Basic Maintenance: Drivetrain (chain, sprockets, brakes)

[rdprdp01]

One of the many charms of the CB1100 Forum is the diversity of backgrounds and inclinations amongst the Members. Some people love motorcycle maintenance while others prefer to focus only on riding. We have engineers, mechanics, commuters, city riders, tourers, and others who approach motorcycling from different perspectives. Yet we all most find a way to return home to those we love. Good maintenance is one way to make sure that happens. 

This post details basic maintenance for the drivetrain: sprockets, chain, and brakes. Most chains need to be cleaned and adjusted every 500-1,000 miles. Because our motorcycles weigh 560+ lbs wet and average around 82-83 horsepower at the rear wheel, there is a lot of force on the drivetrain and a lot of momentum that is generated and controlled by riders through manipulating the clutch, transmission, throttle, and brakes. If any of those components fall into disrepair, bad things happen:

• Wheel lock up
• Chain snapping
• Reduced power
• Premature wear
• Poor handling
• Accidents

Who performs that maintenance on your CB1100 is not as important as making sure that the maintenance is done on a regular basis. Sadly, I have seen more than one motorcyclist place himself or herself in harm’s way because a motorcycle chain is dangerously loose. When I see the chain flopping, I always wonder what else may be wrong. I try to let riders know when I observe the issue, and I encourage everyone to do the same. 

Because I enjoy learning motorcycle engineering fundamentals and performing maintenance as much as riding, I am inclined to do more than most because I have a such a good time reading and wrenching.   

I am certain there are other approaches that can achieve a similar result with fewer steps. If you are still reading this post, trust your instincts about what is valuable vs indulgent on my part!

Every 500 miles, here is what I do:

Step 1: I review Honda’s Maintenance Recommendations:

https://cdn.powersports.honda.com/docume...cb1100.pdf

Step 2: I stage my motorcycle in a brightly lit, flat location and organize my tools. Note the cardboard underneath the motorcycle to protect the floor. It is a messy job cleaning, lubricating, and adjusting a chain:



Step 3: I remove the chain guard from the motorcycle and check the reference label on the swing arm. Note the nasty blackish gunk everywhere:



Step 4: Using a great chain cleaner, I clean the chain using a proper brush. While I am cleaning, I check out the chain to make sure there are no kinks and the sprockets to make sure there is no wear. After I am finished, I move the motorcycle outside of the garage and I rinse the chain and let it air dry. When I am finished, I use some shop towels to soak up the liquids so that no creatures can get into it.

Note the clean, gray color of all the components in the last picture of this step. That is what a clean sprocket and chain look like on a CB1100. 









Step 5: I clean the front and rear brakes using a great brake cleaner. I inspect for damage. 



When I am done, I return the motorcycle to the garage. 

Step 6: Using a torque wrench, I loosen the nuts holding the rear axle in place. I turn each 3 turns and then adjust the tension in the chain following the Honda guidelines. I make sure that the rear tire is perfectly straight by looking at the marks on the adjusters and also measuring with a tap measure. For a motorcycle sold in California, there is a label on the left swing arm. Assuming there is no chain damage, the rear wheel should fall within the “Green” square. I am not sure if CB1100s outside of California have this helpful guide or not. 

When everything is right, I use a torque wrench to tighten things up. I prefer a digital torque wrench so that I can see as I am approaching the proper torque setting. I turn slowly until I hear that wonderful click. I thin lubricate the chain using a Honda OEM white grease. I wipe off any excess:













Step 7: I reinstall the chain guard and anything else I may have removed to clean everything properly. I spin the rear wheel and make sure the brake pad does not rub against the caliber. I also make sure everything “looks” true and is properly aligned. I then go for a test ride. I first ride in the neighborhood and then on a service road. When I return home, I check the chain tension again. Then I clean and store my tools and discard the cardboard. 

I hope this post may help someone sort out their own routine. Be safe, ride often, and have a great week. David

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2017 Honda CB1100 EX
The most sophisticated, smooth, perfectly engineered motorcycle I've ever owned. A pleasure in every way.