The articles, posts and comments in this tech section are posted by individual members and reflect their personal thoughts and experiences with repairing, maintaining, and generally working on motorcycles. This information may require specific knowledge and skills, may or may not be correct or current to model.
The authors of information found here and the BMW MOA take no responsibility for ensuring the accuracy of any information (including procedures, techniques, parts numbers, torque values, tool usage, etc.), or further for any damage of any kind or injuries incurred or caused by anyone following the instructions or information found here.
It is the duty of the individual to either assume the liability himself for responsibly using the information found here, or to take the bike or accessory to a Dealer or other qualified professional service.
Please ensure you dispose of your used chemicals, oils and fuels in an environmentally responsible manner. Most Auto Parts stores and service stations will accept used oil and lubricants, tires and batteries, please check for your local availability. Here's a link where you can look up a place to dispose of your used fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid, etc.) - http://earth911.com/
This article, text and photos are Copyright of the individual authors and the BMW MOA, any copying or redistributing is permitted only by prior written authorization.
PLEASE PRINT AND READ ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE BEGINNING!
Final note: The motorcycle's two wheels are the only thing keeping you upright. When in doubt, take your motorcycle to a reputable dealer.
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Renewing the Chain and Sprockets on your F-Twin F650/700/800
Just like talking about tires and oil on the interwebz, bringing up the topic of what chain to buy and how to care for it can easily cause emotions to flair. Personally, I ascribe to the thinking that having a clean, lubricated, and properly-tensioned chain is best; no matter what brand or color.
Even with proper lubrication, over time our chain and sprockets will wear out. The chain will "stretch" as various portions of the chain wear down, and the sprockets will deform as the metal wears away. There are many variables that go into how long a chain will last. Lubrication and cleaning schedule, O-ring/X-ring life, time/miles spent in the rain, if you live in an area with a lot of sand, or you ride a lot off road will all have an effect on the chain life. Average life expectancy from anecdotal evidence gathered from other riders is to expect about 8,000 - 12,000 miles from the OEM chain. However, you'll find that some riders can only go 6,000 miles on a set of chain and sprockets, while others claim mileages of 40,000+.
How to check to see if you need a new chain:
- BMW has you measure the chain across 9 chain rivets (center of one pin to the center of the other pin) and the maximum distance (for all models) that this measurement can be is 144.3 mm (5.7 inches). If you're over that distance, it's time for a new chain.
- If you struggle setting the proper chain sag. When you set the sag on you BMW, you rotate the chain to where it is the tightest and measure/set the sag at that point. If at this point you've run out of adjustment, it's time for a new chain. Also, if you are able to set the minimum chain sag properly at the tightest point, and then rotate the chain to the loosest point and notice that the measurement is over the maximum sag limit, it's time for a new chain.
- If you notice that there are links in the chain that do not bend and flex easily, then it's time for a new chain.
How to check to see if you need new sprockets:
- Look at the sprocket teeth, if they've become sharp at the tips or curled in one direction or the other, then it's time for new sprockets.
- If you're missing sprocket teeth, it's totally time for new sprockets.
- While your looking at the rear sprocket, and you grab the chain at the 9 O'clock position, if you can pull the chain away from the sprocket and see daylight, then it's time for new sprockets.
It's generally recommended to replace both your chain and sprockets at the same time. Replacing only one or the other may lead to premature wear of the newer part.
Note 1: The specific bike shown is a 2013 F800GS, the other models should be similar
Note 2: The tools and materials used are by personal choice and are not due to any affiliation with any brand
The authors of information found here and the BMW MOA take no responsibility for ensuring the accuracy of any information (including procedures, techniques, parts numbers, torque values, tool usage, etc.), or further for any damage of any kind or injuries incurred or caused by anyone following the instructions or information found here.
It is the duty of the individual to either assume the liability himself for responsibly using the information found here, or to take the bike or accessory to a Dealer or other qualified professional service.
Please ensure you dispose of your used chemicals, oils and fuels in an environmentally responsible manner. Most Auto Parts stores and service stations will accept used oil and lubricants, tires and batteries, please check for your local availability. Here's a link where you can look up a place to dispose of your used fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid, etc.) - http://earth911.com/
This article, text and photos are Copyright of the individual authors and the BMW MOA, any copying or redistributing is permitted only by prior written authorization.
PLEASE PRINT AND READ ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE BEGINNING!
Final note: The motorcycle's two wheels are the only thing keeping you upright. When in doubt, take your motorcycle to a reputable dealer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Renewing the Chain and Sprockets on your F-Twin F650/700/800
Just like talking about tires and oil on the interwebz, bringing up the topic of what chain to buy and how to care for it can easily cause emotions to flair. Personally, I ascribe to the thinking that having a clean, lubricated, and properly-tensioned chain is best; no matter what brand or color.
Even with proper lubrication, over time our chain and sprockets will wear out. The chain will "stretch" as various portions of the chain wear down, and the sprockets will deform as the metal wears away. There are many variables that go into how long a chain will last. Lubrication and cleaning schedule, O-ring/X-ring life, time/miles spent in the rain, if you live in an area with a lot of sand, or you ride a lot off road will all have an effect on the chain life. Average life expectancy from anecdotal evidence gathered from other riders is to expect about 8,000 - 12,000 miles from the OEM chain. However, you'll find that some riders can only go 6,000 miles on a set of chain and sprockets, while others claim mileages of 40,000+.
How to check to see if you need a new chain:
- BMW has you measure the chain across 9 chain rivets (center of one pin to the center of the other pin) and the maximum distance (for all models) that this measurement can be is 144.3 mm (5.7 inches). If you're over that distance, it's time for a new chain.
- If you struggle setting the proper chain sag. When you set the sag on you BMW, you rotate the chain to where it is the tightest and measure/set the sag at that point. If at this point you've run out of adjustment, it's time for a new chain. Also, if you are able to set the minimum chain sag properly at the tightest point, and then rotate the chain to the loosest point and notice that the measurement is over the maximum sag limit, it's time for a new chain.
- If you notice that there are links in the chain that do not bend and flex easily, then it's time for a new chain.
How to check to see if you need new sprockets:
- Look at the sprocket teeth, if they've become sharp at the tips or curled in one direction or the other, then it's time for new sprockets.
- If you're missing sprocket teeth, it's totally time for new sprockets.
- While your looking at the rear sprocket, and you grab the chain at the 9 O'clock position, if you can pull the chain away from the sprocket and see daylight, then it's time for new sprockets.
It's generally recommended to replace both your chain and sprockets at the same time. Replacing only one or the other may lead to premature wear of the newer part.
Note 1: The specific bike shown is a 2013 F800GS, the other models should be similar
Note 2: The tools and materials used are by personal choice and are not due to any affiliation with any brand
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