Motorcycle Chain Care

Motorcycle chains require periodic maintenance. Motorcycle chain tension should be checked every 500 miles, more if frequently exposed to dirt, sand or water.
When checking chain tension, the rear wheel needs to be off of the ground. If your motorcycle does not have a center stand, a rear standwill be necessary.
Ask a friend for help with the rear stand until you are comfortable using it on your own.
Rotate the rear wheel and check the chain for a tight spot. This will be where there is the least amount of slack when moving the chain up and down. This is also where you want to take your measurement.
Your motorcycle owners manual should have the chain slack specs. and adjustment procedure.
Consult your motorcycle repair manualfor all necessary torque specs.
Even if your chain doesn't need adjustment now is a good time to apply a good chain lube. Follow the instructions on your motorcycle chain lube when lubing your motorcycle chain.
Never lubricate your chain with your motorcycle in gear and running.
Keeping up on chain care can greatly increase the life of your motorcycle chain and minimize the chance of chain failure.

Charging a Motorcycle Battery.

Before charging the motorcycle battery, check the electrolyte level. If low, top off each battery cell with distilled water. Always wear safety glasses and keep baking soda and water close for neutralizing spills. Leave each cell cap loose for extra ventilation while charging

When charging your motorcycle battery, avoid creating sparks. Hydrogen gas is explosive and present when charging a battery. To prevent sparks, turn off your motorcycle battery charger when connecting it to your battery.

First, connect the red lead of your battery charger to the positive battery terminal. Connect the black lead to the negative battery terminal.

Select the proper battery voltage setting on your battery charger: 6v or 12v. Turn your battery charger on. To select the proper battery charging rate, determine the ampere-hour rating of your battery. Battery charge rate should not exceed one tenth of the battery ampere-hour rating.

i.e. : 16 amp-hr battery=1.6 amps charge rate.

When charging is complete, turn off battery charger. Remove the black lead from the negative battery terminal first. Remove the red lead form the positive battery terminal second.

Motorcycle Safety Check.

Motorcycle safety is something I can't stress enough. Everyone makes their own choice about what level of motorcycle safety to adopt for themselves, but how many of us truly understand all of the aspects of motorcycle safety?
Motorcycle safety is more than strapping on a motorcycle helmet. Is it the right helmet? How old is it and does it fit you properly? What about the rest of your gear? Proper gloves, jacket, eye protection, boots and pants are also a must.
Consider your mental fitness? Riding a motorcycle requires more skill and awareness than driving a car.
Last but not least, don't forget the motorcycle safety check. This means before you ride, look over your bike too. A simple walk-around is a good habit to get into. I've written an article just about the motorcycle check-over for anyone who needs some pointers.