Walneck's Classic Cycle Trader - May 2008 - (Page 100)

MONTHLY FEATURES TIP OF THE MONTH Avoiding Unintentional Stunt Riding: Chain and Sprocket Service By Mike Brown ome technical lessons are brought into indelibly sharp focus and completely alter maintenance rituals. Having a chain break passing a truck in 1974 was one of these on-the-road examples. In this episode, a loose, rusty, 530 chain managed to wad up around a back sprocket, locking the 16-inch rear wheel of my derelict Triumph chopper, and mercifully, launching me and the motorcycle into the grassy strip dividing the east-west lanes of the New York State Thruway somewhere outside of Syracuse. I walked away, and aside from a set of broken handlebars and a few new dents, the chopper didn’t fare that badly either. Of course, I could have ing to pin clearn the link bush just as easily been under the semi’s wheels and the world ct to wear. Whe stretches. parts are subje as if the chain All these would have been rid of one more motorcycle outlaw. s makes it seem s excessive thi ance become Since that time I’ve been almost fanatical about checking and maintaining chains and sprockets, this month’s tip installment. First of all, let’s dispel a few common myths as they often create service errors. “Chain stretch” is almost a complete misnomer because chains really don’t stretch so much as they wear around the rollers, link pins, and bushings they ride on. The wear is greatly increased by two factors: lack of lubrication and too tight chain adjustment. Removing a link to “fix” a “stretched chain” follows this pattern of illogic, and does absolutely no good because the real issue is the increased distance between each individual link, not the overall length of the chain. What happens here is that only a link or two take the With the chain load on the sprocket running a worn out chain and the properly adjus ted and aligned to pull the chain with the front irregular distances between links rapidly wears the off the rear spro sprocket, try cket as shown. sprocket to any If you can pick great degree, the sprockets, further aggravating wear issues because then will it off the chain and possi need replacem bly the sprocket ent. the sprockets start to cause damage too. “Commercial spray lubricant is better than oil for chain lubrication,” is often parroted over parts counters but is often untrue, or at least, misleading. Spray lubricants commonly contain a special wax that both lubricates and sticks to the chain better than conventional oils, but the wax tends to hold dirt more than oil and that adds to chain wear. What sort of lubricant you chose to use is really a matter more about deciding the kind of riding you want to do and what you have at hand. Wax-type lubricants are probably better choices for riding over clean paved roads, but if you have a long dirt driveway or other dusty riding circumstance like off road excursions, oil can be better option. No matter what, don’t let anyone tell you oil won’t work well on chains, because show the wear it does, so long as it’s clean and frequently applied. A lot side and really ets are side by sprocket was and bad sprock you can also see that the old of old timers swear by good old gear oil applied with a Good ually means an se, ear like this us curs. In this ca W that oc small paintbrush, and these guys know what they’re talking cket is also rn to one side. . The worn spro d and badly wo misaligne missing entirely sign it’s time about. acer is wrong or coming hooked, another sure axel sp “O-ring chains are maintenance free,” is another fallacy. showing signs of the teeth be r replacement. fo While o-ring and other types of modern sealed chains do seal in pin lubrication, they still need to be frequently cleaned and lubricated. A corollary, “O-ring chains last longer” is also patently false. If a conventional chain is of good quality and properly maintained it will last just as long as an o-ring chain of similar quality. S 100 MAY 2008 I WALNECK’S CLASSIC CYCLE TRADER® I WALNECKS.COM http://WALNECKS.COM

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Walneck's Classic Cycle Trader - May 2008 Contents American The Buzz w/Buzz Walneck Indy Re-cap Bench Racing w/Mark Zimmerman My URAL Indy - A First Timer’s View Spokes for Hungry Folks Bob Wark of The Wark Shop An Interview w/Mitch Boehm of Motorclist Retro A Few Tips & Stories from Sidecar Insiders 1977 Harley-Davidson FLH Walneck’s 30 yrs in Review Events, Listings and Advertisements British 1971 Triumph 650 TR6R Biker Quiz - Results & Winners Motorcycle Tips w/Mike Brown European 1973 BMW R75/5 Japanese 1976 Kawaski KZ900 LTD Antique Cycle Clubs Competition Motorbikes and Scooters Memorabilia Parts, Accessories. Want Ads How to Place a Word Ad How to Place a Photo Ad Area Code Directory How to Subscribe Let Us Help with Your Event

Walneck's Classic Cycle Trader - May 2008

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