Motorbike Servicing in Wootton Bassett

[MayallRob]

Well, I'm pretty sure I've found out what the problem was (and it's kinda embarrassing).

Turns out my chain was just really dirty. It was caked in a thick black tar-like substance. I don't know whether it was dirt, grease, oil or whatever, but its all been cleaned now. I used WD40 the previous night and today I used some grease-remover and some chain lubricant.

And so after months of owning my first motorbike and weeks of having to endure a terrible clunking sound whilst riding, I finally learnt the importance of regular chain maintenance.

Guess I'm going to have to start checking my chain every week / fortnight as Senna suggested. I'd best get checking my oil levels while I'm at it...

[MayallRob]

Oh, I forgot to mention; the clunking sound was made because the links in the chain were so caked in the dirt that they had almost seized up and weren't rotating freely, so you can imagine how much it would have struggled to try and get around the sprockets...

[Loops]

It's all a learning experience - you won't forget to check it now! 8-)

[Wes]

Looks pretty knacked mate, personally i always go for renthal sprockets, and a lightweight rear sprocket always looks the business, i fitted a steel rear sprocket and within 6 months (over winter) it looked like i found it washed up on the beach it was that rough looking, never again.

[Rabb]

My chain is cleaned thoroughly and re- lubed religiously every week (I do so many miles that I have to) Every week it looks like new (Gleaming)

Believe me you don't want a broken chain diving into your rear wheel at 70mph - it tends to kill you. That's why I am so structured about it.

My new DID X Ring chain has now done 6000 miles and it looks new (and never needs adjustment either because I look after it so well)

In fact I believe I might be able to get 20000 miles out of it?!

P.S. Sorry Wes I wouldn't advise lightweight Renthals - too soft (they'll be shot in a very short period of time) - I was speaking with someone recently who only got a couple of thousand miles out of them!

[Dan505]

Robbie, don't use WD40 if you have O-ring chain as they are pre-packed with grease and sealed at manufacter but the WD40 will penetrate and dry the rings out an knacker them

Can't believe no one else mentioned that....

[Mitch9128]

No-one mentioned it, because it's bollocks Dan.

[Dan505]

how come everyone i've spoke to about chains, mechs, instructors & riders all say the same thing?

heard it from at least 7 different people

[Mitch9128]

Because they talk bollocks too? Urban myths are just that, and have a nasty habit of spreading. Google is your friend, O rings are not affected by WD40.

[Dan505]

google cleary doesn't like me as a friend as i got mixed answers.....oh well i'll stick to what i'm already doing.

Robbie, let us know how you get on, be interesting (for me) to see if the WD40 affects your chain or not.