To lube or not to lube.....

drikko

drikko

Hero member
Location
Orstralia
Having had shaft drive bikes for a long time I haven't a clue what to do with the drive chain. Do I lube or not? How can I tell if it's an O or X ring or normal chain? Even if it is O/X ring do you spray some stuff on it anyway? Red said it is a 630 which we'll change to 530 when I have some money and this one is worn out, mind you I don't know if it is worn or not, how do I tell?!

It's pretty filthy now, should I spray it with degreaser and clean it up??


edit: found a good guide here:-

http://www.canyonchasers.net/shop/generic/chain.php

Although I'm sdtill not sure if it's O ring or not but maybe it doesn't matter.

 
a degreaser on an O ring chain will eat the O rings
fair odds it isn't an O ring and may still be the original chain

my quick and dirty check for wear is to grab a link at the rear of sprocket and see if it lifts off
then look at the sprocket teeth
 
If you go to the websites of the m/c chain manufacturers/distributors you will likely find good info re cleaning and maintenance.  You may also discover the brand if you inspect the side plates after you clean it up a bit.
 
Drikko, give it a wash with Kero, and clean the muck off from all those miles you do. You will be able to see if its an O-ring chain, as you'll see the rubber O-rings just inside the side plates. I would expect it is, as they are most common these days. You will also then be able to read the side plates for what it is.. 630 etc.
The 'stuff' is called chain lube.. and needs application every day pretty much, especially again with the amount of use your bike gets. There is a test that you can do, which involves removal of the chain and measuring side flex by lying it on a bench... but essentially, if you lube often and adjust regularly, you should be right. Obviously if you run out of adjustment on the axle plates, it's stuffed... :o
Measurement of chain tension is by putting bike on centrestand, and adjusting axle until (I think, books at home..) 25mm up/down is measured at mid-point of lower chain between both sprockets.. don't forget to undo the rear brake caliper carrier bolt to allow the axle to move forward and back...
BTW.. if your chain is RS, like really badly, you will hear a distinct whirring sound, and in truly bad cases, a snatching effect as you roll at regular revs... how do I know this..? tell you about the time I went to Philip with a years old unit one day.. and back.. but gee it got ugly..eh Mark.. :D
HTH
8)
 
LaverdaIan said:
if your chain is RS, like really badly, you will hear a distinct whirring sound, and in truly bad cases, a snatching effect as you roll at regular revs...
Click to expand...

And if it's really REALLY bad, you'll get no drive at all, and a hole in the back of your crankcase  :o
You can probably guess how I know this ...
 
Dellortoman said:
LaverdaIan said:
if your chain is RS, like really badly, you will hear a distinct whirring sound, and in truly bad cases, a snatching effect as you roll at regular revs...
Click to expand...

And if it's really REALLY bad, you'll get no drive at all, and a hole in the back of your crankcase  :o
You can probably guess how I know this ...
Click to expand...

Snap.

But someone else did it to mine.

Also resulted in destruction of the chain guard. :(
 
Bit cheeky there Drikko.. trying to shame/train us are we... ;)

Won't work mate, died in the wool us lot, and anyway, what would a Laverda run be without the required breakdown/refresh stop.. :P

8)
 
With O ring chain pretty much leave as is. A wipe with a mildly oily rag will go someway to keeping the rust at bay buy you will never get lube past the O rings to where it is needed. For non Oring the best way to lube is to boil in wax, but any lube is better than nothing. Just spray sparingly as most of it will end up on the road and tyre. Dont go for motorcycle sprays but look to industrial distributors for a clear spray with PTFE and antifling.

Andy
 
I have been using Kry-Tech spray on Wax lubricant on the O-ring chain I have. It does not fling off and seems to do the job for me. It does not rain at all around here so cannot comment on its ability to fend of water in wet conditions.  Andy what is your opinion on these wax products?  Cheers Dave
 
With 30 years experience as a mechanical engineer, I agree with Andy. O / X ring is completely closed and the oil is only for the exterior of the chain.

Ole
 
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