dodger06
Well-Known Member
So I did my first Chain Clean/Lube today and ran into some questions.
1. Should the chain be warm before you clean it?
2. If you are washing the whole bike, do you clean the chain first or after the rest of the bike? (lube is of course after)
3. If you live on a gravel road, what is a safe way to get the chain warmed up to put the lube on?
4. What is proper chain tension?
I ended up cleaning it about 30 min after a 45 min ride, kinda washed the chain with the bike (sprayed some degreaser on before and powerwashed, then brushed with kerosene after), and rode slowly for about 1/2 mile, then idled it on the center stand for a while.
As far as chain tension goes, I noticed the chain hops around a lot when I idled it on the center stand, almost like the chain is too loose and wrapping too far around the front sprocket. It was looked over before I bought it used from the dealership about 2 months ago, but I did recently change the ride height of the bike (it was lowered 2", now is back to stock). Do you typically have to adjust the chain after changing ride height?
1. Should the chain be warm before you clean it?
2. If you are washing the whole bike, do you clean the chain first or after the rest of the bike? (lube is of course after)
3. If you live on a gravel road, what is a safe way to get the chain warmed up to put the lube on?
4. What is proper chain tension?
I ended up cleaning it about 30 min after a 45 min ride, kinda washed the chain with the bike (sprayed some degreaser on before and powerwashed, then brushed with kerosene after), and rode slowly for about 1/2 mile, then idled it on the center stand for a while.
As far as chain tension goes, I noticed the chain hops around a lot when I idled it on the center stand, almost like the chain is too loose and wrapping too far around the front sprocket. It was looked over before I bought it used from the dealership about 2 months ago, but I did recently change the ride height of the bike (it was lowered 2", now is back to stock). Do you typically have to adjust the chain after changing ride height?