Motorcycle Driveline Repairs (Chain And Sprockets/U-Joints) One of the more common repairs to a motorcycles driveline is the routine replacement of the drive chain and sprockets. As a chain wears, it will stretch and over time, accumulated stretch will weaken the drive chain to the point it may snap in two. The condition of your drive chain is important to your safety. A stretched chain can snap in half causing irreparable mechanical damage, injury or death should it get wrapped up in the rear wheel while riding. Sprockets also wear and while they may look good to your eyes, they get worn eccentric, pocketed or even with teeth that bend. Your sprockets mate with your chain and mating a worn sprocket will wear out a chain prematurely. This is why it is important to change the chain with the sprockets every time. Worn drive chains are characterized by a distinct red dusty coating (this is dust from metal making contact with unlubricated metal) excessive slop and kinked links. If you can pull the rear of your chain off the sprocket and see light between the chain and sprocket, the chain is getting worn. Excessive gap between the chain and sprocket is a sign of impending failure and the bike should not be ridden until inspected by a professional. Worn chain and sprockets can also develop tight spots in the chain. A properly adjusted chain should have 1.5" of slack in it when measured from the center of the chain and pushing up on it. If your chain has tight spots in it, you will have areas that do not have proper slack in it as the chain rotates on the sprockets. You can look for tight spots by putting your bike on a stand and checking free play every few inches of chain rotation. Tight spots in your chain can damage wheel bearings and transmission bearings because they put a huge amount of strain and vibration on those parts as the tight spot rotates around the sprockets. Shaft driven motorcycles while mostly maintenance free, do wear. Much like automobiles, they have u joints that can start to get loose and cause knocking sounds when shifting. And much like any other u joint, they can wear and break leaving you stranded. The ring and pinion can also wear from worn lubrication. the pinion bearing is also prone to wear from old lubricants or time. If you hear knocking when you are shifting, whining from your rear drive or have unusual vibration, there is a good possibility you may have a worn final drive and the bike should not be ridden until a professional looks at it. Whether you need your motorcycles chain and sprocket replaced, or you need new U-Joints for your shaft drive, we have you covered. All driveline repairs are performed to the highest standards to ensure your safety. We use OEM or aftermarket parts that meet or exceed OEM specifications. Not sure if you need any driveline maintenance? Stop in for a free HONEST multi point safety inspection that includes inspecting your brakes! We are not here to upsell you on something you do not need but we hope that the 15 minutes you spend on a safety check will make your riding safe and that you keep us in mind when you might need service!

The key to a long life from your drive chain is proper lubrication, cleanliness and proper adjustment. Lube your chain every tank of gas. Keep it clean by wiping it down with a rag lightly soaked in kerosene or WD-40. Do not use any other solvents to clean your chain that are not made specifically for chains. Check and adjust slack on a regular basis. Once a week is a good idea. You should have 1.5-2 inches of slack in the middle of the chain when pressing upwards on it from the bottom.. This check should be done with the motorcycle upright and the full weight of the bike on the wheels.

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SSU MOTORCYCLE SERVICE CENTER
2930 RUCKER AVE
EVERETT WASHINGTON 98201
(425)263-9325

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