yamaha ybr 125 chain help

[crunch]

Hey Guys

this is my 1st post so wanted to say hi. I have recently got into motorbikes, took my CBT and got a Yamaha YBR 125 to drive to and from work. As im new to bikes im trying to see what i need to check for regularly and keep my bike in good condition.

I have noticed that my chain is very dirty and is in need of a good clean but i just wanted to ask how often or when do i need to actually changed the chain and sprockets? its just had a new MOT and service before it was delivered to me so im assuming that it is ok for now? looking at the sprocket its not too worn and the chain is about 3-4 notches from the end (the indicator etched where you tighten the belt).

Sorry if this is a noob post im just new to all this and trying to learn as i go

Cheers

[.]

A workshop manual will tell you measure the length of a certain number of chain links to determine how much the chain has stretched.

But for a rough guide I always see if I can pull the chain away from the rear sprocket at the 3 o'clock position and stick a pencil in the gap. If the pencil fits, its usually replacement time.

[neil.]

You can also tell when the chain has gone when you keep having to adjust it very frequently and it's getting towards the last adjuster mark on the swingarm. This happened to me at around 15'000 miles for the stock chain and sprockets on my YBR, so they do last well, providing you look after them, cleaning and lubricating them regularly (I tend to do it every 500 miles or 2 weeks for me as I cover that distance in that time) as well as keeping the correct slack adjusted. If you ride a lot, in all weather, you might want an automatic oiler such as a Loobman, which I've had great success with on my current chain (covered about 5'000 miles on it and not adjusted it once).
____________________
CBT February 2008 | A2 June 2008 | Yamaha YBR125 (written off) | Honda CBF125 (current)

[DrDonnyBrago]

To clean your chain bu a 5l tub of parrafin from B&Q (sold as outdoor lamp fuel for £5) and use a brush and a cloth to scrub and wipe your chain and sprockets clean. I then use engine oil applied with an old paintbrush to lube it up.

Reapply lube every 300-500 miles and clean it when it starts looking rough again.

Tis the cheapest and IMO best way .

[crunch]

Much apreciated guys! I think I will get myself a manual for this just to learn and will keep an eye on the chain as the bike is coming up to 14k miles. Will give a good clean too!

Cheers

[Mark65]

[.]

the total stretch on a standard YBR chain should not be more than 191.5mm when measured between the first and sixteenth pins on a 15 link section of chain.
(according to the manual)

[crunch]

again thanks guys, think i will invest in a haynes manual or something for the bike sounds like you can learn a lot from it

[Vincent]