BMW Motorcycle Chain Kit Maintenance in 3 Steps

The chain kit is the set consisting of the chain, sprocket, and rear sprocket, which ensures the transmission of engine power to the rear wheel of your BMW motorcycle. Although often overlooked, maintaining your chain kit is crucial to ensure optimal performance and maximum safety. Fortunately, with a few tips and some know-how, you can easily maintain your chain kit yourself, extending its lifespan and ensuring the smooth operation of your motorcycle.

Learn More About BMW Motorrad Chain Kit Maintenance

Regular maintenance of your BMW motorcycle's chain kit is essential to ensure efficient power transmission from the engine to the rear wheel. A well-maintained chain kit not only guarantees optimal motorcycle performance but also contributes to your safety on the road. By extending the lifespan of your chain kit with proper maintenance, you optimize the functioning of your motorcycle and fully enjoy every ride.

Neglecting chain kit maintenance can have serious consequences. A poorly maintained chain wears out prematurely, leading to a noticeable loss of performance. A damaged chain can also break, posing a major safety risk. Excessive wear on the sprocket and rear sprocket can also cause costly damage and reduce the overall efficiency of the transmission.

To effectively maintain your BMW chain kit, it is important to have the right equipment. You will need specific cleaning products to remove dirt and residues, a suitable brush for deep cleaning, and a high-quality lubricant to ensure optimal lubrication. You will also need some basic tools, such as a wrench to adjust the chain tension.

Important Step: Identifying the Type of Chain

Before maintaining your motorcycle's chain kit, it is essential to know what type of chain it is equipped with. Generally, we distinguish between classic BMW chains with O-ring, X-ring, or Z-ring seals and the BMW Motorrad M Endurance chain, an innovative technology. Classic chains require regular maintenance, including cleaning and lubrication, to ensure longevity and proper function. They are susceptible to dirt and wear, requiring frequent monitoring of tension and lubrication.

In contrast, the BMW M Endurance chain stands out due to its tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C) coating, a technology that virtually eliminates wear and the need for lubrication. This ultra-resistant treatment reduces friction and provides a significantly longer lifespan than traditional chains while eliminating regular maintenance. This is a real advantage for riders seeking maximum performance with minimal constraints. If your motorcycle is equipped with a M Endurance chain, you can say goodbye to lubrication sprays and tedious cleaning sessions!

For riders with motorcycles equipped with classic chains, here are the steps to maintain your chain kit:

Step 1: Clean the chain

Regularly cleaning your BMW motorcycle chain is essential to remove impurities that accumulate over time. These impurities can include dust, mud, and residues from worn-out lubricant. By removing these unwanted elements, you enable better chain lubrication, which helps reduce wear and prolong the life of your chain kit. Regular cleaning also ensures smoother transmission and enhances the overall performance of your motorcycle.

For effective cleaning, it is crucial to use the right products. A special chain degreaser is ideal for dissolving grease and stubborn dirt. Use a suitable brush to reach every part of the chain and a clean cloth to wipe off any remaining residues after cleaning. These tools will help you achieve optimal results without damaging your motorcycle’s components.

1. Applying the cleaner: Generously spray the degreaser (preferably a special chain degreaser—avoid gasoline or white spirit, which can damage the O-rings) along the entire length of the chain. Ensure the product penetrates well between the links for maximum effectiveness.

2. Brushing and wiping: Use a brush (a special U-shaped brush or an old toothbrush) to scrub the chain thoroughly, focusing on areas where dirt is most embedded. Once brushing is complete, wipe the chain with a clean cloth to remove degreaser residues and loosened impurities.

Step 2: Check the chain tension and wear

The maintenance of your BMW motorcycle’s chain kit is crucial to prevent premature wear of the sprocket and rear wheel. Excessive wear on these components can increase the risk of chain slippage, compromising both safety and motorcycle performance. Additionally, a well-maintained chain kit ensures efficient power transmission from the engine to the rear wheel, maximizing your bike’s performance and efficiency.

To measure the correct tension of your chain kit, it is recommended to refer to your BMW motorcycle maintenance manual. This manual provides precise instructions and reference points on the swingarm to help you check the proper tension. Correct tension is essential to prevent premature wear and ensure optimal performance. If your chain kit requires adjustment, you will need specific tools such as tension nuts and a torque wrench. These tools will allow you to precisely adjust the tension, ensuring smooth and safe operation of your motorcycle.

To check the wear of your chain kit, look for signs indicating that it is time for a replacement. These signs include stiff links, a chain that stretches excessively, or worn teeth on the sprocket and rear wheel. Replacing a worn-out chain in time is essential for your safety.

Step 3: Lubrication for Optimal Longevity

The choice of lubricant for your BMW motorcycle chain is crucial to ensure optimal performance and extended longevity of your chain kit. There are mainly two types of lubricants: dry lubricant and wet lubricant. Dry lubricant is ideal for dry and dusty conditions as it does not attract impurities and allows for cleaner riding. In contrast, wet lubricant is better suited for wet or rainy conditions as it provides better protection against water and rust.

To keep your chain in perfect condition, it is recommended to lubricate it approximately every 500 km. However, if you frequently ride in the rain or humid conditions, it is advisable to lubricate your chain after each ride to prevent corrosion and premature wear.

For optimal application of lubricant, spray it onto the inside of the chain links. This allows the lubricant to penetrate effectively between the links and ensure maximum protection. After application, let the lubricant dry for a few minutes before riding again. This step ensures that the lubricant adheres well to the chain, providing long-lasting performance and effective protection.

Summary of the 3 Steps for Maintaining a BMW Motorcycle Chain Kit

1. Cleaning the Chain: Use a special degreaser and a suitable brush to remove impurities and residue accumulated on the chain, ensuring optimal lubrication and extending the lifespan of the chain kit.

2. Checking Tension and Wear: Refer to the maintenance manual to correctly adjust the chain kit tension. Look for signs of wear such as stiff links or worn teeth on the sprocket and chainring, and replace the chain kit if necessary.

3. Regular Lubrication: Choose the appropriate lubricant according to riding conditions (dry or wet) and apply it every 500 km or after each ride in the rain to prevent corrosion and ensure optimal performance.