Motorcycle Chains : Professional maintenance tips

How do you know when to adjust your motorcycles drive chain?
At what point are your chain and sprockets too far gone?
In this video I tackle some common and advanced maintenance tips on lubing and adjust your motorcycle drive chain. There are some common misconceptions about how your chain wears and how to adjust it. So I wanted to take some time and hit all of the above.
Enjoy!
Chain lube that I feel is the best on the market?
Blue Tac chain lube
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[@jamesphelps9573]

Keep up the good work Cody! Picked up my R6 and it’s my first chain driving bike. Always posting the bomb content! 🤙🤙🤙🤙

[@saul78oldrite]

This channel is a bargain! Being long time Honda fan and rider I have found tons of most valuable info! Thanks a lot for sharing it all bro! ;-)

[@MsnTX]

Great work Cody. Very informative.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Thanks man!

[@ANEVOLOVER]

Just replaced the chain this week on my build. Wasn't sure about how to adjust and what to look for. Now i know. Great video!

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

BOOM! thanks man!

[@rickdff62]

Great video. Re: lubing the chain. I do the old school way of using gear oil and a paint brush. I have a 1981 GL500i and that's whats recommeded but I'm thinking of trying the brand you showed. Thanks!

[@MrBrody1961]

Your making great videos.....keep up the good work!!!

[@Raised_by_God]

Cody, you're DA BOSS!!!

[@adjbob56]

The Grease Ninja is a great tool for putting the lube only over the O-ring area. I am not affiliated with them but have used the product for several years, lots of videos show it in use. Wedging something between sprocket and chain (motion pro makes a tool, or use screwdriver) then gently move the wheel to snug up the chain and that takes out the slack to ensure the axle is really pushed against the adjusters on both sides. May not be vital on that bike, but you mentioned axle adjusters of other styles. Like your Honda 750 Nighthawk, uses different adjusters. I have one too, and there is nothing to really keep the axel from moving out of alignment - and it could be out of alignment when tighten axle if don't force that wheel forward (hard, not just a hand lifting chain to take out slack) Also the alignment, those 1/8" marks are helpfull but really a ballpark reference. As you know there are tools and tricks to align the rear wheel. I use the motion pro alignment tool, and put a longer rod on it (just find 1/8 inch rod that is really straight at the hardware store) Great video, I respect your experience.

[@steven-vn9ui]

I like your style, you speak common sense in a way that's easy to follow. Also that train!! haha

[@bobvansand6346]

Cool startup music dude! For me its refresh course for 20 yearsago course motorcycletechnique, real good content and presentatation. Respect, Bob Belgium kawa volcan500 oldschool, Bmw 100 rs , Bmw 80Gs...

[@apistosig4173]

this is pretty basic stuff but...so seldom understood...great presentation.

[@naps3386]

Best device I ever installed on my chain bikes is a Loobman chain oiler. Inexpensive, super simple, I have yet to wear out any wipers in probably 30,000 plus miles of riding. It is genius.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

WOW! I have never heard of one of those. I’ll check them out!

[@naps3386]

TheMotorcycleMD Yep, the guy is in the UK, they are like $20 and you can use any kind of oil that flows, Ive always used 10w-40. Simply press the button for a couple seconds before you launch. It's especially nice on long trips and riding through rain. I just wipe my wheel off after every few rides, I'd much rather do that than deal with the chain.

[@mason3307]

Awesome awesome vid. Thanks. My ninja had a super tight spot an the rest was super sloppy. It caused a lurching rocking motion back and forth while holding throttle. I adjusted it a hundred times and it never felt right. I have a brand new chain ready to go so I hope this will get it running great.

[@johncarlson8029]

Nice shirt very cool. You are going to end up with your own show and won't have to work anymore. I'm in VA and wish I was right there working with you. Cuz you are in my alley and that's what I do best plus cafe racers....I love it keep em coming

[@ZippoVarga]

As always, great content Cody! Got a bad head gasket on the GL1000...left side. Easy enough with the boxer engine. Now to find an OEM Head Gasket! lol The rest of the bike is checking out ok so far. For safety sake, I'll be rebuilding all three calipers, changing the timing belts, replacing cam and valve seals while I'm at it. Another wiring nightmare ahead of me, but there's only a couple nipped wires. I also plan to solder the Stator connector wires at the pigtail by the battery to avoid any issues down the road. Just another project at the Zippo Ranch lol. Cheers Brother! Zip~

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Thanks man! Definitely hardware the stator harness! Best of luck on your head gasket!

[@Gazgit555]

NEW SUBSCRIBER FROM A RECOMMENDATION FROM MATT(workshop) .... GREAT CHANNEL MUKA !

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Thanks man! Great to have you!

[@pedrosousa7493]

Awesome bike on the lift 👌

[@stevenfarmwald6979]

Great video! Is it a good idea to clean the chain before lubrication?

[@shoe612]

I had the same thought on the aluminum sprocket part! Right before you said it!l lol Great vid! Thanks!

[@claytons8263]

Hello gr8 vid I have a 99 Magna 750c I'm.going to be needing a new o or x chain but I also would like to change the rear sprocket and upgrade the drive sprocket to a 27 tooth what do you recommend and are there kits for this?

[@ukusagent]

Hi Cody back in the day (before O ring chains) , we used too boil them in Linklife, I think Pultoline do something still called Chain wax , Basically its a big can of solid chain lube you heat up , allow the chain too immerse the chain in and the grease flows into all the rollers you then hang it up to Cool and set and the excess drips back in the pan , It wont fix a knackered chain, but it will extend the life of a good one quite a bit , Obviously its not intended for Oring chains . Don't know if you had come across it . As some bikes Like My CCM it was impossible to put an oring chain on as they where too wide

[@boomstickjr2]

Small tip, get a small funnel ( big enough top for room ), cut bottom off at a point that chain could fit thru hole, then cut straight down the top section left. Instant chain lube guard.. keeps the chain lube from getting all over rear rim and tire.

[@IchibanMoto]

another excellent tutorial ! ps. my sprocket weighs more than two beers.. life is a struggle

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

😂😂😂

[@ryanshanahan91]

Honda also recommends anti-seize on the chain adjusters doesn't it? I know on my CRF it does. I learned the hard way and had one snap. Learned the aluminum and steel don't mix. Lots of applications have them mixing, but after looking at my honda factory manual it says to anti-seize them because when water is introduced they fuse themselves together. Is that not the case of other honda bikes like this f4i?

[@rockymay2306]

I think your doing a pretty good job one thing though. I would have liked have seen the drive sprocket replacement, I have a 2002 Honda phantom TA200, I bought a new sprocket set and chain, someone else jumped in to help and removed the drive sprocket and I did not see how it was locked in position. There is the splined drive shaft on which the sprocket slides on, either side in the sprocket are two threaded bolt holes, then there is a separate 'ovoid' locking?? plate with corresponding holes. With the sprocket on the shaft and the holes of the plate lined up with the holes in the sprocket ... the indents in the plate are out of line with the shaft splines? If I were to tighten the bolts, the plate does not go over the shaft end and the sprocket is not fixed and will pull off, if I line up the the indentations on the plate with the splines it goes straight on but obviously the holes are out with the sprocket .... what am I missing?? I am hoping your Honda background has the solution ....and if you do know of any way on gods green earth to get a Honda phantom TA 200 Maintenance manual 'not the owners manual' I would be much obliged, I think there is more chance of finding chickens teeth... keep up the good work

[@mreed2897]

Cody, When changing sprockets and chains together, what about converting sizes? 630 vs 520 chain setups. ? Pros? Cons? BTW.. I forgot to pick up my free gift on the way out... next time... Mike. P.S. I gave a bud a free pair of my HD gloves and he ordered a box using the discount code you had set up. Thanks for the product recommendation!

[@Kro_man_tx]

Do you prefer a riveted master link (the kind you have to mushroom out the head) or the kind that just clips in place on the side?

[@denisrailey777]

Rivet stronger for bigger loads.

[@radioaktivejay]

this is a complete explanation you can find on the internet!!

[@davec6244]

Great videos, I've learned a lot. I have a brand new chain on my 1975 CB750. It has some tight spots for sure. I adjusted it to the tight spots which means the loose spots are a little beyond recommended tension. Sprocket seems to be in good shape. Any ideas how to fix that?

[@gilbertreeves2084]

Dave..Put a dial indicator or other measuring device on the rear sprocket and see if the sprocket is out of round or the hub mounts are worn..Cheers.

[@daveco1270]

@@gilbertreeves2084 I finally got a dial indictor and you were right, the rear sprocket does seem to be a little out of round. Not by much, but it wouldn't take much to create tight spots on the chain. How do I go about fixing that? Would new wheel bearings help? Since I posted my original question (under a different YT account) I've put brand new front and rear sprockets on my bike along with a brand new chain, and it still has some tight spots. It would be nice to get that fixed.

[@gilbertreeves2084]

@@daveco1270 Did you check the front sprocket for roundness.? Countershaft bearing is good.? rear rubber dampers have no play.? Swingarm bearings good.? After market sprockets probably have wider tolerances than stock ones just dont know. Everyone has your problem, Thats why they alway`s say adjust it at the tightest point.Its okay to be picky about it but its something i never worry about. Did you get an 0-ring chain to fit.?

[@gosoku2771]

Hey, where is your shop located? Thanks

[@cunningpunt]

Chain wear does not cause tight spots. A brand new chain can have tight spots. Its caused by concentricity on the sprockets, i.e. the rear sprocket (or both) are not perfectly centered on the shaft(s). As the wheel moves round the sprocket in effect moves closer or further away from the drive shaft, lenthening and shortening the chain tension. Thats why the tight spot always syncs up with a certain point on the wheel rotation.

[@vengefulvegan]

Quick one about chains not stretching. I just purchased a new chain for an old CT110 and on the packet it says that the chain has been "pre stretched"? I've also found it is really difficult to get the back wheel straight as these old bikes don't even have markers on the adjusters to let you know how straight you are. Any suggestions on how to check how straight the back wheel is?

[@vengefulvegan]

I forgot to add that my everyday ride is a VL800 which I fell in love with because it's a shaft drive with a low centre of gravity, almost like riding a comfy rocking chair down the road. When you become an old coot like me, low maintenance shaft drives are the very attractive option.

[@itsnotaball4887]

Buy a dot or line laser chain aligner, dot lasers are a lot cheaper and do a great job. Makes the job way easy.

[@vengefulvegan]

I've never heard of such a thing but just googled it and yep, I'm gonna get one. Thanks for the tip.

[@hankhamadi3410]

Hi cody, do u think using kerosene to clean the chain up, is a good idea?

[@notamotorbikemechanic]

Hi, excuse me for sticking my nose in. I’ve used kerosene/Paraffin for years. Great for removing dirt and grease, and I believe (correct me if I’m wrong) safe to use on chains. 👍🏼🏍

[@inthenameofjustice8811]

What do you prefer, chain or shaft drive?

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Honestly, doesn’t matter to me. Shaft drive has less maintenance for sure. Also the reaction to the throttle is different. Chain drive lags a little. BUT personally all I own are chain drive bikes

[@themarvelousvintage76]

Usually when you starting tighten the axel nut the chain get little bit more tight.....

[@lordofbasement]

Motorcycle MD - original only with Trainhorn :-)

[@katana258]

clean adjust if needed , lube .every 500 miles simple done

[@exothermal.sprocket]

What's your experience and/or opinion about automatic chain oilers? I'm sure it's a long subject, but no need to get deeply detailed. Seems like the high-tack lubricants can work really well for a period of time, but also create a crud magnet turning it into a polishing paste that causes wear instead of inhibiting wear (ironically the same as what happens to engine oil that gets neglected). Seems like a like coating of more simple non-tacky oils/lubes would evacuate crud/grit by the centrifugal force of the chain, while greatly reducing all the maintenance work.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Nothing but a mess? There wouldn't be about 6 chain oiler brands today for sale, unless they offered something other than a mess.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Do you really believe they "pee" oil on the streets as you say? More than the average Harley Davidson? No. They carefully and precisely meter one drop at a time directly on the rear sprocket and with centrifugal force spread the film of that oil across the chain and rollers. The mess comes from hosing down the chain every 500 miles with a nozzle from a compressed can of sticky snot. People don't look at their bikes in the first place. Refraining from an auto oiler isn't going to motivate them to check the chain. I work in mechanical engineering for a living and have owned 10 bikes (one at a time) by now and have demo ridden (or otherwise) over 50 different models of bikes. I research stuff just because I'm interested. I'm not ignorant how roller chains work and how they use lubrication.

[@blightedmonkey]

@@exothermal.sprocket not arguing about the topic. But there is no such thing as centrifugal force. That's a common mistake. There is such a thing as centripetal force. The belief of the existence of centrifugal force is due to a lack of knowledge. A common one is the belief that when your in a car that's making a turn at road speed it is centrifugal force that pushes you out towards the door. What is actually happening is the magnitude of the vehicle is changing while yours is not. I don't think I'm explaining it really well....I'm sorry if I'm not. Let's try this. Your riding passenger in a car traveling 50 m/s. You inside the car are also traveling 50 m/s. When the car turns left its magnitude changes by some degree be it 20, 30, 90 whatever but you are still traveling foward at 50 m/s. Your not pushed out towards the door but the door is actually pulled into you.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

I took physics, statics, algebra, trig, geometry, strength of materials, and more in college. Centrifugal force is a thing, otherwise it wouldn't be a word with a definition. I do know about centripetal force.

[@blightedmonkey]

@@exothermal.sprocket then you should know it's a fictitious force only "experienced" in certain conditions from certain reference points. But it doesn't actually exist. So to attribute it in real scenarios as an answer as to why somthing is happening is dumb. Also it's a fictitious outward force, not an inward force so if it did exist it would be pushing the oil OFF the chain as it spun.

[@bobvansand6346]

Dont have a chain but i looked...im a the only one?🤣🇧🇪🍺 Bob The Belgian.

[@xray19871]

Where is Dave ?

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Who’s knows?

[@robcroft8086]

Lot's of info to go with your tutorial's...Honda Common Service Manual www.carlsalter.com/download.asp?p=1256 Also avail e-bay amazon Honda etc...

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

I own 70s,80s and 2000s common service manuals for Honda!

[@Naigan210489]

"Just reach down there two fingers... If you reach down there and it's nice and wet, you're good to go..." I didn't chuckle, honest.

[@exanimisrex3808]

Gavin L be careful, you are telling on yourself, lol

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

😂😂😂

[@TheStriker0525]

rear tyre lifter? you mean a paddock stand lol

[@m.b8257]

Get on with it already.

[@johnh1001]

Clean off all the old oil grease and what ever sand has stuck to your chain at the spray gun car wash . Put your bike up on the centre stand , start up , put it in 1st gear and the rear wheel will rotate slowly . Then point the spray gun at the chain at 4 or 5 different angles. Then point at the rear sprocket and clean it also . Then remove your drive sprocket cover and blast out that area also . It will come out very clean and no chemicals are used . bye bye !

[@therealdeal3217]

It you can actually create corrosion using hydro sprayer or car wash. And you’ll blow the grease out of the rollers. So there YOU go. Bye bye