Chain Maintenance

A neglected chain doesn't just wear itself out — it eats sprockets, wastes power, and can snap at the worst possible moment. It's also one of the fastest checks you can do before any ride.

Cleaning and lubricating

• Clean after every muddy or dusty ride — a dirty, gritty chain wears itself and the sprockets fast.
• Lube every 1-2 rides, always after cleaning and while the chain is still slightly warm so the lube penetrates the rollers.
• Wipe off excess lube — a chain dripping in oil just attracts more dirt.

Tension

Too tight and the chain strains the gearbox output shaft and swingarm bearings; too loose and it can jump the sprocket or slap the swingarm. Check your model's spec for exact slack (often 30-50mm of vertical movement at the tightest point of the chain — it isn't perfectly round as it wears, so always check at the tightest spot), and re-check after any suspension work.

When to replace

• You can pull the chain noticeably away from the rear sprocket ("chain hooking").
• Sprocket teeth look hooked or shark-finned rather than straight.
• Stiff links that don't flex smoothly around the sprocket, even after cleaning and lubing.

Replace the chain and both sprockets together — a new chain on worn sprockets (or vice versa) wears out again within a few rides.