How to Replace a Motorcycle Chain
The drive chain on a motorcycle will eventually wear down and need replacing. Replacing the chain can be the easiest task of all in motorcycle maintenance, however, if you follow a simple procedure. Using the old chain as a guide, you can thread a new replacement chain on your motorcycle sprockets and save yourself the extra maintenance costs. Grab a wrench and let's get started.
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Instructions
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1
Measure the length of your old motorcycle chain, then buy one the same length. If you can't get one the same length, get one that is longer and have the shop cut it to size for you.
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2
Take off the cover to the front sprocket by removing its bolts. Set the bolts aside with the cover, placing each bolt near the hole it was in (they are of different lengths and not interchangeable). Clean away any grease buildup in the area that was behind the cover.
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3
Put the motorcycle in neutral and lift it up onto its center stand. Disconnect and remove its chain guard and set it aside with its bolts.
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4
Break the chain with a Dremel tool or chain breaker. Connect the top end of the old chain to one end of your new chain.
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Pull the old chain out to feed it out through the axle. Stop pulling when you reach the point where the old and new chain meet, then disconnect and discard the old chain.
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Close the loop on the new chain around the motorcycle's sprockets using the chain's master link. The chain breaker will help you connect the master link, or you can use a C-clamp or vice grips.
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Make sure the chain is tight around the sprockets, then replace the front sprocket cover.
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Tips & Warnings
Inspect the condition of the sprockets as you replace the chain. They might need replacing, too.
