Motorcycle Repair: Chain Oiling, suzuki katana 600, rear sprockets


Question
Hey Mark,
I have an '88 Suzuki Katana 600.  I was wondering how to, how often, and with what kind of oil I should oil my chain with. I've heard that some bikes have "self-oiling" chains. Unfortunately I am lacking an owners manual for such basic information. Thanks for your help!
Tom

Answer
Hi Tom,

Lube the chain weekly. There are many chain lubes available on the market. I used PJ1 and Bel-Ray brands. Buy the type that won't sling off during riding.

Your Katana only self-oils when something very serious breaks and causes oil to spew onto the chain. :) Another means of self-oiling is by riding right thru the center of a traffic lane where the fluids from cages (four wheeled vehicles) collect on the tarmac. Tires pick this oil up and slings it onto the chain. :)

Lube is the life blood of the drive chain. Treat it kindly.

Remember to replace the chain and both sprockets as a set. If you don't, the olod parts rapidly wear out the new parts. You can't always see sprocket wear, but it's there.

Ratio between front and rear sprockets is "3:1" meaning you can change front sprockets one tooth at a time, but changes to rear sprockets must be made in incriments of three teeth at a time.

Send me your email address as requested and I will return chain information files. Send to my emaill: mcso429@netzero.com

Respectfully,
Mark Shively