Thinking of tuning your bike for the riding season now upon us? If so,
don't focus only on your bikes engine, as other aspects of the bike are equally important.
To gain top performance you must also focus on tire condition (and proper air
pressure), chain condition (as well as lubrication and adjustment), and sprocket
condition.
Over the years, I've met or seen many riders who didn't run the correct tire pressure, ran with their chain either too tight or lose, or who rode with tires that were degrading the performance of their bike.
Tires:
It's important to understand the tire pressure you run is critical to the performance of
your bike. I've seen bikes where just a few pounds of air pressure made huge differences
in the bikes handling. Check your owners manual or ask the dealer you purchased the tires
from for the correct tire pressure. I like to check air pressure at least every week, or
before every ride if the bike isn't being ridden often.
If you wait until there's little tread left on your tires before replacing them, you're probably missing out. Normally, when a tire wears enough to change it's profile (shape), your handling begins to degrade. The only way to get optimum performance and control is to replace the tires - even if there is lots of tread showing.
Chain:
If your riding with a poorly lubed chain your robing your bikes power output just to turn
the chain. Ride with a chain that's too tight and you'll be stressing the bike and the
chain. This often leads to premature wear of both. In addition, your suspension compliance
may be compromised by a tight chain. The rule is, never ride with a tight chain!
Proper chain adjustment also helps many bikes shift better. I've even had bikes where I could tell it was time to adjust the chain by how the bike was shifting. On the VFR700 I once had, it was necessary to run the chain on the loose side to gain smooth shifting.
Sprockets:
Chains usually wear much faster than your sprockets, especially if you keep the chain
lubed and clean. When you replace a chain it's imperative to carefully examine your
sprockets for wear. If there's any sign of wear you should change the sprockets with the
chain. If you don't, the chain will usually wear much faster than normal. Most owners
manuals show you how to check your sprockets for wear.
Case In Point:
Our 1995 VFR 750 wasn't up to par. Sure it ran well thanks to our Technical
Editor and resident race tuner, Tim Pennell, but things just weren't right. The OEM chain
had gotten wet early in it's life and had worn prematurely. Keeping it lubed regularly
helped, but we never had a free wheeling chain as every bike should. The confidence
inspiring and long wearing Michelin Macadam 90X tires had lost their profile (5,000 miles
front/10,000 miles rear and still going) thus hampering the bikes fine handling. After
endless miles of mountain testing for our electric riding gear shootout, sometimes in the
wet and snow, things weren't up to par. It was time to bring things up to spec.
First we ground off the endless stock chain and replaced the sprockets with OEM quality SunStar sprockets. Next we installed a Tsubaki 530 Sigma O-ring chain to gain back a smooth drive train.
Last but certainly not least, we mounted a set of just released Avon Azaro Sports-Touring radial tires which now allow the bike to be leaned over further and more comfortably than any tires we've had on the bike. The Azaro is designed to offer outstanding grip, excellent wear and superior braking by using their patented Variable Belt Density construction.
The result is a transformed motorcycle. Our chain now rolls smooth and free, and the handling is back to raiser sharp thanks to the excellent Avon tires. We at Motorsports Network sure get more enjoyment from a bike when everything is set up correctly - and so will you. Now if I can just get Tim to do another one of his race worthy tune ups, we'll be on top of the world.