cleaning chain - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

mattsmarauder · 05-08-2008, 10:11 PM

On my 03 marauder, when I go to take the chain off do I need to loosen both tensioners(one on the chain side and the other on the exhaust side?) also do I need to loosen the main bolt thats kind of the axle?.. I have a manual but its a downloadable one and doesnt have good pics.

**Clint** · 05-08-2008, 10:28 PM

You'll have to loosen both adjusters enough to get the chain off the sprocket. You'll also have to loosen the axle nut to allow it to slide forward.

Many people don't actually take it off to clean it, though. A toothbrush and some kerosene will have it sparkling in just a few minutes. Of course, I'm speaking as one who has the luxury of a centerstand.

mattsmarauder · 05-08-2008, 10:32 PM

well I would like to take it off just to clean it as good as possible. maybe it'll be a good weekend project

mattsmarauder · 05-08-2008, 10:33 PM

oh yeah to actually take the chain off, is there like a pin that comes off the chain?

**Clint** · 05-09-2008, 09:00 AM

If you have an aftermarket replacement with a master link you could take it apart. Otherwise you'd have to pull the rear tire and the front sprocket in most cases.

I'm telling you, it's not that hard to do it on the bike. Just work a small section at a time. The grease practically falls off with kerosene.

Easy Rider · 05-09-2008, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattsmarauder

well I would like to take it off just to clean it as good as possible. maybe it'll be a good weekend project

It could turn into a real "project" but maybe not a good one.

If you have a master link in the chain, it won't be too hard but be VERY sure not to damage the master link clip and get it back on properly.

If you don't have a master link in the chain, your questions about what to loosen to remove it indicates that you are in WAY over your head....WAY.

Before you do anything LOOK at how the chain routes in relation to the rest of the suspension components. THINK about how you would go about getting the chain off once it is loose. On most bikes, it was never intended to remove the chain without taking the chain apart.

Consider what you are about to do carefully. The potential exists to do a LOT more damage than good.

On what Rowdy said.

KD57 · 05-09-2008, 10:36 AM

You will not be able to remove the chain from the bike even if you do get it loose and off the sprockets, assuming it's a pinned link. If it has a removable link, no problem. But if it does have this, another problem arises, losing the clip on the highway. Pinned links are mostly used on street bikes for that reason. Do what Rowdy sd., brush and kerosene.

mattsmarauder · 05-09-2008, 06:07 PM

ok just going to brush the chain then. just loosen her up alittle so i can clean it up. I really should invest in a nice manual.

**Clint** · 05-09-2008, 11:34 PM

Don't loosen it unless you intend to take it off the sprocket. There's no reason to, and then you'll have to adjust it again.

05HDRAM · 05-10-2008, 11:49 AM

When I had my Sportbikes, I found my dirtbike chain cleaner worked great. It was a little box that clamped over the chain. It had brushes around the areas where the chain went through, and you poured your chain cleaner into it. You do have to get the rear tire in the air to spin it, but it worked great.

Easy Rider · 05-10-2008, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattsmarauder

ok just going to brush the chain then. just loosen her up alittle so i can clean it up. I really should invest in a nice manual.

And a nice 3-sided brush or the box thing referenced above. The brush costs about $3, IIRC.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

Don't loosen it unless you intend to take it off the sprocket. There's no reason to, and then you'll have to adjust it again.

jjzeal · 10-06-2008, 02:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 05HDRAM

When I had my Sportbikes, I found my dirtbike chain cleaner worked great. It was a little box that clamped over the chain. It had brushes around the areas where the chain went through, and you poured your chain cleaner into it. You do have to get the rear tire in the air to spin it, but it worked great.

got the right idea cuz, i posted on another "chain cleaning" my method and it is definitely easy effective and cheap, like my women.

05-08-2008, 10:11 PM	#1 (permalink)
mattsmarauder Where Am I ? Joined: Feb 2008 Bike: 2003 Suzuki Marauder VZ800 Location: Delavan, WI Posts: 34	cleaning chain On my 03 marauder, when I go to take the chain off do I need to loosen both tensioners(one on the chain side and the other on the exhaust side?) also do I need to loosen the main bolt thats kind of the axle?.. I have a manual but its a downloadable one and doesnt have good pics.

05-09-2008, 10:36 AM	#7 (permalink)
KD57 In The Zone Joined: Oct 2007 Bike: 2008 ZZR600 Location: Under a rock in Texas Posts: 2,578	You will not be able to remove the chain from the bike even if you do get it loose and off the sprockets, assuming it's a pinned link. If it has a removable link, no problem. But if it does have this, another problem arises, losing the clip on the highway. Pinned links are mostly used on street bikes for that reason. Do what Rowdy sd., brush and kerosene. __________________ The "other" ZZR rider.

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05-08-2008, 10:32 PM	#3 (permalink)
mattsmarauder Where Am I ? Joined: Feb 2008 Bike: 2003 Suzuki Marauder VZ800 Location: Delavan, WI Posts: 34	well I would like to take it off just to clean it as good as possible. maybe it'll be a good weekend project

05-08-2008, 10:33 PM	#4 (permalink)
mattsmarauder Where Am I ? Joined: Feb 2008 Bike: 2003 Suzuki Marauder VZ800 Location: Delavan, WI Posts: 34	oh yeah to actually take the chain off, is there like a pin that comes off the chain?

05-09-2008, 06:07 PM	#8 (permalink)
mattsmarauder Where Am I ? Joined: Feb 2008 Bike: 2003 Suzuki Marauder VZ800 Location: Delavan, WI Posts: 34	ok just going to brush the chain then. just loosen her up alittle so i can clean it up. I really should invest in a nice manual.

05-10-2008, 11:49 AM	#10 (permalink)
05HDRAM Third gear and cruising Joined: Jun 2007 Bike: 2006 M50 Location: Southeast, PA Posts: 525	When I had my Sportbikes, I found my dirtbike chain cleaner worked great. It was a little box that clamped over the chain. It had brushes around the areas where the chain went through, and you poured your chain cleaner into it. You do have to get the rear tire in the air to spin it, but it worked great.

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