I walk around the city and every now and then (often, actually) I think about when, decades ago, I happened to see a wriggling snake on the asphalt. And a little further on, a motionless motorbike. It wasn’t a snake! It was the motorcycle chain, which had snapped under the weight of too vehement acceleration. The umpteenth, probably…
But at the time the chains weren’t as efficient and robust as they are today, giant strides have also been made in the final drive sector and I no longer see snakes, apart from those near the irrigation ditches in the countryside. But every now and then those horrifying sights come to mind, because I find motorcycles in the traffic in front of me with a horrendous dragging noise. How many motorcycles with long and unlubricated chains! Guys, maintenance must be done, even on the chain. A long, unlubricated chain wears out quickly, and with it wears out the chainring and sprocket. And since the three things must be replaced together, the mechanic’s bill can be a few hundred euros; with proper maintenance, the replacement interval becomes enormously long, otherwise be prepared to lose the chain along the way (because in the end it can happen again) or to reach for your wallet at least once a year.
Come on, make an effort: remember that poor girl who asks almost nothing in exchange for letting you enjoy driving your beloved motorcycle. Also because it doesn’t ask for much: periodic lubrication (based on mileage) and extraordinary in case of long use in the rain (well yes: water and oil do not mix, but in the long run the chain lubricant if it goes, with the rain). And then, even without waiting for the periodic coupon, every now and then go to the mechanic to have the tension checked. Another fundamental thing, because incorrect tension can have negative effects on the bike as a whole, for example incorrect tire wear.
Especially in winter, when perhaps you use it less and there is some time to devote yourself to taking care of your motorbike (or moped), remember her. Moreover, there are now specific products on the market that are very easy to use and of excellent performance, even for cleaning. Yes, because an operation that is often even more forgotten is the chain cleaning: many limit themselves to greasing it to the bitter end, without ever cleaning it. To free it from impurities without risking damaging the internal elements such as the rubber o-rings, the advice is to use specific detergents free from aggressive solvents (avoid those based on petrol, today’s chains are no longer those of yesterday!) and immediately after to grease it along its entire length, in such a way as to preserve not only its duration, but also its flexibility.
Otherwise there are always drastic solutions. Buying a motorcycle with a cardan shaft, for example; or a Harley-Davidson or an Indian, which have a belt drive.
