IMPORTANT INFO FOR EU CUSTOMERS: Orders shipped to countries within the European Union do not include tax, customs/local tax charges may be applicable on delivery.
Prepare Your Motorbike Chain for the Summer

Prepare Your Motorbike Chain for the Summer

With the summer season right around the corner, every motorcycle owner is turning their attention to one of the most critical components of our motorcycles: the chain. Regular motorcycle chain maintenance isn't just about keeping your bike looking good but preserving its condition and ensuring it functions correctly. After all, a well-maintained chain is key to the efficient transfer of power from your engine to the rear wheel, letting you enjoy the exhilarating power your bike is capable of.

In this blog, we will guide you through proper motorcycle chain maintenance so you can ride into summer with no qualms. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to clean, lubricate and inspect the slack of your chain.

Clean Your Motorcycle Chain

During summer, your motorcycle chain is particularly susceptible to accumulating dust and dirt, leading to excessive wear and tear. If left unchecked - and especially if it’s already affected by salt, snow, mud, and other debris from previous rides - the damage could be significant.

To counteract this, begin by standing your bike upright, ensuring that the engine is off and the bike is in neutral. Then apply a high-quality chain cleaner, methodically spraying it while gently rotating the rear wheel to loosen the accumulated dirt and grease. Armed with a brush, meticulously scrub the chain to dislodge any stubborn grime, using a rag to wipe away the excess cleaner and dirt. A gentle rinse with water from a hose or bucket following the scrub will remove any lingering debris. Dry the chain with a clean rag or let the air do the work and then all that is left is lubrication, which we go into further on.

How to Lubricate Your Motorcycle Chain

The importance of regular chain lubrication cannot be overstated in tackling corrosion and wear, which could have disastrous effects on your bike. You’ll need to lubricate after riding in rain or wet conditions, or whenever the chain appears to be a little too dry.

To lubricate your motorcycle chain, use a lubricant designed for sealed chains to avoid deterioration of chain seals. Clean especially dirty chains with a suitable cleaner before lubrication, applying lubricant to the sides of the rollers for deep penetration and to the seals to keep them moist. Always wipe off any excess lubricant.

How to Inspect and Adjust the Chain Slack

The correct chain slack is vital for the rear suspension to function optimally. Too much slack can lead to "chain slap," a dangerous condition where the chain contacts the swingarm, jeopardising traction and potentially leading to tyre and suspension damage. Conversely, too little slack can increase wear on drivetrain components and risk the chain jumping the sprocket and coming off entirely, which often results in a crash unless you are extremely lucky.

After ensuring your chain is clean, position your motorcycle on its side stand to inspect and adjust the chain slack. Rotating the rear wheel to find the tightest chain position allows you to measure the maximum slack by manipulating the chain midway between the engine sprocket and the rear wheel sprocket. Adjustments, if necessary, should bring the chain slack within the standard value as indicated in your bike’s manual. This involves loosening the rear axle nut and employing the left and right chain adjusters to achieve the correct slack, all the while ensuring the chain and wheel remain properly aligned. A final retightening of the nuts and a re-check of the slack confirm that your motorcycle is primed for the golden months that lie ahead.

Restore Your Kawasaki with Kawasaki Online Parts

If you’re eager to find Kawasaki OEM parts to get your bike ready for the summer, Kawasaki Original Parts is the largest collection you’ll find in the UK. We have an extensive archive of preserved spare parts for Kawasaki road bikes dating back to the 1980s, so even if you are riding a vintage model, we’ve got you covered.

If you need any chain parts, our process makes it simple. Just enter your Kawasaki motorbike model, look for the rear wheel/chain section, and then add which screws, nuts, seal oils or any other part you need to replace. Start your search for Kawasaki spare parts today and ride into the summer in reinvigorated condition.