel bearings. There's a spacer inside the wheel that sits tight against the inner bearing race preventing this from happening. With that said, a torque wrench should always be used to tighten the axle nut to the correct torque ( as you did) keep up the good work!

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Thanks for the tidbit. I'm not arguing this at all, and it may be true that the space is there to help prevent over tightening, but id like you to try something next time you have the rear wheel off. Try putting it back on without the chain or the brake caliper. Then torque it to spec. Spin the wheel and it should spin as normal. Then give the nut at least one half to a full rotation and spin it again. You will notice some resistance and it doesn't spin as freely. This leads me to believe that it will cause damage if over tightened. Just my observation.

[@richm4402]

@@backcountryadvmoto You are correct, an over tightened axle nut will sometimes cause an increase in rolling resistance. The parts of the axle assembly work together as a precise unit. Overtightening may cause the internal spacer to 'crush ' slightly causing an increase in axial loading to the complete assembly. As you pointed out, a torque wrench should always be used. With that said, 99% of wheel bearing failures are from the ingress of grit, mud, water etc.

[@ur-cb8xo]

How are you gonna keep up with this on long trips? You gonna carry bottles of chain cleaner and lube? thats why driveshaft seems better on touring bikes

[@utahbones3094]

👍🏼

[@solstar4778]

What about the auto oilers that are available?

[@backcountryadvmoto]

I personally dont have any experience with them. Not that they dont work, but just never messed with one.

[@markbright7845]

My Chain Monkey instructions say to remove the black plastic cap from the. domed nut before use.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

+Mark Bright That’s funny that you say that because you’re probably the second or third person that I said that. I have one of the originals and it does not say that in mine. If you watch the chain monkey video on their site it is left on to protect the chain, but I guess it really doesn’t matter now, because when I made this video the black cap on mine finally broke off, so I guess I’ll be leaving it off from here on out haha 😂

[@markbright7845]

Backcountry Adventure Motorsports to be fair, I bought the whole set of banana lube, chain cleaner, wheel roller stand and cleaning brush with the Chain Monkey about two or three years ago, and only read the instruction about the cap last week 😂

[@KimCruz1]

Thanks for the vid man! Have you tried any dry chain lube before and is it better for riding on dirt or dusty conditions? Also what do you do when you’re on a long trip (300+ miles) in normal or dusty conditions? Do you clean and lube everyday or just lube or just leave it till you get back home? Thanks man really like your channel!

[@Danny-xb3kd]

Kim Cruz just try and wipe some grime off with a rag and just add lube or wax to the inside orings and call it a day.

[@KimCruz1]

@@Danny-xb3kd thanks man! Also just wanted to add a followup question if you guys know the answer- when using kerosene in a concrete garage do you have problems cleaning up? I don't use kerosene at the moment only for that reason. Appreciate the inputs!

[@Danny-xb3kd]

Kim Cruz just spray kerosine on a rag and use it to wipe up the dirt, that way you don’t make a mess. If it’s really dirty lay cardboard on the ground and go to town with the kerosine and grunge brush. Wipe it off and then live only the inside part of the chain focusing only on the o rings!

[@Danny-xb3kd]

Kim Cruz then wipe any excess lube and you’re good to go

[@KimCruz1]

Danny thanks a lot man!!

[@stevek4449]

So sprocket and chain life cycles are 1:1? Thought like one sprocket every 2 or 3 chains. However the wear imbalance makes sense for 1:1 ratio.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

It really depends on your riding conditions and all, but swapping them all at once insured even wear. Not to mention, the intervals are so long, it’s not a big expense to just do them all at the same time even if the sprockets are toast yet.

[@Felvisfelvisovich]

oh my......i use KETTENMAX tool from german guys mb you dicide to take a look to it

[@jseaschippychorley]

Great idea to soak your tyre in Parafin OIL ???

[@backcountryadvmoto]

It doesn’t harm it at all. Just makes sure and wipe it off. This has been done for decades in the race community.

[@mikefyten7761]

With a sealed O or X ring chain I don't understand the need to lubricate the chain. I clean mine if dust and dirt but add no additional lubrication. It attracts dirt and does not penetrate into the area of the chain that needs the lube due to the O or X ring design.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

+Michael Fyten I kinda get what you mean, but every O or X ring manufacturer says to service it this way regularly for longevity.

[@smled9256]

Michael Fyten its to protect it from corrosion

[@dragankovacevic5066]

the place You spray the chain is wrong what after with cerosin back tyre

[@generoush3823]

What do you think about automatic oilers?

[@backcountryadvmoto]

This is just my opinion, but I think they are great for road riding but not something I’d want off road or in dusty environments. I know that seems backwards and you would think having one in dusty environments would be better, but not only are they not built to take the off-road abuse, but the caking up of oil and dirt can cause other issues like counter shaft seal issues and more . Just my 2 cents

[@generoush3823]

@@backcountryadvmoto Thanks

[@Jotx]

You should print new towels "Just Grease"

[@backcountryadvmoto]

+Jotx Trail love that idea!

[@glenklawitter938]

FYI remove plastic black cap from domed nut per how to use chain monkey or did i read that wrong before set one

[@backcountryadvmoto]

That’s is correct on the new version. I have the very first version and my directions say to keep in on. I don’t leave it on any more though.

[@glenklawitter938]

Backcountry Adventure Motorsports great videos ,, I’m getting ready for a week in woods around franklin NC ,, fire roads , etc with a base camp , If you ever head east I did about 20 k miles in 6 month ... I got a ton of twisties 90 percent hard top but now getting ready for cooler weather and back woods ... I truly enjoy all ur videos !!!

[@MagicRoosterBluesBand]

The kerosene won't wreck the rubber on the rear tire?

[@backcountryadvmoto]

No not at all actually. Kerosene is actually a very gentle solvent.

[@MagicRoosterBluesBand]

@@backcountryadvmoto excellent. Thank you!

[@kohinoore]

kerosene could be too aggressive for rings - besides, it has creeping abilities to penetrate into the lubrication zone and effectively cleaning that also. so while chain may look spotless afterwards, it's not the same chain inside, in a nutshell

[@backcountryadvmoto]

What you are saying makes some since, but race teams have been cleaning chains this way for decades. Funny enough the guys over at RevZilla.com did a similar video and they used the same thing .

[@thepanel2935]

600 miles is 1000 kilometres.

[@509FUN]

That kerosene can not be good for the tire in the long run, I’m sure it’s not killer right away but I guarantee that makes it weaker that a tire that hasn’t been soaked in kerosene.. at very least I’d make sure to not spray the tire with it just to be safe. I’d expect it to be a bit slick after that as well. Maybe I’m wrong though!

[@backcountryadvmoto]

I do wash it off and to be honest, I go through at least two tires a season. So I think the tread wears out faster than the compound would breakdown on the sideway. Done theirs for years and have never had any issues. Do a quick search on google and you will find that others do this as well. A saw recently that Revzilla even used This method on one of their videos.

[@hwobstj]

If you always have diesel fuel on hand, like I do, you can use that instead of kerosene. #2 diesel fuel, the most common and cheapest, is way cheaper than kerosene, by 50% or more. Just a side note on that, stay away from biodiesel as generally it’s use requires special polymer o rings and seals and I don’t know how oring chains would tolerate it.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

great tip. Thanks. I always have Diesel in a can or two. I ll give it a shot next time.

[@terrystratford1235]

I use diesel as an oil flush! Drain oil, replace with diesel, run for 30 seconds, drain!

[@fishing-4x4]

Please don't spay it on the tire. Could be very dangerous, the tire gets very slippery with kerosine

[@backcountryadvmoto]

I always clean it after. Plus hard to be slippery when you ride 90% dirt😂 but in all seriousness yes always clean it after

[@fishing-4x4]

@@backcountryadvmoto yea on dirt it doesn't matter though

[@tmark1301cc]

Call me a dumbass, but you lost me 5:20 in.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Nah you are good man. This is just a close up at the rear sprocket and what to look for as far as wear goes. Sorry if that was confusing

[@tmark1301cc]

@@backcountryadvmoto not confusing, I just couldn't get into watching yesterday. I also use kerosene, and I place a strip of cardboard between the chain and rear wheel. Also, my KTM, on the center stand for checking slack.