Motorcycle chain problem?

Question

I just recently got a used bike thats been sitting for some time, and I believe that the chain may be the problem-
When I try to back it up or push it forward (in neutral) it does not move easily and takes two people to move it. I think the chain may be the problem, as it is severly rusted, so I cleaned it up a bit, but it still has the same problem. What else could be the problem?

Answer 1

Umm did you take it out of gear? Take the chain off and see if it makes a diff. Check the gearbox for oil and change that (could be all sludgy) then check the wheel bearings.

Answer 2

WOW - I thought this was a silly question until i read some of the answeres...... first don't use WD-40 on your chain. It won't stick to the chain and it doesn't disapate heat well enough. I don't know what the red is however at this point i would through the chain in the trash and get a new one cause the only thing i can think of is the chain is getting hot and varnishing the oil that you have on it. IT'S NOT RUST the one thing that WD-40 does is ELIMINATE RUST. However you need to go to your dealership and buy some CHAIN LUBE. Don't be stupid and put gear oil like 80-90w on your chain it will through that stuff off the chain and all over you and the bike. the bext chain lube i have found at the stor is in a brown sprey can called "CHAIN WAX" it goes on clear and sticks very well $6 Or I sell Amsoil products "synthetic oil" we have a chain wax that i use and it's the best you can't eve hear the chain when your driving it works so good. look me up and i'll ship some to you if you want...

Answer 3

Remove the chain! Then try to push it along! If the chain is bad, and it is off, and the bike pushes easily--there's the answer! But!! If it still doesn't push easily, then the problem is in the brakes, the transmission, or the brake rods, the master cylinder if it has one, or flat tires! I'd think that severely rusted chain is probably the problem!

Answer 4

You can't just change the chain if that is the case. You always have to change the Sprocket and chain at the same time. Those two go hand and hand, if one wears-out the other is not to far behind. The bearings should not be rusted if it has a decent seal.

Answer 5

Remove chain and see if that helps, which will narrow it down for you.
If not, with chain off, get the wheels (one at a time, or both) off the ground and spin the wheel to see how free it is.
If wheel doesn't spin freely, check brakes (the might be rusted in the applied position) or wheel bearings.

Answer 6

Always give year, make, engine size and model # when asking questions. We need all of that info to give an informed answer.
Does the bike have disc brakes?
The calipers could be stuck, preventing the pistons from returning.
Before going crazy trying to figure out what's wrong, unbolt the calipers and temporarily remove them.
It's a simple 10 minute procedure and will help to rule out that problem.

Answer 7

take the chain off. if it still has a problem moving, then it could be the wheel bearings. if the chain is all rusty like that, there is a good chance that the bearings will be rusted as well....
also it could be a gummed up tranny... you will want to look at that anyways, before you ride it.....

Answer 8

How old is this motorcycle?
I mean the brakes in the rear hub could be froze up as well... I would have just bought a new chain and tore apart the rear housing and made sure everything else is "free wheeling"

Answer 9

RENEW the chain!
Take it off, and try turning the wheels, the wheel bearings might be seized as well as the brakes, if they are, renew them as well.
DON'T try riding it with a rusty chain, it WILL snap!!!!

Answer 10

breaks may be stuck, maybe the clutch is broken or it is in gear, the wheel bearing could be rusted but that doesnt usualy hapen