I just made a stand out of wood today, came out pretty darn good, I will post some pix later today. However, I need to clean and wax my chain and tighen it. I am just curious as to what I should use to clean my chain b4 applying the new wax / lube. and what else is a good chain wax besides the Maxima which is what i am using now. I dont really like it, its messy &turns the sprocket a weird color Also, How do I tighten the chain, it needs to be tightened pretty bad.

And the brakes are squeaking pretty good when i come to a stop it starts around 6-7 MPH when braking slowly. if i brake to a hard stop it dont squeak. I tested them one at a time and it seemed like the front at first so I took it easy when stopping for a while and it went away. went out once riding hard and then the back started to squeak, whats up with this? Do I need new tougher pads?? Also the brakes feel a bit mushier than usual, i checked the fluids and they are fine. any suggestions?!??!? thanks for the help!!

 

You have quite a few loaded questions. First to clean your chain, you can get a chain degreaser at any shop or walmart. Along with a grunge brush. I run the bike in gear on a stand and spray the degreaser on the chain while its moving, and then set a brush up to it and let it clean off. Let the chain dry before you apply your new wax.

To tighten your chain you need a bike stand, you have to loosen the rear axle, and then there is a little screw on the bike on each side, you then turn that screw til the chain moves up or down. There are hash marks on the swingarm and they have to be exactly the same on each side. After you have the lines, aligned the same, tighten up your axle.

As for you brakes, it depends on how many miles you have on them, and how hard you have used them, you might need new pads. If so very easy to remove and replace.

 

yea sorry about all the ?'s i kept thinking of them as I was writing the post. Thanks for the help/info. im gonna clean the chain and rims tomorrow. as for the tightening, I think i might leave that to the shop. and for the brakes, i only have right about 2000 miles on the bike so by no means should the brakes need to be replaced. but i have used them quite hard on numerous occasions. Im looking into new performance pads and stainless braided lines. any suggestions ??

 

If you don't have many miles on it, you shouldn't need to adjust your chain. When you press down on it, it should have enough "play" in it, there is the amount located on your chain guard. As for pads you don't need to replace them for performance pads at this point, just save your money til you need them. As for stainless braided lines, they look nice, but can be a challenge to put on. They really won't do anything for performance. They look sharp.

 

I would strongly suggest you NOT clean the chain while its moving. There has been more than one person lose a finger doing this. do a search, and see some nasty chewed off fingers. rotate it by hand, with the bike off.

 

What I am referring to, is the chain is up on a stand and just press the brush up against it and the brush does it for you. Safety is always first priority. Otherwise, clean it when stationary and move the bike forward so you can get to all of the chain. Sorry for any confusion.

 

NO offense to the OP, but he is clearly not experienced in dealing with mechanical machinery, and that leads me to believe this may not be the best way for him to clean his chain. One careless, or absent minded move and he will lose a finger in a very painful way.

For that matter, I still believe its not a good idea for anyone to clean a chain with it running in gear. same scenario, one absent minded move, or say the brush somehow catches in the chain, and pulls your finger into the chaingaurd, before you can even react, your mangled.

 

Lol dude, im plenty experience in dealing with mechanical machinery, I have a specialist certificate in Steering and Suspension, ASE certified and have built numerous engines and machined plenty of parts. Im just new to motorcycles, and i know not to clean the chain with the engine running in gear, im WAAAAAAAYYYY smarter than that!!I was simply just asking what cleaning products are ok to use on X-ring chains to get the old stuff off before applying the new wax.

Anyone know what the Max allowed "Play" is for the chain. ??

 

It is posted on your chain guard.

 

oh, sorry- just that when you said you would leave adjusting the chain slack to the shop, well....gave me the wrong impression. If your used to building engines and suspension and what not, I would suggest you read the manual, as your aware, they are a very valuable tool for any shop.