[daboz1323]

Hey guys. I've been riding street bikes for about 2 years but because I really only use it to commute and I went wihout one for a period of time (on my second bike) I have only about 4000 miles of experience. I'm pretty sure my chain needs to be cleaned and lubed, maybe even tightened, but i'm not much of a do it yourself guy. particularly with something regarding my safety.

I've heard from various places not to take it to a dealer becaue they will rip you off and sometimes not even do the work.

Any imput, because I prefer someone with skilled hands to touch my bike. I understand most of you guys do it yourself, but are there any out there that don't?

 

[kevin_stevens]

I can't imagine the time and effort required to get it into the dealer being worthwhile. OTOH, if you have the dealer perform your oil and filter changes as well, it would be reasonable to have them do the chain then. Your chain life may suffer somewhat from the less-frequent service, but not dramatically.

Understand that you're not going to get Mr. Goodwrench working on your bike to do oil changes and chain service. You're going to get whatever kid your age they hired most recently who hasn't proved he can do anything beyond routine maintenance.

KeS

 

[daboz1323]

I can't imagine the time and effort required to get it into the dealer being worthwhile. OTOH, if you have the dealer perform your oil and filter changes as well, it would be reasonable to have them do the chain then. Your chain life may suffer somewhat from the less-frequent service, but not dramatically.

Understand that you're not going to get Mr. Goodwrench working on your bike to do oil changes and chain service. You're going to get whatever kid your age they hired most recently who hasn't proved he can do anything beyond routine maintenance.

KeS

Yea that makes sense. So do you think If I have it done every 3000 miles or so with the oil it will be ok (bike has a few shy of 2000 miles)

 

[RayOSV]

To maximize chain and sprocket life, the chain should be cleaned and re-lubed about every 500-600 miles. More frequently if you ride in the rain. Chain tension should be checked at the same time, but probably will only need to be adjusted every few thousand miles once it's not new any more.

 

[enos]

so why don't you want to buy a $7 can of chain lube and do it yourself?

 

[serpentracer]

no one has to be a "do it yourselfer" to clean and lube a chain.
Chain drain - chain cleaner and cleaning system for motorcycle chain maintenance.

 

[daboz1323]

The problem is I live in an apartment complex and I don't have a stand or anything. So If you guys think I can do it without taking anything off my bike and with it just sitting on the kick stand then I will deffinatly give it a go.

 

[enos]

Lube the part of the chain that's exposed, then move the bike forward. Repeat 7 or 8 times until the entire chain is lubed. Spray only forward and don't get the can behind the tire so you don't get lube on the tire itself. Doesn't take very long and you've got peace of mind. If you've got a friend then he can walk the bike while you spray.

 

[daboz1323]

Lube the part of the chain that's exposed, then move the bike forward. Repeat 7 or 8 times until the entire chain is lubed. Spray only forward and don't get the can behind the tire so you don't get lube on the tire itself. Doesn't take very long and you've got peace of mind. If you've got a friend then he can walk the bike while you spray.

cool sounds easy enough. Where the best place for me to physicaly go get some acceptable lube? also do I need to wipe anything down before/after? and I can see how getting lube on the tire would be bad!

 

[enos]

any bike shop will have lube.
ride a couple miles first to warm the chain up, then lube, and wipe off the excess. If you don't wipe and you used a lot of lube, it'll get on the tire. After a few times you'll learn how much to spray so you don't have to wipe.
If the chain is covered in grease and dirt then clean it off with a rag and chain cleaner (WD40 works great for cleaning)

 

[daboz1323]

any bike shop will have lube.
ride a couple miles first to warm the chain up, then lube, and wipe off the excess. If you don't wipe and you used a lot of lube, it'll get on the tire. After a few times you'll learn how much to spray so you don't have to wipe.
If the chain is covered in grease and dirt then clean it off with a rag and chain cleaner (WD40 works great for cleaning)

Thanks a lot man!

 

[serpentracer]

cool sounds easy enough. Where the best place for me to physicaly go get some acceptable lube? also do I need to wipe anything down before/after? and I can see how getting lube on the tire would be bad!

a piece of cardboard between the chain and tire works great to keep the wheel clean.

 

[PCHbreeze]

a piece of cardboard between the chain and tire works great to keep the wheel clean.

bingo.

and the manual says 'oil' not grease or teflon so i bought myself an oiler and every weekend it got its lube. still would get a bit on the tires (oil) but a simple wiping took care of it.

 

[woodrow]

Lube the part of the chain that's exposed, then move the bike forward. Repeat 7 or 8 times until the entire chain is lubed. Spray only forward and don't get the can behind the tire so you don't get lube on the tire itself. Doesn't take very long and you've got peace of mind. If you've got a friend then he can walk the bike while you spray.

That is how I do it being I don't have a stand yet.

 

[Liquids]

yes, the dealer is so bad, they're called stealerships for a reason

anyone without a stand should be looking at this Black T-Rex Front Triple Tree and Rear Motorcycle

 

[Papa Rocket]

Many dealerships in my area will adjust & lube the chain for nearly nothing.
Just lube it your self every 500 miles with the spray lube. (Maxima works well and does'nt fling too badly compared to others) When you take the bike in for it's oil changes, ask them to adjust your chain at that time.

 

[DanJDT]

I am about to put a new chain on the bike I just got. *was off when I bought it*


I am thinking Once its on. Cant I just hold a rag on the underside of the chain. and run the rag along it as I put oil on it? Keeping the mess minimal? Then Just roll the bike and repeat. I use to just put engine oil on my chain when i rode dirt bikes. And never had a problem. But I would oil it before i rode everytime. cuz it only took a few seconds.