Looking After Your Chain - Essential Motocross Maintenance
While taking care of a motocross chain is one of the most chief forms of motocross maintenance, it is also one that is regularly ignored by most riders. Many riders, whether they are bordering on semi-pro or are just starting out must constantly ensure that their motocross chain is frequently kept in tip top shape. This doesn't just mean cleaning, but also means adjusting the chain, as well as making sure both front and rear sprockets are in A1 condition at all times. Regardless of this fact, most riders select to ignore manufacturer's guidelines and skip or cut corners when doing their routine motocross maintenance.
Neglecting motocross maintenance and your chain in particular can have terrible effects on your bike and your wallet.
A few tips:
- Make sure your chain is cleaned the best of your ability every single time you ride. Removing your chain from your bike is the best way to make sure that you are cleaning your chain effectively. Many motoring outlets will supply specialist brushes which are perfect for getting into the nooks and crannies', ensuring this part of motorcross maintenance is competed properly.
- There are hundreds of specialist cleaners that can be used, but ensure that once clean, your chain is on no account left to dry off on its own accord. Used cloths followed by a de-watering fluid such as WD40 to make sure that all water particles are removed from your chain. If left to dry on its own, your chain will quickly rust and will be no better than junk, your time spent on motocross maintenance will be pointless!
- Not adjusting your chain correctly will result in inconsistent power delivery, excessive wear of the chain and of course excessive wear of both front and rear sprockets.
- Not adjusting and cleaning your chain correctly is crucial just like every other form of Motocross Maintenance. If it is not conducted on a recurring basis, your chain will either fall apart, or snap!
Right, so back to basics now!
Motocross maintenance of your chain is key and there are three fundamental components that ensure your chain is in tip top shape; cleaning, lubricating and adjusting.
Cleaning - As recommended, remove the chain from your bike first and get stuck in, make sure all dirt and dust particles are removed before drying off with cloths and de-watering agents such as WD40. WD40 and similar products are essential for motocross maintenance, they ensure that metal parts are free from water particles and therefore, rust!
Lubricating - Once clean and dry, ensure that your chain is correctly lubricated, using professional motocross maintenance lubricating agents.
Adjusting - Probably one of the most critical parts of the process is ensuring that your chain is properly lubricated. In general, most manufacturers suggest that there is a 'play' of 15-20mm when the swing arm is sitting directly horizontal to the floor. Remember that this measurement is when the bike is standing freely rather than on a stand.
