Motorcycle Magazine
How to determine when it is necessary to replace the chain and sprockets of the motorcycle?
Apr
How to determine when it is necessary to replace the chain and sprockets of the motorcycle? – on our site you will find the best spare parts and accessories for cars and motorcycles
SELECT YOUR VEHICLE'S BRAND AND MODEL TO FIND ALL COMPATIBLE PRODUCTS ON RACEXT.
✅ Choose free delivery to save more
How to determine when it is necessary to replace the chain and sprockets of the motorcycle?
Before purchasing our products, it is advisable to read the product sheet. If in doubt, do not hesitate to contact us, we will be happy to help you choose the product that best suits your needs
If you are looking for high quality products for your car or motorbike, look no further. We are sure you will find the perfect product for you at Racext. Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or requests. We are here to help you make your vehicle perfect.How to determine when it is necessary to replace the chain and sprockets of the motorcycle?
Hello, and Welcome to Racext’s Moto Magazine column, the column aimed exclusively at the world of 2-wheeled vehicles with news, insights and guides, available every day here ru racext.com, today in this article we will talk about “How to determine when it is necessary to replace the chain and sprockets of the motorcycle?”
How to determine when it is necessary to replace the chain and sprockets of the motorcycle?
I have owned many chain bikes over the years and I also maintain all the bikes in the house
This means that I deal with a lot of chains. I routinely inspect the chains of all these machines to make sure they push me and my colleagues down the road or trail without any problems.
At some point though, every chain has to be withdrawn, and that raises another question: How do you know when the chain and sprockets need to be replaced? This article will help you determine if it’s time.
& nbsp;
How to inspect a motorcycle chain?
Fortunately, chain drive components are easy to visually inspect on most bikes, so it shouldn’t take long to determine if you need to buy a new chain and sprockets. Tip: This job may require you to get your hands dirty, so it might be a good idea to get some gloves before inspection. Even a bright flashlight really helps.
Your service manual will likely provide a procedure for determining how worn the chain is by hanging a weight on it and measuring the length of a specified number of links.
& nbsp;
& nbsp;
Another much easier way to check for a worn chain is to try pulling the chain from the back of the sprocket onto the rear wheel. If the chain is worn, you will reveal about half a tooth of the sprocket. A new chain will comfortably wrap around the sprocket and will not come off.
& nbsp;
Other things to look for are binding or twisted links that cause tight spots (put the bike on a rear stand or center stand if it has one, and spin the rear wheel to see if the chain holds the same tension) . Also, look for excessive rust.
Also examine the sprockets. Look for hooked, pointed or chipped sprocket teeth.
& nbsp;
Personally, I suggest cleaning and lubricating the chains of street bikes every other fuel tank and more frequently on off-road bikes or after riding in rainy weather. Chain tension is also very important. Too tight puts strain on the transmission bearings and seals, as well as accelerating wear on the chain and sprockets themselves. Adjust the chain tension as recommended in the manual or according to the sticker on the swingarm or chain guard.
Even the most pampered chain won’t last forever, though. So if you’ve decided it’s time for a new chain and sprockets, now what?
Replacing the chain and sprockets of your motorcycle
While replacing chain drive components is a job most people can tackle at home, you need to have a way to safely lift the rear of the motorcycle to remove the rear axle and wheel. So if you miss it, it might be worth having a local shop do the work for you. One thing to consider, if your bike is in need of a rear tire soon, having the chain and sprockets replaced by the shop while they have the rear wheel removed could save you on labor costs.
& nbsp;
If you do the job yourself, determine the parts you need to order. It’s never a bad idea to replace the chain and both sprockets as a set, but if you’ve stayed on top of chain maintenance, it’s possible you can save some money and not have to replace both sprockets.
For example, my 2018 KTM 250 XC-W chain was nearing the end of its life. The rollers were loose on the rivets and I was just starting to peel it off a bit from the crown. Since I got it early, I just needed to replace the sprocket and chain. The crown showed no signs of wear. Uneven looking teeth that are hooked or sharp mean the pinion is toasted. Also, the valleys between the teeth should be a constant radius, without a “flat” area.
& nbsp;
To take the opposite example, Editor Lance replaced the chainring and chainring on one of his bikes last year, but kept the same hardened steel chainring because it looked fine. Unfortunately, the bike made a terrible noise as the new chain got stuck badly with the worn sprocket. He quickly replaced the front sprocket and the noise disappeared.
Cost
If you need to replace both the sprockets and the chain, how much will it cost you? It really depends on the bike you are working on. Chains can range in price from € 20 for a simple chain for a small, light motorcycle to over € 200 for something like a quality O-ring chain for a larger, more powerful motorcycle. O-ring chains have lubrication built into the links, held by rubber O-rings between the side plates. O-ring chains cost more but also last longer.
Front and rear sprockets cost € 50 to over € 250 per set, depending on size, materials and expected life.
If you are doing the work at home, you will also need a chain tool to “break” the old chain (by pushing out one of the rivets) and riveting the new chain, unless you are using a main link to clip. A chain tool will cost anywhere from € 40 to around € 90, but with any luck you only buy one once and use it for years.
& nbsp;
Learn more about chain drive
Then, check your manual to make sure you know which chain size and length to buy. You will see common sizes such as 520, 525 and 530. The first number refers to the pitch of the chain. This is the distance between the rivets in eighths of an inch, so the “5” means five eighths of an inch. The other two numbers refer to the width of the chain roll, or distance between the inside of the inner plates, also in eighths of an inch, so “20” equals 2.0 eighths or a quarter of an inch. The width of the chain must always correspond to the width of the sprocket.
One of the advantages of chain drive over other forms of final drive in motorcycles is that chains and sprockets make it easier to change the overall gear. For example, if you feel your motorcycle “screaming” at highway speeds, you can increase the size of the front sprocket by one tooth or decrease the size of the rear sprocket and the engine will spin slower at a given speed. The trade-off is that you will lose some acceleration. Going to the other side will increase acceleration. If you mount a larger sprocket on both ends, make sure you have enough space. In any case, you can always use the stock sprocket dimensions when buying new ones.
Other parts to consider for replacement
As you do this job, your motorcycle may have some other components that you should check. Chain sliders, for example, are easy to overlook because they are usually black and covered in dirt. It’s those rubbery pieces that keep the chain from dragging and sawing off your very expensive swingarm. Off-road bikes with a lot of suspension travel usually have other pieces, such as upper and lower sliders or rollers, and possibly a lower chain guide, to help maintain proper chain tension. Check them for wear as you check the chain and sprockets.
& nbsp;
On very old or high mileage motorcycles, it is also worth checking the rubber dampers of the air-cushion drive while you have the wheel off. These pieces of rubber in the rear hub reduce sudden forces on the transmission.
The bottom line is that the more often you check the chain, clean it, lubricate it and adjust the tension, the less often you’ll have to do the bigger job of replacing it. Follow the steps above and your drive chain can last many miles.
I love sharing these tips with you! Please let me know if you have any other items you’d be interested in and I’ll do my best to put them together for you.
Thank you for reading the article How to determine when it is necessary to replace the chain and sprockets of the motorcycle? , we remind you that this article is reported here for illustrative purposes only and all the news and information in this blog are not editorial, we take care of reporting notions and news from the web trying to make a selection of the contents, any false or misleading information or information that damages the copyright of others are not our responsibility, if requested we will immediately remove them.
The notions reported here in the How to determine when it is necessary to replace the chain and sprockets of the motorcycle? article are merely informative, they do not constitute a guide or advice, therefore we do not assume any responsibility for years of things, people or animals, the user implements any behavior under his own responsibility, we always recommend that you discuss with a professional before applying any news from the web and also from our website.
Any copyright infringement is not voluntary and any content affecting or damaging any individual or organization will be immediately removed if reported.
🌊 RACEXT QUALITY GUARANTEE
Every Racext performance product is thoroughly tested and guaranteed, even if it doesn’t feature a visible logo. Due to production and logistical reasons, some products may not carry the Racext branding directly on the item.
However, rest assured that all our products undergo rigorous quality checks and are backed by Racext’s commitment to performance and reliability.
📅 EXCLUSIVE MANUFACTURING AND DISTRIBUTION
Our trusted partners manufacture each product according to our specific technical requirements, ensuring that every item meets Racext’s high standards. All our products are exclusively sold by Racext and are not distributed by other companies.
Even though some of our partners commercialize similar products for cars, these items are not compatible with motorcycles due to distinct resistance and amperage requirements.
🔧 PRECISION-CALIBRATED CHIP TUNING DEVICES
When it comes to our chip tuning devices, the resistance is precisely calibrated to be perfectly adapted to different vehicles, such as motorcycles. This ensures optimal performance, compatibility, and a smooth ride without any risk to your vehicle’s electronic systems.
Racext chip tuning devices are specially designed to meet the unique demands of motorcycle performance systems, guaranteeing that your bike runs efficiently and reliably.
⚠️ Legal Notice – Important Product Disclaimer
This product is not certified, approved or homologated for use on public roads or highways in any country. It is intended solely for off-road use, closed-circuit racing, sports competition, or private testing purposes. Installation and use of this product on vehicles driven on public streets is strictly prohibited and may violate traffic laws, emissions regulations, or technical inspection requirements.
By purchasing this product, the customer acknowledges and agrees that:
- The product is sold “as is” for motorsport or off-road use only.
- It is not street-legal and must not be used on public roads under any circumstance.
- The seller (Racext) assumes no responsibility for any improper, illegal or unintended use of this product.
- The customer is solely responsible for verifying whether the installation and use of this product comply with local laws and regulations.
- This product may affect vehicle warranty and insurance if used outside of permitted contexts.
This notice applies regardless of the country in which the product is purchased or shipped, including (but not limited to) the United States, Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.
By proceeding with the purchase, you confirm that you have read, understood and accepted this disclaimer, and release the seller from any liability arising from misuse or unauthorized application of the product.
🔒 QUALITY STANDARDS ACROSS ALL PRODUCTS
This high standard of exclusive design, manufacturing, and compatibility applies to all Racext products available for purchase. Every item in our catalog is crafted with the same dedication to performance, safety, and quality.
🔧 PERFORMANCE YOU CAN TRUST, QUALITY YOU CAN SEE
Disclaimer
TRANSPARENT SHIPPING POLICY
Cutoff time 22:00 (GMT+01:00) Central European Standard Time (Amsterdam)
Order Processing Time 1-3 days (Mon-Fri)
Delivery time 3-6 days (Monday-Friday)
Our orders are free of shipping costs.
We use the following shipping couriers:
- PostNL
- Dhl
- UPS
- DPD
- Cainiao
The customer will receive the tracking information in 1-3 days directly in his email. Please contact us if you have not received the email or check your spam emails
LEGAL DISCLAIMER: PRODUCTS INTENDED EXCLUSIVELY FOR SPORTING AND COMPETITIVE USE
Important: Before proceeding with the purchase or use of our sport exhausts, please read the following notice carefully.
The products sold through this website are intended exclusively for sporting and competitive use. This means they have been designed and manufactured to be used in controlled environments, such as closed circuits or areas designated for sporting competitions, where emission and noise regulations may differ from those applied on public roads.
Public Road Use Not Allowed: It is emphasized that the installation and use of these devices on vehicles intended for circulation on public roads may not be permitted under the laws of your reference country regarding emission and noise regulation, as they are not designed for road use but for sporting use.
Buyer’s Responsibility: It is the buyer’s responsibility to ensure that the use of the purchased products complies with all applicable laws and regulations. The buyer assumes all legal liabilities for any non-compliant use of the products, including the installation and operation of such devices on unauthorized vehicles or in ways that violate applicable laws.
By continuing with the purchase, the buyer acknowledges and agrees that the use of the products is limited to sporting and competitive contexts as defined above and assumes full responsibility for any legal consequences arising from improper use of the products.
How to determine when it is necessary to replace the chain and sprockets of the motorcycle?
Compatibility:
It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that the product is compatible with their vehicle. We recommend consulting with a professional mechanic before purchasing to confirm compatibility. Racext is not responsible for any issues that may arise from the use of our products, including but not limited to damage to the vehicle or personal injury.
Warranty:
All of our products come with a 2-year warranty in accordance with international standards. If you experience any issues with your product within the warranty period, please contact us for assistance. The warranty does not cover damages caused by improper installation, misuse, or external factors such as accidents or natural disasters.
Returns
This return policy is valid for all countries.
Customers have the right to return merchandise within 14 days from the date of receipt. For chip tuning purchases, the return period is extended to 30 days.
Products must be returned in saleable condition. Products damaged with liquids inside or exhaust gases cannot be returned. Used merchandise cannot be returned unless expressly indicated by the seller.
Once we receive and inspect the merchandise, the refund will be processed using the payment method used by the customer within 5 business days from the date of receipt. This time allows us to inspect the merchandise and restock it.
How to Request a Return:
- Send a request by email to info@racext.com.
- Select “Return” as the subject and provide a reason for the return.
- You will immediately receive a response with instructions for making the return.
- Follow the instructions to create your return label.
- Send us the order by courier.
For further information, you can contact us via email or WhatsApp. Our office will respond within 24 hours, providing the return instructions and the address to which the merchandise should be sent. When possible, we will indicate the warehouse closest to the customer’s address.
ABOUT US
ADDRESS: Creative Tower – Hamad Bin Abdulla Road – Office 4201 – Fujairah – U.A.E.
E-mail : info@Racext.com
Contact form : Get in touch
Phone : +971 58 859 1706
Company name : Digitanow International group FZe
Company Number : AE18048/2020
Tax registration number: AE18048 2020
Customer service : Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Terms and Conditions
This website provides only the product with well-indicated codes and specifications. Please rely on an experienced workshop for the installation and choice of the product. We do not assume any responsibility for errors in choice, installation, or programming of the devices.
*The price is intended for a single product
*Days are always working days
All guides on this website are for illustrative purposes only. For many products, the use of special tools may be necessary. We always recommend seeking the advice of a specialized repair center for the selection and installation or programming of products purchased anywhere. We do not assume any responsibility for damage to property or persons, or user errors in the application of a guide on this website or for any other occurrence.
Product is not original but fully interchangeable with it
All rights reserved. All trade names and logos are registered trademarks of the respective manufacturers indicated
The trademarks mentioned on this site are the exclusive property of the automotive companies and are used here exclusively to facilitate the search for vehicles by our customers. We do not assume any responsibility for damages to property or persons, or user errors in the application of a guide on this website or for any other occurrence.
Secure Payments
When making purchases on our website, you can be confident that your transaction is secure. All financial transactions are processed on the secure and certified servers of PayPal or Stripe. These platforms allow us to accept payments from all VISA, VISA ELECTRON, MAESTRO, POSTEPAY, AMERICAN EXPRESS, AURA, and DISCOVER credit cards.
Quality Guarantee
Choose safety, savings, and professionalism by choosing us. We offer top-level customer support that will never leave you alone during the pre- and post-purchase phases. We offer top-quality products and intelligent, secure savings. Don’t trust inexperienced sellers.
NOTE: In the event that the product is not available in stock, we reserve the right to issue a full and immediate refund.
[mailpoet_form id=”3″]