Technology: this is what you need to know about chain guides, rollers and sliders.
The rear wheel of your dirt bike is driven by a chain. This must run nicely in line over the sprocket and there are some aids for this. There is a chain guide, chain roller and a slider to keep everything on track. We go over all the functions so that you never have to leave the chain again.
Chain guide. On motorcycles, a chain guide is used to hold the chain on the rear sprocket. The guide block will, as it were, guide the chain straight onto the teeth of the rear sprocket. Without the chain guide, the chain would run off due to the lateral forces that can occur while driving. Double hitting is also prevented with a guide. They also work to reduce chain noise and protect the aluminum swingarm from damage.
Chain rollers. To protect the lower crossmembers of the frame from the chain, Japanese dirt bikes are equipped with round chain rollers. Without the roller, the chain would rub against the frame. These rollers often have bearings inside that can easily wear out and start to wobble. If you have a Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki or Yamaha, be careful when washing your engine down with a pressure washer. Water is not friendly to chain roller bearings.
Frame blocks. KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas choose to use an enlarged frame block instead of a roller. The pad achieves the same goal of keeping the chain from dragging against the frame crossmember, but it does so with no moving parts. In comparison, the pad is cheaper to make and less likely to break. Although there is potentially more resistance with a frame pad, it increases durability.
Chain clearance. A chain with excessive play creates more noise and more resistance, while it also damages the chain, sprockets, sliders and chain guide. A loose chain increases the speed at which the guide and slider wear. This reduces their ability to guide the chain to the sprockets and leaves more room for sand or mud to build up. The quality of your chain works hand in hand with clearance, as more durable chains last longer. Each manufacturer offers a maximum stretch range that you should keep within the length of your chain. If it gets too long it means the rollers and pins are worn out. Then it is time for a new chain.
The slider. Less friction equals more efficient performance. Manufacturers of aftermarket chain guides and sliders reduce chain drag by using unique plastic formulas on their products.
Conductor housing. Japanese dirt bikes use an aluminum outer shell with a replaceable friction pad on the inside of their chain guides. KTM and Husqvarna use a cast-together assembly of aluminum and plastic. The aluminum plate makes the KTM and Husky guides stronger than their competitors, but when they wear out the entire piece needs to be replaced, while owners of Japanese bikes can replace their OEM friction pads separately.
Crankcase protector. The metal bracket around the front sprocket is no real guarantee that your crankcase will not fail in the event of a chain break. The bracket actually serves more as a buffer to protect your crankcase from a loose chain at full throttle. However, the best protection for your crankcases is correct chain clearance (consult your manual) and a chain replaced on time.
Photos: archive
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