Drive chain maintenance

last update 8 Jan 2001

Chain lubrication and slack adjustment are a work that can be done by any user. Sometimes, people thing that an o-ring type chain doesn' t need any maintenance (or at least it doesn't need lubrication), alas this is wrong. However, intervals between lubrications are longer when comparing to conventional chains.

Similarly, it is not clear if (and when) a chain needs cleaning. HONDA recommends a low flash point cleaning fluid like paraffin. Unfortunately, a master link doesn't exist in OEM chain, thus chain can't be easily removed, thus cleaning must be accomplished on the bike.

There is a continuous talking about chain lubrication. HONDA doesn't recommend sprays, to avoid damaging the o-rings. Everyday experience has proved that modern sprays are completely safe and more useful than SAE90W oil because they are sticky so they don't tend to throw off. Therefore lubrication can be done less frequently. Besides, clothes and the bike itself remain clean. Personally, I prefer the very sticky "grass" sprays that resist water, although normal sprays seem to lubricate better. The best brands I tried so far are the new BELLRAY (no messing at all) and the MOTUL (very sticky and "dry", very difficult to remove from swing arm and  rim).

Hint 1: if you used a non sticky spray lube (or SAE90W gearbox oil as HONDA suggests), leave a few minutes to pass, then take a walk on the bike at moderate speed, then wipe-off splashed lube. That would prevent messing the bike and pillion's clothes, just because the remaining lube will be used only for lubricating the chain, not pillion's legs!
Hint 2: Wash-off chain (e.g. with cold water) after riding on dirt, then lubricate it. That will prevent premature wear of both chain and sprockets.

Slack adjustment is an easy job. You need a 24mm and two 12mm wrenches. Support bike on side stand (do not use centre stand) and measure slack in the lower chain run midway between the sprockets.  According to HONDA, it should allow 3.5 - 4.5 cm (1.4 - 1.8in) vertical movement by hand. However, you better not allow less than 4.5 cm (1.8 in) slack, particularly when there is a passenger or heavy load. On the other side, slack should be less than 6 cm (2.35 in), to prevent chain wearing the swing arm. If slack is not into the specified range, do the following:
Measure how many threads are visible on both slack tensioners (it must be identical). Then loosen axle nut, loosen lock nut and turn adjusting nut cw to tighten the chain or c/cw to provide more slack. Tighten lock nut while holding the adjusting nut and repeat he same procedure on the other tensioner keeping identical number of visible threads. Moderately tighten axle nut and check slack. Repeat if slack is not between the specified limits. When finished, tighten axle nut (80-100 Nm).