Motorcycle Chain Maintenance ...

The chain is a very important Component of your Bike as the chain is what powers the rear wheel. The Chain drive of your bike has to be in proper condition so that the there is no power dissipation when the power is delivered from the engine via the cam chain tensioner to the rear wheel. A Bike’s chain, sprocket and the cam chain tensioner are the main components that transfer power to the road from the engine. The chain, sprocket technique is the most efficient method to power the rear wheel and that’s why most of the bikes employ this method. Some bikes employ Belt driven method like the Gearless scooter Honda Activa that employs a V-Matic belt driven transmission system. Big V-twin Bikes like the Suzuki Boulevard 1783 cc employs a Shaft Driven Transmission system like in a car. The chain cant handle the extra torque produced by the bigger engine as there is higher wear and tear so shaft system is used in higher engine capacity bikes.

Why Chain Maintenance: India is a country, which has a diverse range of environmental conditions so this ensures that the chains in your bikes need regular care. Rains, dust, muddy and slushy roads etc all wreak havoc with your bike’s chain. These days many bikes come with an O Ring sealed chain, which is exposed to the environment. The conventional Chain Guard prevents the chain from getting damaged. The O Ring chains are more prone to wear and tear as they are exposed and need regular maintenance so that your bike’s chain is healthy. Conventional Chains also need regular maintenance.

Tips for maintenance of O Ring Chains and conventional Chains: Your bike’s chain need regular lubrication, cleaning and adjustment. In case you have a bike which has a conventional chain cover remove it and then go ahead with the job.

Cleaning: Wash the chain with paraffin, a soft brush and a piece of cloth and remove the dirt accumulated in the chain. Don’t use Water as it might rust the chain links because if the water has salt or minerals or chlorine and sodium it will damage the chain. After the dirt is cleaned with the brush and paraffin wipe the chain with a clean dry cloth.

Lubrication: Lubricate the chain links and the chain with used engine oil. For this you need not buy expensive oils, whenever you get your bike serviced ask the workshop to give you some old engine oil in a bottle. Use this used Engine oil and lubricate all the areas of your bike’s chain by rotating the wheel so that you lubricate all the areas of the chain. Check if the chain has rusted or starting to rust if it is, then put more lubricant on the rusted areas. It is a good idea to touchup with paint in the rusted areas to prevent further rusting, WD 40 Antirust spray is also helpful. Make sure your bike is switched off to prevent any injuries to your hand.

Inspection and Adjustment: Check if your bike’s chain has a free play of 2-4 mm in general by moving the chain up and down in a vertical direction with your fingers. Your bike’s chain must have the correct tension and free play of the rear wheel. If the tension is more the chain wont power the rear wheel smoothly during motion. If in case the chain is loose, the power delivery from the engine to the rear wheel wont be optimal and there will be loss of power due to slippage. Take the bike to your mechanic or service center and get it adjusted to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Always remember that all the moving parts will affect the performance of your bikes. The Transmission system in bikes is often overlooked by many people. You must inspect the Transmission system every three weeks in general to ensure your bike’s engine and transmission components are in perfect working order. Remember you bike must not only look good Cosmetically but also function properly and regular Chain Drive Maintenance will ensure this and the performance of your bikes wont drop through passage of time.

Bike cleaning and maintenance tips

Be it your new Lord of the Streets or your cute budget bike, they are such loyal buddies taking the lazy you to office, to grocer, carrying you and your monthly grocery through the crowded streets to home, after you’ve had enough of the rest-of-the-world experience. Don’t you think we need to pay back our 4-stroke bike at least giving it a once-in-a-while cleaning at house? So said, I would like you to read through the following lines.
You got all those bike accessories as because you liked the way they changed the look of your bike; whether it is the shiny chrome, or the dual tone graphics on it, or even extra beautiful paint. These could set your bike apart in a crowd and give it a special identity like you have in your work place. While you receive all that pampering do you pay back to your bike? In fact let me tell, even a 1lakh bike will be great on road if its dirty and an decade old bike can still be shining and attracting second looks- all in the maintenance.
I am going to give you a few tips in bike cleaning and hopefully with the pampering it receives it will never let you down:
If you have had a long drive the bike needs a cool down time period before you head for a washing episode. It allows the engine to cool down. If not there could be streaking, damage to chrome and spotting and at times even crack of the engine as well. Look for leaks if any and wear of the tyres, any loose bolts and even hoses, and give a thorough look at other areas which sometimes take your attention to otherwise neglected things.
Cleaning Equipment Required: The list of soaps, waxes and cleaning agents is almost endless and if you are a little careful you can do a hell lot with a good brush, clean rags, and some water. But so said, I would suggest that you pick a cleaning solution that is tailor made for bikes. Inappropriate cleaners will get on saddle, blue the chrome and get on the paint. Thus, use products that will not cause problems as regards to spoiling the finish or discoloring it. Remember cheap cleaning products will only harm your vehicle.
Once preparing the cleaning solution as per the mixing direction start cleaning your toy. Give heavy dirt settled on fenders and bugs a presoak treatment and then rinse with jet of water to clean off the loosened dirt. Use a clean sponge or cloth so it doesn’t scratch the chrome or the paint.
Give a thorough rinse to the bike, give a little rubbing, but an extra wash and rinse is any day better than rubbing for the reason that it will dull the shine of the paint or scratch the chrome. But so said, when water is scarce give a gentle rubbing to the heavily soiled areas. Clean the hidden areas as well to ensure it’s absolutely free of dirt. Ensure that the cleaning solution is washed off the bike. Give another rinse job and if there is run off of the water with no signs of beading your bike needs a thorough polishing; however, with the manufacturer recommended polishes.
Clean the wheels with separate rag and rinse the wheels again separately. Wipe the bike off the water with dry and soft cloth. Avoid doing this under direct exposure to sun to prevent any streaking.
Never use a dryer or air compressor to dry the vehicle as it might grit the finish and cause irreparable damage. Use a cloth to dry rather than a blower or a dryer. Clean the leather saddle (if) with the manufacturers recommendations.
Once the bike is clean you can pamper the tyres if you desire. Give some oil treatment to the chain with the recommended oil. With so much bike spa treatment your bike is ready to carry your lazy body again, but now with more shine and beauty.

tips about motorbike modification for free !!!

Here are a few tips that need to be kept in mind before engaging in one such job.

1. Alloy Wheels: When planning to change the wheels to alloys for your bike, it is safe to go for branded ones. Don’t go for one just because it’s a 2 or 3 spoke alloy. You find a lot of duplicates which are either used or re-painted in the market. This would prove to be a very dangerous move. At times of accident, your alloys might result in total breaking of wheels leading to high levels of life risk.
2. Headlights: Headlight modification can result in total revamping of your bike. But, be very cautious about it. Don’t add twin dazzling lamps or very powerful halogen and xenon lamps, which act as an obstacle for travelers’ vision who commute on your opposite side.
3. Silencer: Wanna modify your silencers? Go ahead, but don’t be that creatures on Earth who create total disturbance with their nasty and irritating sounds. Bikers need to be responsible too!
4. Split Seats: Go for split seats. It would offer an all new look for your bike you wouldn’t have even thought of, offering a sporty look. Anyone in a seat repairing and stitching shop can help you with this idea.
5. Fairing: There are numerous customizing centres in most of the cities, which enable you to add side fairings. Though they cost more, worth the buck.
6. Who: Always trust experts when handling your bike’s modification. Else, would create problems on the long run.
7. Color: Remember that changing your bike’s colour is illegal. So don’t attempt trying this stuff. Because, the colour of your bike mentioned in the document will be different from the actual one. Real-time issue.
8. Mirrors: Whatever modification your bike undergoes, don’t remove the rear view mirrors. It’s one of the very essential safety components of your bike, concerned directly with your personal safety.
9. Total Mods: Is your wallet really heavy? Then, do this. There are modification shops in cities like Chennai and Pune where you can convert your existing model to the model you intend to. For instance, you own a Pulsar and wanna modify it like the Hayabusa, you can still go ahead. Trust me, it’s true. The estimations begin from 45k and goes on till a lakh and at times even more based on your requirement.
10. Legal: Remember the last point. When you make your bike undergo any massive mods, see to it that you consult the concerned people in the RTO (Regional Transport Office), ask them in advance what is to be done regarding re-registration of your bike after all these modifications are done. After these are performed, make your documents of your bike legally faultless in all aspects.