The Importance of Motorcycle Chain Maintenance
- Ben Grayson
- Jan 7
- 4 min read
(Or: how a saggy chain can ruin your ride) 🏍️🔗
I’ve been around motorcycles for years — buying them, selling them, riding them, fixing them — and if there’s one area riders consistently neglect, it’s chain maintenance.
Not engines. Not electronics. Not tyres.... Chains.
And the excuses? I’ve heard every single one 😂
“I wasn’t told.” “I don’t have the tools.” “It looks alright to me.” “I just spray engine oil on it.” “They’re sealed — they don’t need anything.” “What chain?”
Honestly… I wish I was joking.
Why a Badly Maintained Chain Is a Problem 😬
A neglected or badly adjusted chain doesn’t just look scruffy — it causes real issues:
⚙️ Clunky gear changes
⚙️ False neutrals
⚙️ Excessive sprocket wear
⚙️ Jerky throttle response
⚙️ Damage to engine casings or bodywork
And in worst-case scenarios? A failed chain can lock a rear wheel, crack engine cases, or hit another vehicle.
All because of something that takes 10 minutes every few weeks.
What Type of Chain Do You Have?🔍
Most modern bikes use sealed chains, but not all seals are the same.
🔵 O-Ring Chains
The original sealed design.
Round rubber O-rings trap grease around the pins
Cheap and durable
Slightly more friction
✔ Good for commuting and older bikes❌ Shorter lifespan than newer designs
❌ X-Ring Chains
The modern sweet spot.
X-shaped seals create four sealing lips
Less friction than O-rings
Grease stays in longer
✔ Last longer✔ Need fewer adjustments✔ Smoother over time
This is why most modern bikes now come with X-ring chains.
⚡ Z-Ring Chains
Premium, performance-focused.
Even lower friction than X-rings
Excellent sealing under high load
✔ Longest service life✔ Best for high-power bikes
❌ Expensive❌ Overkill for most road riders
“But My Chain Is Sealed — Why Do I Need to Lube It?” 🤔
Great question — and a common myth.
Sealed chains do not need lubrication inside the rollers, but they do need lubrication on the outside to:
🔧 Reduce wear between rollers and sprockets
🛡️ Protect O/X/Z-rings from drying out
🌧️ Prevent rust and corrosion
😌 Keep everything smooth and quiet
A dry chain kills seals. Dead seals = lost grease. Lost grease = rapid wear.
How to Clean Your Motorcycle Chain (Without Killing It) 🧼
Cleaning is just as important as lubrication.
✅ What to Use
Motorcycle-specific chain cleaner
Soft chain brush
Rag
❌ What NOT to Use
Petrol
Brake cleaner
Degreaser
Pressure washers
These destroy rubber seals.
🛠️ How to Do It
1️⃣ Get the bike on a paddock stand or centre stand
2️⃣ Spray cleaner onto the chain
3️⃣ Gently brush off dirt and old lube (buy a chain cleaning tool)
4️⃣ Wipe clean with a rag
5️⃣ Let it dry before lubricating
How to Lubricate a Chain Properly 🔗✨
Use a dedicated motorcycle chain lube
Apply to the inside/outside run of the chain while rotating the wheel
Focus on the rollers and seal area
Wipe off excess
💡 Tip: Lubing after a ride helps it soak in better.
Should you lube the side plates (links)? Technically not essential — but it can help prevent rust. Just don’t cake it on unless you enjoy cleaning wheels.
Tight Spots: The Warning Sign You Shouldn’t Ignore ⚠️
A tight spot is a section of chain that doesn’t move freely, causing uneven tension as the wheel turns.
They’re caused by:
Uneven wear over time
Poor lubrication
Corrosion
Damaged seals
Worn sprockets
Chains being run too tight
Once tight spots appear, the chain is usually near the end of its life.
👉 Always check and adjust chain slack at the tightest point.
How Much Chain Slack Do You Actually Need? 📏
Most road bikes need 25–35mm of slack, measured halfway between the sprockets with the bike on its side stand.
But always check:
📘 Owner’s manual
🏷️ Swingarm sticker
Too tight is far worse than slightly loose
How to Adjust Your Chain (Overview) 🔧
You don’t need to be a mechanic.
1️⃣ Put the bike on the side stand (unless stated otherwise)
2️⃣ Find the tightest spot in the chain
3️⃣ Loosen the rear axle nut
4️⃣ Adjust both sides evenly using the adjusters
5️⃣ Re-check slack
6️⃣ Tighten the axle nut to spec - this will sometimes tighten the chain a few mm
7️⃣ Lube the chain
Take your time. Small adjustments matter.
Don’t Forget the Sprockets ⚙️
Worn sprockets:
Accelerate chain wear
Cause jerky power delivery
Make adjustment impossible
If the teeth look hooked or sharp — they’re done.
💡 Rule of thumb: replace chain and sprockets as a set.
The Bottom Line 🏁
Chain maintenance isn’t glamorous. It won’t win you internet points.
But it will:
✅ Save you money
✅ Protect your gearbox
✅ Make the bike smoother
✅ Reduce the chance of something going very wrong
A clean, lubricated, correctly adjusted chain is one of the simplest wins in motorcycling.
Give it a bit of love ❤️🔗Your bike will thank you.
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