The motorcycle’s drive chain is the most essential component because it  transfers the engine’s torque and power to the rear wheel. However, it is unfortunately the most neglected component.

 A neglected chain will:

1. Sap engine power.
2. Cause the engine to consume more fuel.
3. Shorten the chain’s lifespan.
4. Snap in extreme cases.

While RK Takasago chains and sprockets are made to the highest quality and from the best material, a little care goes a long way to ensure its longevity, as well as for optimum power transmission.

How to care for your RK Takasago chain 

The chain should be lubricated every 400 to 500km. The easiest method to remember is to go by the number of times you filled up the fuel tank. Since almost every motorcycle have a range of between 180 to 230km per full tank (depending on type of bike and usage), you can lube the chain after the second fill up.

The intervals between lubrication also depends on whether you rode the bike in the rain and in especially dusty or muddy areas. If so, you will need to clean and lubricate it sooner.

Here are some tips on how to clean and lubricate the chain (video below):

1. Ride for at least 15km to warm the chain up.
2. Clean the chain with a chain cleaner or a non-corrosive cleaner. Using strong cleaning agents such as petrol will damage the rubber seals (“O”, “X”, “XW” rings), plus washing the grease out of the chain.
3. Brush the chain and hose off the residue
4. Ride the bike for a few kilometres to allow the water and further residue to spray off.
5. Spray on the chain lube.
6. Wipe off excess chain lube. 

Do note that it is better to spray the chain lube on the inner run of the chain, as centrifugal force will pull the lubricant through the chain. Conversely, most of the lube will be flung away if you spray on the outside. But of course, do spray on the entire chain if you spot rust.

“O-“, “X-“, and “XW” rings feature seals that er… seal in the grease in between the sideplates, so there is no need to lubricate this area. However, the rollers are exposed and they can rust. Besides, these rollers contact the surfaces of the sprockets and the lubricant will reduce much friction. Similarly, the sideplates can rust, too. Therefore, we must continue to clean and lubricate.

Lastly, do not forget to adjust the chain's tension. Motorcycle manufacturers typically recommend 1 inch (2.5cm) of slack at the midpoint of the bottom run (below the swingarm) of the chain for road motorcycles. Dirtbikes need more slack to encounter large vertical movements of the swingarm. Do not overtighten in any case, because it will put undue stress on the chain, clutch, gearbox and engine.

A "healthy" chain ought to last between 20,000km to 30,000km, or even longer in some cases.