Motorcycle Repair: Honda CT110 brakes and chain, honda ct110, hi chris

Question
Hi Chris,
This is a basic question as I know little about bikes. My 1997 Honda CT110 now makes a strange rubbing sound when the back brake is engaged, normally when the bike is close to finally slowing down. Does something need replacing? I ride nearly every day and was wondering what the best products are for cleaning and lubricating the chain and how often I should do it?

Many thanks
Kevin

Answer
Hi Kevin.
 The sound you are hearing may be due to normal wear and tear or, if the pads are more than a few months old, then they may need replacement.  Do a visual inspection of the brakes to know for sure.

 As far as the chain, check and lubricate it once a week.  No less, since you ride the bike so often.  Adjust it as needed.

 For cleaning the chain, I recommend any biodegradable cleaner that removes oil.  For lubrication, I recommend Chain Wax.  On the bikes that I have ridden that have a chain drive, that is the best product that I have seen.

 Also, when the chain is stretched to it's limits, then replace it AND both sprockets.

 The chain and sprockets wear together and if you put a new chain on old, worn sprockets, it will wear the chain faster.

 If you put a new set of sprockets on with an old,  worn chain, then the sprockets will wear faster.

 Mixing old and new components of the drivetrain like that also creates a serious safety concern as well for the chain to break or slip off and lock up the rear wheel.

Good luck.
FALCON