The most important part in the bike is often neglected completely or regularly.Have seen new high end bikes having corrosion on their chain.
Not to boost myself but I give great attention to my drive chain.when I had Royal Enfield Classic 500, workshop told me chain generally last 7500-10000 Kms if you take care of it well , maximum 15000 Kms. But with my regular cleaning, lubricating and regular adjustment of chain at workshop… Don’t be surprised- it went upto 35000Kms and I sold the bike with same chain.
Coming to my latest Bike, The KTM DUKE 390 (2017 Model) , I was told that it’s maximum life of this chain is 8000 to 10000 Kms. I used the chain which came with bike for 18500 Kms. But had to replace it on way to Himachal from Bangalore at Jaipur KTM workshop as precautionary measure.
Some tips to clean the chain – I am sure most of you know it but it might help refresh our mind.
I clean the chain atleast a day in advance before the ride. Sometimes I make it a point to do it few days before but after I lubricate , I don’t ride the bike immediately. Hence plan accordingly.
For Cleaning the chain: Clean every 500 Kms. I either use a chain cleaner or Kerosene. In absence of both, I use WD40 which both cleans and lubricates. Yes, during long rides, just a WD40 shall do to keep your chain in great clean shape. I spray the chain cleaner and leave it atleast for 15-30 mins.
After that I use the Chain cleaning brush and then a cloth. If u don’t have the chain cleaner brush, cloth shall do but be careful of your hand and cloth not coming in between sprockets and chain.
Once done with this , I spray Chain lube from inside out, some workshop spray outside in but I feel inside out the lube gets spread well inside the chain. Don’t spray too much as it will get wasted as well dirty the Rim when you ride. You need to practice to spray the right amount of lube so the it does not drip. After lube, Rotate the wheel few times so that the chain lube gets evenly spread.There is also something called as Chain Wax, available online which could be a blessing for bikes with spokes. This is little expensive but worth it as it stays on chain longer, doesn’t drip and protects it better. The chain picture here you see is used almost 6000 Kms.
Important Points: choose the right chain lube – first know your chain type , is it O ring, X ring, Z ring. Accordingly choose the lube. Frequency: Recommanded every 500 Kms. Don’t spray the lube and start riding. Even on long outstation ride, spray Chain lube just before your breaks like for food, stopping at a restaurant. If you ride on dirty roads , increase the frequency to clean the chain according based on visibility. Don’t let your chain get corrosion, if it gets corrosion, first spray the WD 40 anti corrosion spray and later the chain lube.
PREMIUM LUBE OPTIONS
Chain Wax:
Wax as the name suggests, are thick and splash proof.
Being a wax base, it prevents corrosion, doesn’t attract dirt and it doesn’t fling off at high speeds. It doesn’t leave any deposit near the front sprocket area too.
Synthetic based Chain Lube:
From Liqui Moly
As per Liqui Moly, the product description says it all – Fully synthetic chain lubricating grease. Extremely adherent and waterproof. Excellent penetration ability and lubrication. Particularly suitable for fast-running chains. Reduces chain elongation and helps to extend chain service life
All the best and Happy and Safe riding.
Metal Creed India 