Sur-Ron Chain Care: How to Clean, Lube and Adjust It

Short answer: the chain is the one bit of regular maintenance a Sur-Ron really needs, and it is easy. Keep it clean and lubed, check the tension every so often, and adjust it when it goes slack. Ten minutes now and then saves you a worn out chain and chewed sprockets later.

A Sur-Ron has almost no maintenance compared with a petrol bike, no oil, no filters, no spark plugs. But it still drives through a chain, and a neglected chain is the most common avoidable repair we see. Here is how to look after yours with basic tools at home.

Why the chain matters

All the bike's power goes through the chain. Let it run dry and dirty and it wears fast, drags, runs noisy, and starts eating the sprockets, which are far pricier to replace than the chain. A well kept chain is quieter, smoother, more efficient and lasts far longer. It is the single best maintenance habit you can build, and it links into looking after the whole bike, as our maintenance checklist covers.

How to clean the chain

Do this when it looks gunky, and always after a muddy or wet ride.

1. Put the bike on a stand so the rear wheel turns freely, with the power off.
2. Brush the chain with a chain brush or an old toothbrush to knock off mud and grime.
3. Use a proper chain cleaner or a gentle degreaser, not harsh solvents that strip seals.
4. Work it into the chain while turning the wheel by hand, then wipe it down with a rag.
5. Let it dry before you lube it. Lube traps anything left behind, so get it clean first.

Keep cleaner and spray off the brake discs and pads. Contaminated brakes are dangerous.

How to lube the chain

A clean chain needs lube to do its job and fight off British damp.

• Use a proper chain lube, not general purpose oil or anything that flings straight off.
• Turn the wheel slowly and apply a light, even coat to the inside of the chain so it carries onto the rollers.
• Do not drown it. A light, even film is better than a dripping mess that collects grit.
• Wipe off the excess and let it settle before you ride.
• Lube more often in winter and after wet rides, less often in the dry.

A tip from our wet weather guide: lubing while the chain is still slightly damp after a rinse helps push water out of the rollers.

Checking chain tension

A chain that is too loose can jump or come off, while one that is too tight wears everything fast and stresses the bearings. You want a little slack, not a lot.

• With the bike on the ground and the weight settled, press the chain up and down at the midpoint of the lower run.
• There should be a small amount of free movement, not a tight string and not a flapping loop.
• Check it through its rotation by turning the wheel, since chains rarely wear evenly. Set tension at the tightest spot.
• Check more often on a new bike and after hard rides, as a fresh chain settles in.

How to adjust the chain

When it goes slack, adjusting is straightforward with basic spanners.

1. Loosen the rear axle nut so the wheel can move.
2. Turn the adjusters on each side of the swingarm evenly, a little at a time, to take up the slack.
3. Keep both sides equal so the wheel stays aligned. Use the alignment marks on the swingarm.
4. Set the correct small amount of slack, then check the wheel is straight.
5. Tighten the axle nut back to a firm, secure torque and recheck the tension.

If you are not confident, we are happy to show you or do it for you. Get it wrong and you can run the wheel out of line or over tighten the chain, so take your time.

When the chain is worn out

Chains do not last forever. Replace it when you see these signs, and check the sprockets at the same time.

• It keeps going slack soon after you adjust it, a sign it has stretched.
• You can lift the chain noticeably away from the rear sprocket.
• Stiff or seized links that will not move freely even after cleaning and lube.
• Hooked or pointed sprocket teeth, which mean the sprockets need doing too.

Run a worn chain and it wrecks the sprockets, turning a cheap job into a dear one. Our spare parts guide covers sourcing the bits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I lube my Sur-Ron chain?

Lube it when it looks dry or dirty, and always after wet or muddy rides. That means more often in winter and after every wet ride, less often in dry conditions.

How do I know if my chain tension is right?

There should be a small amount of free up and down movement in the lower run, not tight and not flapping. Check it at the tightest point through the wheel's rotation.

Can I adjust the chain myself?

Yes, with basic spanners. Loosen the axle, turn both adjusters evenly to set the slack, keep the wheel aligned, then retighten the axle and recheck. Take your time to keep it straight.

What happens if I ignore the chain?

It wears fast, runs noisy and drags, then chews up the sprockets, turning a cheap chain replacement into a much pricier chain and sprocket job. It can also jump or come off if very loose.

When should I replace the chain?

When it stretches and keeps going slack, lifts away from the sprocket, has stiff links, or when the sprocket teeth look hooked. Replace the sprockets at the same time if they are worn.

Ten minutes that saves you money

Chain care is the one regular job a Sur-Ron asks of you, and it is quick and easy. Keep it clean, keep it lubed, keep an eye on the tension, and the whole drivetrain lasts.

Need parts, a hand, or a quick lesson on adjusting yours? Drop us a message, or browse the Sur-Ron range if you are still choosing a bike. The kettle is always on.