There are some motorcycle maintenance issues that you can address on your own. A little proactivity can save you much hassle and expenditure down the road. You just need to know how to perform the maintenance steps properly so you don’t end up having to turn to a professional to fix any mistakes!

One of the more simple upkeep tasks is to take care of your bike chain. To help you do that well, we have put together this brief guide. If you need assistance with motorcycle repairs or maintenance, contact our service department at Jim Moroney's Inc. in New Windsor, NY.

Inspection

You should ideally inspect your motorcycle chain twice a month or every 500-700 miles. Start by gently tugging on the chain about one inch upward and downward. This lets you know if the chain is too tight or loose. You’ll want to roll the bike forward so you can inspect the entire chain. The next step is to inspect the sprockets. Make sure that the teeth are running smoothly with the chain, otherwise, it’ll cause excessive wear and tear or damage.

Cleaning

A clean chain performs better and lasts longer so it’s worth investing some time for this. You’ll need four things: a chain cleaner, a brush, a chain lubricant, and a towel. 

You’ll want to ensure that all the products you’re going to use are compatible with your bike. Use a brush that’s made specifically for cleaning chains if possible but if you don’t have one, you can even use a toothbrush!

Start by rinsing the chain with the cleaning product. This will help you to completely scrub the chain free of all dirt and grime. It will require diligence to make sure you get into every little crevice. Once everything is clean, let the chain air-dry or use a towel.

Once you’ve completely dried the chain, spray the lubricant onto it while rotating the rear tire to ensure you lubricate every part of it. Cover the entire chain and then wipe away any excess.

We hope these tips will help you to take better care of your bike chain! For additional help or to check out motorcycles for sale in New Windsor, NY, visit Jim Moroney's Inc. We welcome all our patrons coming from Newburgh and Cornwall.