The chain is an extremely important piece of any motorcycle, since it's in charge of delivering all the horsepower to the rear wheel.  If your chain is not in good condition, your motorcycle will be less efficient, producing less overall power.

Why Do Motorcycle Chains Need To Be Maintained?

Typical road conditions and weather like dust, dirt, rain, mud, etc. all put strain on your chain, lowering its efficiency and life span.

A lot of motorcycles are made with what is called an "O-Ring sealed chain."  This type of chain is completely open to the atmosphere, and utilizes a normal chain guard to avoid any serious damage to the chain.  These chains usually wear out much quicker and need more maintenance than conventional chains, but all motorcycle chains need standard maintenance.

Motorcycle Chain Maintenance Tips:

You want to keep your chain clean, lubricated and properly adjusted to lengthen its lifespan and get the most power out of your bike.  If you have a conventional chain cover, you will need to remove it to properly service the chain.

Cleaning:

Don't use water to clean the chain, since it will rust the links and will permanently damage the chain. Use a high quality motorcycle chain cleaner as recommended by your owners manual.  If it is very dirty, use a soft brush to remove any dirt and dust particles.  When the chain is clean, wipe it off with a clean dry cloth.

Lubrication:

There are many types of motorcycle chain lubricants, from chain wax to spray lubricants, and some people swear by using used motor oil.  Check your owners manual to see if there are any specific recommendations.  If not, try a good quality chain wax.

Chain Tension:

Your motorcycles chain must have the proper tension, or you will lose power, and the sprockets and chain will wear out quicker.  Most bikes need approximately 2 - 4 mm of free play in a vertical motion.

One thing to think about, is that any moving piece of a bike is very important to its overall performance, and the chain is certainly no exception.   Keeping a good motorcycle chain maintenance routine can help keep your bike in optimal condition.