Tripp
Member
- May 20, 2002
- 14
- 0
When I used to ride as a kid, dad always took care of the bike maintenance (if any at all...I didn't care about that stuff!) I've recently got back into riding and bought a new 02 YZ125, and now that I'm the adult, I'm the one that has to deal with the maintenance. I have several question involving the drive chain.
1. Everyone says the stock chains are crap. Why? Now I'm sure if you're racing professionaly you need all the help you can get, but for a novice, isn't the stock chain O.K? Someone please shed some light.
2. What's the best way to clean a standard chain? I recently got it extremely muddy in red Georgia Clay. Currently it's soaking in mineral spirits, but it seems I have to scrub it with a tooth brush to get it clean and it's still not smooth between the links. It binds more than I'd like. (Yes, it is the stock chain...could that be the problem?)
3. Has anyone used KawaChem Racing Chain Lube. It's a blue spray, but it's non tacky and ends up dry. It doesn't seem to attract dirt, but I don't see how it lubes. It does have ester in it if that helps.
4. What chain lube are you guys running and do you use different lubes for different applications. Woods vs MX, etc... Also, what types are these lubes? Tacky, wax, wet, sprays that dryout, etc...
5. Outside of stretch being out of spec, how do you know when the chain is shot? The links on mine for instance, don't move as easily as they used to, but I don't know when it's time to ditch the chain.
6. Are there any web links I can check out to tell me all I want to know about chains and more?
Any other tips you can give me on chain maintenance to extend it's life will be appreciated?
Thanks
1. Everyone says the stock chains are crap. Why? Now I'm sure if you're racing professionaly you need all the help you can get, but for a novice, isn't the stock chain O.K? Someone please shed some light.
2. What's the best way to clean a standard chain? I recently got it extremely muddy in red Georgia Clay. Currently it's soaking in mineral spirits, but it seems I have to scrub it with a tooth brush to get it clean and it's still not smooth between the links. It binds more than I'd like. (Yes, it is the stock chain...could that be the problem?)
3. Has anyone used KawaChem Racing Chain Lube. It's a blue spray, but it's non tacky and ends up dry. It doesn't seem to attract dirt, but I don't see how it lubes. It does have ester in it if that helps.
4. What chain lube are you guys running and do you use different lubes for different applications. Woods vs MX, etc... Also, what types are these lubes? Tacky, wax, wet, sprays that dryout, etc...
5. Outside of stretch being out of spec, how do you know when the chain is shot? The links on mine for instance, don't move as easily as they used to, but I don't know when it's time to ditch the chain.
6. Are there any web links I can check out to tell me all I want to know about chains and more?
Any other tips you can give me on chain maintenance to extend it's life will be appreciated?
Thanks