Motorcycle chain maintenance is an important part of safe riding. Your chain is responsible for the critical task of transferring power from the engine to the back wheel. Without proper maintenance and inspection your chain can break and disable the motorcycle and even become a deadly projectile. This is why most owners will buy a new chain rather than risk buying one from a used motorcycle parts dealer.
Depending on how much you ride your chain should be inspected about twice a month. For proper chain maintenance you should have wrenches, an old toothbrush, a chain cleaning solvent, a chain lubricant, some clean rags, a rubber mallet, a tape measure and a rear wheel stand.
The first thing you'll want to do is to check the chain tension on your bike. To do this grab the chain halfway between the sprockets and pull it up and down. It should be able to move only about an inch up or down. If unsure, use a tape measure to check this. Roll the bike forward a couple feet and check it again. If it moves up or down more than an inch you will need to tighten your chain. If it doesn't move up or down at least an inch, your chain will need to be loosened. You should also check your from and rear sprockets for signs of wear.
You should always keep your motorcycle chain clean and lubricated well. The best way to do this is to use a real wheel stand so your wheel can be easily rotated without rolling the bike itself. Make sure to use the proper type of cleaner and lubricant for the type of chain you have. The cleaner should be applied to all areas of the chain then wiped off with a clean rag. Next apply a good even layer of lubricant to the chain while slowly rotating the wheel then wipe off the excess lubricant with a clean rag.
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