All of us, well at least most of us, like to get the biggest bang for our buck so we tend to replace things, that need replacing, right before it busts.
When it comes to dirt bikes, general maintenance and upkeep goes a long way towards making your next ride, your best ride. But who we kidding? Most of us try to get the most out of parts before spending on replacements thus we often pin it to win it, or at least keep pinning it until something breaks and cross that bridge when it comes.
However, some parts give you a heads up before ruining your riding day or even your overall day, i.e serious injury. That doesn't mean a distant early warning always precedes a break or malfunction, but outside of a sudden snap, for whatever reason, a dirt bike chain almost always reveals telltale signs it needs replacing.
Mechanic's Tip: When replacing the chain, replace the sprockets regardless of wear and vice versa.
Signs Dirt Bike Chain Needs Replacing
Excessive Stretch
Chain slack gets worse with use and if paying attention, you should notice the once tight-fitting chain lays a little too slack like an older fat cat whose belly rubs against the ground. Use the rear sprocket as a test - if you can pull the chain, even half a sprocket tooth length, you need to change the chain. This doesn't necessarily mean you can't ride but pay attention to the sign and address it sooner than later.
Compare the arcing overstretched chain on top to the fresh one below it
You can also measure the length between links on the chain and compare to the chain manufacturer's recommended distance which indicates when to replace the chain. Excessive stretch usually corresponds with...
Frequent Chain Adjustments
If you spend an inordinate amount of time adjusting the chain tension to spec then consider it stretched and get a new one. And sprockets!
Rust and Corrosion
Don't ride with a rusty chain. This mostly occurs when you pull a deserted bike out of the tool shed and think, "I'll take 'er for a spin." That rusty corroded chain lost its first love - to drive the dirt bike forward - a long time ago. Put it out of its misery and replace with a new chain and sprockets.
Cleaning and generously lubricating the chain regularly pretty much keeps it from ever rusting. Leaving it out to pasture, so to speak, in some damp barn doesn't do a chain much favor. Some say you can clean and lubricate a rusty chain back to life. Don't. Just get a new chain. And sprockets!
Stiff or Frozen Links
A stiff link happens sometimes, but generally a rare occurrence. Expect to find this problem when troubleshooting for the cause of poor performance when the chain fails to cycle through smoothly.
You might see a link jutting out rather than naturally wrapping around a tooth of the sprocket, but usually, removing the chain and running your fingers along the chain like you would handle a lively snake exposes the problem. If a link or section of links feel stiff or don't move freely as you run your fingers through, get a new chain. And sprockets!
Uneven or Damaged Sprockets and/or Links
Worn or hooked sprockets (like a shark fin) often indicate the chain needs replacing. Inspect the teeth on both the front and rear sprockets and if you see signs of wear on the sprockets replace them.
And the chain!
Conversely, if you notice a flat wear pattern on the top and/or bottom of the links you have a compromised chain. This may or may not be associated with worn sprockets but sometimes this occurs together. Whatever the case, replace both.
When riding a dirt bike chain to its limits understand, at best, a worn out or stretched chain affects acceleration and wears out other drive components. At worst, it snaps during your ride which can permanently damage other parts, cause a crash or whip you in the back on its way out.
Routinely replacing your dirt bike chain ensures smoother rides, protects other components, and keeps you safe. So when do I replace it?
How Often Should You Replace a Dirt Bike Chain?
The wear and tear on a dirt bike chain depends on a number of factors including riding conditions (mud, sand and grit wear a chain faster), how often you ride and how well you maintain it. Service intervals for a chain, like oil changes, don't exist so a pre-ride check and a more thorough examination when cleaning and lubricating after riding lets you know when to replace the chain.
Cleaning and lubricating the chain gives you the best bang for your riding buck but eventually like all things, you will need to replace it. And while you're at it...,
