Are you a motorcycle enthusiast looking to understand the ins and outs of your bike’s chain system? Understanding the basics of motorcycle chains and how to measure their size is crucial for proper maintenance and performance. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll delve into the fundamentals of motorcycle chains and provide step-by-step instructions on how to measure their size accurately.
Motorcycle chains come in various sizes and types, each designed to fit different bikes and accommodate specific riding styles. Measuring the motorcycle chain size involves using a tape measure and identifying the correct size chain for your bike. Additionally, understanding the different chain sizes and master links is essential for ensuring a proper fit and optimal performance.
In this article, we will walk you through the process of measuring motorcycle chain size, including using a tape measure and identifying the correct size chain. We’ll also discuss the importance of ensuring a proper chain fit and making necessary adjustments for different types of motorcycle chains. Get ready to equip yourself with the knowledge needed to maintain and optimize your motorcycle’s chain system.
Understanding the Basics of Motorcycle Chains
Choosing the correct size chain for your motorcycle is crucial for performance and safety. Roller chains are a series of interlinked components that include inner plates, pins, and rollers, responsible for transferring power from the engine to the rear wheel. O-ring chains, popular in both street bikes and dirt bikes, have a special seal to lock in lubrication, essential for protecting and prolonging the life of the drive chain.
Motorcycle chain sizes are commonly referred to by a three-digit numbering system, the most common being 520, 525, and 530, all indicating a 5/8-inch pitch—the distance between roller centers. These numbers also indicate the chain’s width, an important aspect since it must align properly with the sprocket sizes on your bike. The wider the chain, the more suitable it is for heavier and more powerful motorcycles, which typically demand a larger chain.
To find the right chain for your motorcycle, consider utilizing a “Bike Finder” provided by chain manufacturers or consult your motorcycle’s owner’s manual. Regular maintenance, including correct tension adjustments and lubrication, ensures your motorcycle chain stays in top condition, contributing to a smoother and safer ride.
How to Measure Motorcycle Chain Size
Measuring the chain size for your motorcycle is essential to ensure a proper fit and optimal performance. A chain that’s too loose can lead to inefficiency and potential safety hazards, while a tight one can cause undue stress on other components. Here’s a step-by-step guide on using a tape measure to determine the correct size of your motorcycle chain:
Using a Tape Measure
- Position the Motorcycle: Place the motorcycle on a stable surface with the rear wheel elevated. This will give you unimpeded access to the drive chain.
- Identify Measurement Points: Locate the pins on your chain that you will use for measurement. You will measure from the center of one pin to the center of the next pin to find the chain’s pitch.
- Measure the Pitch: Stretch a tape measure tightly across a span of chain links, ensuring that it is perfectly aligned and straight. Measure from the center of one pin to the center of the next to determine the pitch. Most motorcycle chains will have a pitch of 5/8-inch, corresponding to chain sizes like 520, 525, or 530.
- Measure Roller Diameter: Measure the diameter of the rollers in the chain. This helps further confirm the size and compatibility of your chain with the sprockets.
- Total Chain Length: To determine the overall length of the chain, you can count the number of links or measure the chain from one end to the other while it’s still on the motorcycle. This will ensure you get a replacement chain with the correct number of links.
Identifying the Correct Size Chain
To ensure that you have the correct size chain for your motorcycle, take precise measurements of:
- The Pitch: This is the distance from the center of one chain pin to the center of the next. Standard motorcycle chains typically come in pitches of 1/4″, 5/16″, or 3/8″.
- Plate Height & Thickness: Measure the plate height, which is the distance from the top to the bottom of the link plates, and thickness of the plates.
- Roller Diameter: Knowing the diameter of the rollers in the chain is important, as this will affect which sprockets the chain will fit.
- Width: Measure the internal width (the distance between inner plates) and the overall width of the chain. These dimensions are critical for the chain to mesh properly with the sprockets on your bike.
After obtaining these measurements, compare them against standardized motorcycle chain dimensions, often available through chain manufacturers or in motorcycle service manuals.
Understanding Chain Sizes and Master Links
Motorcycle chain sizes are typically described by a series of numbers such as 415, 420, 428, 520, 525, and 530. Here’s what these numbers mean:
- The first number (4 or 5) in the series indicates the pitch of the chain in eighths of an inch. For instance, a 4 series chain would have a 1/2-inch pitch, and a 5 series would have a 5/8-inch pitch.
- The second number indicates the internal width between the roller link plates in sixteenths of an inch.
- The third number is the zero at the end, indicating that it is part of the standard chain sizing protocol.
When it comes to Master Links, there are two main types:
- Clip-Style Master Links: These are easier to install and remove but may not be as secure as rivet-style links.
- Rivet-Style Master Links: These provide a more permanent and secure fit but require a special tool and more effort to install and remove.
Choosing the right master link depends on the type of riding you do and whether you prioritize convenience or security in your chain connections.
By understanding the specifics of chain sizes and how to measure them properly, you ensure both the longevity of your motorcycle’s drive system and the safety of your riding experience.
Ensuring Proper Chain Fit
Ensuring the proper fit of your motorcycle’s chain is a critical aspect of bike maintenance. The right fit keeps your ride smooth, and the power transfer from your engine to the rear wheel, efficient. To verify the fit, you will need to refer to the manufacturer’s specification for drive chain slack, commonly found on a sticker attached to the swingarm or within your bike’s manual. This specification is usually measured in inches or millimeters and provides a target range for your chain’s tension.
To accurately measure the tension, you can utilize either a chain tensioning tool or a standard tape measure. The most effective method involves measuring the distance between the chain’s highest and lowest points to find the slack differential. It’s important to note that the measurement should be performed when the motorcycle is on its suspension, not raised off the ground. This accounts for the chain tightening under the motorcycle’s weight. Remember to adjust the chain to a slightly looser tension than what’s recommended when the bike is elevated, ensuring optimal tension once the bike is back on the ground.
When adjusting the chain, make use of precision tools like the Chain Monkey for consistent results, and a torque wrench to confirm that the axle nuts are tightened to the specified torque. It’s advisable to routinely check and adjust your chain, optimally every 500 miles, to maintain the chain’s lifespan and the bike’s performance.
Considering Different Types of Motorcycle Chains
Motorcycle chains are typically roller chains that consist of individual links. Each link features two inner plates held together by pins running through a roller, which revolves around them. This design enhances the efficiency and reduces wear, translating to smoother rides. The majority of motorcycle and ATV chains have O-rings situated between the inner and outer plates. These O-rings serve as seals for the lubricant applied at the factory, safeguarding the pins and rollers from contaminants and thus prolonging the lifespan of the chain.
Riders must choose between O-ring chains, which offer extra protection against dirt and debris, thus extending chain life, and standard chains, which may not offer this degree of protection but can be more affordable. Chains are also size-specific; popular sizes include 520, 525, and 530, each suiting different power outputs and bike types, from mid-range to larger, high-horsepower sport bikes.
Making Necessary Chain Adjustments
Regular chain adjustments are essential for maintaining the proper tension required for optimal power transfer and for preventing undue wear on the rear sprockets. A chain that is not properly adjusted can lead to poor handling, especially noticeable during times of acceleration and deceleration. More importantly, a well-adjusted chain minimizes the risk of damage to the motorcycle’s swingarm and other related components.
Neglecting chain adjustments can result in uneven wear or tight spots, which in turn can compromise the safety and reliability of the motorcycle. By keeping the chain properly adjusted, you contribute to a more responsive and smoother ride, underlining the importance of regular inspection and adjustment of the motorcycle chain.
Allowing for a Bit of Chain Slack
The recommended chain slack for most street bikes is typically within the range of 1.2–1.6 inches (30–40 mm), while dirt bikes can require a slack setting of 1.4–2.0 inches (35–50 mm) to cope with the rigors of their riding environment. This slack is necessary as it provides the chain the ability to adjust to the varying tensions it undergoes while the motorcycle is in motion, thus preventing excessive stress on the chain and the sprockets.
Correctly setting the chain slack is integral to the bike’s handling. It ensures that the chain does not become overly tight during suspension movement, which could otherwise lead to accelerated wear and potentially affect the motorcycle’s performance. Always adjust the chain according to the guidelines provided in the owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s specifications to guarantee safe and efficient motorcycle operation.