A very common mistake that most motorcyclists make is not having to constantly check their motorcycle chain, which can be very dangerous. And the truth is most riders are unaware of the dangers of wearing a worn chain. Also, most riders do not know how to identify a worn chain that is considered bad.
So, what happens when I ride my motorcycle with a worn chain? if you ride a worn chain, then chances are that after some chain rides, the chain will tear and cause a host of possible problems. While the most common problem is the chain wrapping around the back, it is also more complicated when it wraps around your leg. In short, riding a worn chain is the most dangerous thing you can do.
You have to understand that wearing a worn chain is the worst thing you can do because there is a very high risk that after a few rides, it will simply tear and loose and it can cause a lot of possible problems. Also, chances are that when the chain is released, you will have an accident together with your motorcycle.
If you are not sure you have a worn chain, this is just the guide for you because I will show you, in this guide, all the things you need to know about a worn chain and how to identify when your motorcycle chain needs replacement and more.
So let’s get started
What happens when I ride my motorcycle with a worn chain (all possible scenarios)
If you are not convinced yet that wearing a worn chain could put you at risk, below are some scenarios that may happen if you assemble a worn chain.
In addition, it is important to note that no matter how lightly worn your chain is, you will still have to replace instead of saving the money. Besides, new chain costs between $50 and $100, believe me, it’s worth it because your life is more important.
So here are all the scenarios that can happen when riding a worn chain
- The first scenario that will happen, and which is the most common, is that the chain will break, it will wrap around the front wheel, causing the other wheel to stop abruptly which means crashing. Also, the higher the speed before the chain cuts, the higher the risk of crashing.
- The second scenario is that the chain will break and wrap around your leg. When this happens, it can cause you to lose stability and have a deadly crash.
- Another scenario that could happen is that the chain can break and not pass through the embroidery parts either but can just bump into other oncoming vehicles or motorcycles, causing them to make an accident that is just awful.
You must understand that riding a worn motorcycle chain is super dangerous but it’s better to save lives by just replacing the worn chain. The chain is among the most important parts that you need to maintain.
How do I know my motorcycle chain is worn?
To avoid getting into a situation where you accidentally ride a worn motorcycle chain, you have to know when it is worn and when it is not. However, there are some signs through which you can identify a worn chain.
I also recommend that you check the chain before every ride and make sure it has no signs of rust. Even the smallest sign of rust can make it suspicious.
- Rust – The first sign that might inspire you to change the chain is rust. If you see rust on the chain, it means it needs to be replaced. Because when there are signs of rust on the chain, it means that the chain is already very old and is not strong and can tear at any moment. Also, rust can be caused due to a lack of lubrication.
- Loose and awkward chain – If the chain seems old and very awkward and loose, it is a very big sign that it needs replacement.
- Double Jump – When I say double jump, I mostly mean that you should take the motorcycle chain and bounce it. If any part of the chain from the top jumps up, that means the chain is not strong enough and needs replacement.
- Noise – When you observe that the chain makes a very strange noise when riding, it means the chain is already weak and very rusty and needs to be replaced.
Now you understand the signs that will signify your motorcycle chain needs replacement. Please note that the more you maintain the chain, the longer it will last.
How to Maintain a Motorcycle Chain?
If you want your chain to last for a long time and not just for a few months, then there are a few different things you can do to maintain the chain and extend its life span.
Make sure the chain is at the appropriate tension – Before each ride, you need to make sure that the chain is neither too loose nor too tight but should be in-between and balanced. The reason is that if the chain is not in the right tension but is in good condition and not worn, it can still tear because it causes the pressure on the links.
Clean the chain after each ride – If you really want your chain to last for a long time, the best thing you can do is clean the chain after every ride. Cleaning the chain is very simple and only takes 10 minutes and you can do it with water and a towel.
Oil the chain – After cleaning the chain, make sure to oil it as well. This lubricant will prevent rust and prolong the life span of the chain.
These 3 things are very simple to carry out and can make a huge difference in the life span of the chain. Just do them.
What to do if my motorcycle chain breaks while riding?
If you forgot to check your motorcycle chain before going for a ride, and it turns out to be rusty, there are some things you can avoid to avoid causing an accident while riding.
So, first of all, when you try to ride your motorcycle at high speed and the motorcycle won’t respond, it is a sign that your chain might be broken. so it means you have to stop the motorcycle and get to your house and replace the chain.
In addition, if the chain broke while riding (at low speed) and it’s caught on the last wheel or so, you must try to straighten the motorcycle, slow down, and stop. The goal is to be balanced and stable so you can avoid a crash.
If you are in a situation where you ride at very high speeds and the chain breaks, then you can no longer take control of the motorcycle and you must realize that you will crash. However, make sure the crash is not in the area of cars or traffic and most importantly, protect your head to avoid injury and try to land as lightly as possible.
Related questions
- How often should a motorcycle chain be replaced? The motorcycle chain lasts for between 5000 and 30,000 miles, all depending on how much you maintain it, how expensive it is, and how you ride.
- How long I have to clean my motorcycle chain? You have to clean the chain at least after every ride but with that, you can also clean it once a week just so that it lasts at least some time.
- How much money does a motorcycle chain cost? Most motorcycle chains cost between $50 and $100 while there are also chains that are priced at over $10 which I think is not really what you need.
- Is there any difference between a cheap and an expansive motorcycle chain? Yes, there is a difference. The major difference is durability. In all likelihood, expensive motorcycle chains are more powerful and high-quality than a cheap chain, which will make them last longer.
Summary
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