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17 April 2024

Motorbike Accessories Guide: How to Choose the Best Chains and Essential Parts

In the world of two-wheelers, choosing motorcycle accessories isn't merely about aesthetics or personalization; it represents a crucial decision directly impacting the vehicle's safety and performance. Accessories like chains, sprockets, and crowns aren't just add-ons but essential parts ensuring optimal power transfer from the engine to the wheel, influencing the bike's response during acceleration, cornering, and braking.

Safety is non-negotiable. Subpar components or ones unsuitable for the intended use can expose riders to significant risks, from sudden breakage to rapid deterioration, potentially endangering the motorcyclist. Likewise, a bike's efficiency and performance are closely tied to the quality and proper maintenance of its accessories. A well-lubricated and correctly tensioned chain, for instance, reduces friction and optimizes power transmission, contributing to a smoother and more responsive riding experience.

Therefore, selecting motorcycle accessories emerges as a key aspect in vehicle management, demanding meticulous attention both in initial selection and ongoing care. This article aims to guide you through the intricate universe of motorcycle accessories, offering insights and advice on choosing the best chains and essential components, not only to maintain one's bike's performance but also to ensure maximum safety on the road.

With an understanding of these dynamics, motorcyclists and motorcycle manufacturers can make informed choices, ensuring they're always accompanied by a stamp of safety and reliability.

 

Chains for Motorcycles: Types and Features

Motorcycle chains represent the crucial element transmitting power from the engine to the rear wheel. Therefore, their selection cannot overlook a careful evaluation of several key factors that go well beyond mere economic considerations.

Understanding the various types of chains and their respective features is the first step to ensuring optimal performance and impeccable safety.

Types of Chains

  • Standard Link Chains (Non-O-Ring): these chains are the simplest and most direct in design. They lack O-Ring seals between the links, making them lighter but also more susceptible to wear and corrosion. They are an economical choice and may be suitable for vintage bikes or non-intensive uses. 
  • O-Ring Chains: introducing O-Ring seals between the links to retain lubricant, reducing friction, and protecting metal from wear and corrosion. This feature makes them more durable and suitable for more intense use and varying conditions. 
  • X-Ring Chains: evolution of O-Ring chains, they feature X-shaped seals offering a smaller contact surface, further reducing friction and extending the chain's life. They are ideal for high-performance bikes and those seeking maximum efficiency and durability. 
  • Z-Ring Chains: similar to X-Ring chains, these chains have Z-Ring seals that ensure even better lubrication and superior resistance to high pressures. They are the preferred choice for racing bikes and those unwilling to compromise on quality. 

Features to Consider

  • Size and Pitch: the chain size, including width and pitch (distance between the links), must be compatible with the motorcycle. A wrong choice can lead to mounting issues and inefficient transmission.
  • Strength and Durability: high-quality materials and surface treatments contribute to the chain's resistance to wear and corrosion. Chains with greater durability are essential for reducing maintenance times and long-term costs. 
  • Load Capacity and Speed: some chains are designed to withstand high loads and speeds, making them ideal for sports bikes or high-displacement motorcycles. 

Choosing the right chain for your bike entails a thorough understanding of these aspects, along with a careful assessment of your specific needs. In the next segment, we'll explore other essential components for motorcycle safety and performance, highlighting how thoughtful selection can positively influence the overall riding experience.

RK Chain: Excellence in Power Transmission

In the realm of motorcycle chain selection, one name stands out for technological innovation and reliability: RK Chain. This brand, associated with the prestigious Takasago Chain Co. since the 1950s, is synonymous with excellence in the transmission chain sector.

RK Chain offers an extensive range of sealed chains, including standout variants equipped with XW-Ring and RW-Ring technology. Thanks to a patented design featuring multiple lubrication zones, these chains guarantee a lifespan up to three times longer than unsealed chains, eliminating premature elongation and ensuring more efficient power transmission.

The choice of RK chains by teams who have won numerous titles in MotoGP, as well as their use in Moto2, Moto3 and Superbike, attests to the high quality and superior performance of these products. The collaboration with leading motorcycle manufacturers such as Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Suzuki further confirms the reliability of RK chains as an OEM supplier.

Opting for an RK chain for your motorcycle means choosing a cutting-edge product that combines patented technologies and high-quality materials to ensure exceptional performance and longevity. With RK Chain, power transmission becomes a key element in enhancing the riding experience, both on the track and on the road.

 

Essential Components Beyond Chains: A Focus on Safety

In addition to choosing a suitable chain, there are other essential components that should be carefully considered to maximize the safety and performance of your motorcycle. These include sprockets, crowns, and tensioners, each playing a crucial role in the bike's transmission system. Their selection and proper maintenance are as important as choosing the right chain.

Sprockets and Crowns

Sprockets and crowns are the components that pair up with the chain to transfer engine power to the rear wheel. Their wear can directly influence transmission efficiency and bike response.

  • Materials and Design: the choice of materials (such as tempered steel or aluminum) and design (number of teeth, shape) can influence the gear ratio and, consequently, the bike's acceleration and maximum speed. Lightweight components improve vehicle responsiveness but must also be sturdy to ensure durability and reliability. 
  • Maintenance: sprockets and crowns require regular inspections to identify signs of excessive wear, such as worn or deformed teeth. Timely replacement of these components is essential to keep the bike safe and performing well.

Tensioners

Tensioners help maintain the correct chain tension, a crucial aspect for safe riding and preventing premature wear of transmission components.

There are manual and automatic tensioners, each with its advantages.

  • Automatic tensioners maintain constant chain tension, adapting to variations that occur during riding.
  • Manual tensioners require periodic checking and adjustment by the rider.

Safety on a motorcycle depends not only on the accurate choice of chains, sprockets, crowns, and tensioners but also on their proper maintenance. Each component must work in harmony with the others to ensure optimal performance and reduce risks associated with riding.

 

Maintenance and Care: Extending the Life of Your Motorcycle Accessories

Once you've selected the right accessories for your bike, the next step is to ensure these components are kept in optimal condition. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of accessories but also helps maintain high levels of safety and performance. Below are some fundamental tips for caring for your motorcycle's essential components.

Chains

The motorcycle chain requires constant maintenance, including cleaning, lubrication, and checking tension. It's advisable to clean the chain every 500-1000 km using specific products that remove dirt without damaging seals. After cleaning, apply suitable lubricant to reduce friction and protect the chain from rust. Finally, ensure the chain has the correct tension, as excessive slack can lead to slippage, while excessive tension can cause premature wear.

Sprockets and Crowns

Sprockets and crowns also need periodic checks to identify signs of wear and ensure they are properly secured. Excessive wear can compromise power transmission and, in extreme cases, lead to breakage. Timely replacement of these components is crucial to maintaining a safe and high-performance bike.

Tensioners

Chain tensioners play a vital role in maintaining correct tension. During maintenance, check that they are in good condition and functioning correctly. Damaged or worn tensioners may not adequately maintain chain tension, compromising the safety and performance of the motorcycle.

In addition to regular maintenance, it's important to subject the bike to periodic checks by professionals. These checks can identify issues not evident during routine maintenance and ensure all components work together harmoniously and safely.

Investing time in maintaining motorcycle accessories is not just about caring for the vehicle; it's an investment in your safety and riding pleasure. A well-maintained motorcycle offers superior performance, greater reliability, and, above all, ensures that every journey, whether a short commute or a long-distance adventure, is always safe and enjoyable.

 

Towards Safe and High-Performance Riding: The Key Role of Motorcycle Accessories

The choice and maintenance of accessories are two fundamental aspects for any motorcyclist or motorcycle manufacturer concerned about the safety and performance of their vehicle. From selecting the right chain, to sprockets, crowns, and tensioners, to the daily care of these components, every detail matters to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and high-performance riding experience.

Chiaravalli understands the importance of these aspects and is committed to providing high-quality products that meet the needs of every motorcyclist. Our dedication doesn't stop at sales; we also offer consultation and support to help you understand which motorcycle accessories suit your needs.
Remember that preventive maintenance is the key to avoid future problems and fully enjoying your two-wheeled adventures.

Visit our website and discover the complete range of motorcycle accessories, maintenance solutions, and advice from our experts.

Chiaravalli is your ideal partner for enhancing your vehicle's performance and traveling safely. Contact us to find out how we can help you get the best for your motorcycle.

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