FZRSupport: the FZROnline Archive

Hey all,

I had to let the FZR sit for a few months due to a blow VR, and some cooked electrics ( not to mention winter in CO). I did the VR upgrade, cleaned the carbs, replaced the boiled battery etc. When I went for my first test ride I noticed that I have some sticky links in my chain. The chain is not that old and sprockets are in very good shape so I am reluctant to simply toss it and put a new chain on.

I have heard of people pulling their chains off and soaking them to free up the stuck links but am not sure what to soak it in? Can anyone provide something that they know actually will work w/o damaging any o-rings, etc? I have heard of using all kinds of things including kerosene and automatic transmission fluid, but again am trying to save the chain not make it worse!

As a first pass should I just take it off and try freeing the links by hand maybe? Any suggestions appreciated as it is riding weather here again!

Mark

MPC,

Soaking in kerosene I have done and while it works, there is one draw back to think about. The kerosene allows the rust to be broken and the links to move BUT that rust is now a very fine grinding paste so expect the wear rate to increase.
Next time you store the bike take the chain of and leave it soaking in excess engine oil, the bit that does not get used when you change the oil put it aside and chain woes are no more

Thanks George. Good point about the rust turning into grinding paste though. Let's just say I wasn't planning on storing the bike. The VR blew on a long ride up in the mountains and I had to leave the bike up there for a few months before I could arrange to bring it home. I hate when your rides end involuntarily!

MaParkerColo wrote:Thanks George. Good point about the rust turning into grinding paste though. Let's just say I wasn't planning on storing the bike. The VR blew on a long ride up in the mountains and I had to leave the bike up there for a few months before I could arrange to bring it home. I hate when your rides end involuntarily!

MPC,
sorry you had that happen, just be glad you have the bike back and some lo-life did not get it