I did do some searching, and didnt find my answer, so:

Hey guys, whats up. When I first got my bike I needed a new chain/sprockets, so I did it. Not to hard of a swap, just took a bit of time was all. I used the clip style masterlink and its lasted almost 2 years w/out a hiccup. Just recently I noticed some tighter spots and I actually had a piece of xring that was tearing off :S.Is this from cleaning w/ wd40, or can hard use do thatto a chain? Now, heres my nextquestion.

When I got my first chain, it had the "super lube" on it (really thick white grease i guess)and I was wondering, do I leave that on for the first couple hundred miles and then clean/lube as normal, or is it a good idea to clean the packing grease first? It seems as though it would do a pretty good job as thick as it is, so, im guessing just leave it be?
also, ive heard all kinds of things about chain cleaning (including what i found while i searched) and I havnt come to a conclusion... Whats the best solution to clean these things? Ive heard everything from soapy water, wd40(which ive used), kerosene(wont that dry it out?), deisel fuel etc etc. The list goes on and on... so what do you guys use?

also, its too late to change, but im assuming the chain length would be either counting the exterior faceplates and then x2 or just counting the rivets (1rivet outside, 2nd rivet=inside) to judge the number of links you would need. Im not completely stupid, but I kinda got lost for a bit [] hahahah


thanks for any replies, you guys have been great from day 1, and it just keeps getting better. big ups to everyone who pitches in and helps out on this forum, its a great place to find out info without getting ragged on... well, not too bad

Chris

 

hmm i went and bought a degreeser from honda cost like 6 bucks or so and then got some wax for the chain.
I get on my hands and knees with a tooth brush every 500 miles and spray clean the chain each and every single link. Wash it off with water.. Let it dry or go for a ride few mins. Come back chain is warm spray the wax on and bassicly thats how I do mine. I would leave whatever wax you have on the chain for 500 miles
P.S You should deffently go to a honda dealership and see the discounts that there having now.
I hear people are going crazy over the discounts. I think the wax and degreeser will be discounted. Deffently check it out!!!

 

I dont know if I have a straight up honda dealer around... maybe one in boise. I might have to make the trip up just to look around and look at all the sexy bikes if nothing else.

thanks for the comment, i appreciate it

 

that lube thats on the chain from the factory, should be left on there. I'm told by a bike tech that knows his stuff that its really good stuff. I personally use diesel fuel and a toothbrush to clean the chain. that or PB Blaster, which removes a lot of dirt without a lot of effort, but doesnt harm the rubber seals in the chain.

 

use of WD40 is debatable...so is the use of kerosene...now i just use whatever chain cleaner i get my hands on...and then belray chain wax after.

yes, lube the chain when it's warm so the lube penetrates.

yes...no. plates x2 = total links...and will always be even number...sometimes people say...looks like i only need one more link or one less to make it fit perfect...nope...always need 2 more or less...or none at all.

yea that new stuff is great...it's like that white stuff that comes on newborn babies...sooo good for you!

 

your sick tahoe... real sick.... hahahah

I may have to go recount... i just counted all the rollers, cause thats supposedly how they mark the chains?.... hmmm you got me worried now tahoe. Im definately gonna get a toothbrush now bob... im gonna make this thing last O_o....


**EDIT: Tahoe, seems we are both right... by counting the pins I came up with 112. by counting the outside links i get 56, times that by 2 and you get.... i dont have to write it do I? ok... 112. so evidently it is the number of rollers that determines the "length" of a chain. yah mang