21
INSPECTING THE DRIVE CHAIN
There is a riveted master link on the chain, which
connects the countershaft to the rear wheel
sprockets. To keep out moisture and dirt, the o-‐ring
chain uses rubber rings between the side plates of the
pin and roller links to seal in the lubricating grease.
Proper lubrication and adjustment will help extend
the life of the chain. You should always perform the
pre-‐ride inspection to check the adjustment and
lubrication before riding. If you are riding in dusty or
muddy conditions remember to maintain and service
the chain more often than usual.
Before any servicing to the chain occurs to be sure the
engine is off and in neutral.
You do not need to remove the chain to perform
service in the maintenance schedule.
Inspection:
Check the slack of the lower drive chain between
the two sprockets. An acceptable amount of slack is
from 3/8 to 9/16 in. (10-‐15 mm). If adjustment is
needed, take motorcycle to an authorized service
center.
The slack should remain consistent along the entire
chain.
If not, check to make sure there are no kinks or
binds. You can sometimes eliminate kinks or binds
by lubricating the chain.
Inspect chain for damaged rollers, kinks or binds,
dry or rusty links, improper adjustment ,excessive
wear, or dam-‐ aged and missing o-‐rings. The chain
should be replaced if there is damage to the rollers
or if there are loose pins. Lubricate any kinks or
binds to work them out. If the chain appears too
dry or rusty, lubricate.
Check both the front and rear sprocket teeth for
excessive wear or damage. If needed, replace the
sprocket. The use of a new chain with a worn
sprocket will cause quick wear to the new chain.
CLEANING THE DRIVE CHAIN
The drive chain should be cleaned, lubricated, and
inspected every time you ride the motorcycle.
WARNING:
Always inspect the drive chain tension before you ride
the motorcycle. Too much slack could allow the drive
chain to come off the sprockets, which could cause an
accident or result in serious damage to the
motorcycle.
Cleaning the drive chain:
Wash the drive chain with an approved chain
cleaner.
Dry the chain, then lubricate with chain lubricant or
the
equivalent.