Get The Most Out Of Your Dirt Bike Chain
It's important to maintain your dirt bike chain and sprockets so you can get the most life out of 'em. Chains and sprockets are put through huge amounts of tension and stress every time you ride. If the chain is over tightened the linkages will stretch and you can actually snap the chain... not good if you're stuck 25km out in the middle of No-wheres-ville! Here's the best way to check your chain tension: - Use a tie-down to compress the rear suspension so that the front sprocket, swingarm pivot and rear axle are all in line with each other. Use a piece of string running from the centre of the front sprocket to the rear sprocket to identify this. This is the point at which the chain will be stretched to its maximum.
- Measure the movement in the middle of the chain. There must be at least 20mm of slack. (A)
Tightening your dirt bike chain:
- Loosen off the axle nut (B) until it is only lightly tightened. Wind out the chain adjuster bolts (C) evenly on both sides until you reach the desired tension. You will see the top of the chain rise as you wind out the adjuster bolts.
- Once you reach the correct tension, make sure both sides are evenly spaced (using the marker grooves on the adjuster blocks). Squeeze the chain against the swingarm with your hand to hold everything in place and tighten up the axle nut.
- Tighten up the chain adjuster lock nuts. Now you're ready to ride!
Extra tips: - Regularly check that the sprocket bolts are tightened as they can vibrate loose over time.
- Clean and lube the chain. If you are riding in the sand or really dusty tracks you are better off applying CRC or a silicon spray. Using a thick chain lube will only attract crap to the chain like teenage boys to a girly-mag.
- Replace the chain and sprockets at the same time. Chains stretch and sprocket teeth wear. Replacing them at alternate times will shorten their life span.
Adjusted Your Dirt Bike Chain? Clean Your Filthy Air-Filter Now
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