Drive Chain Maintenance

Proper tensioning and lubrication will help to extend the service life of the drive chain and ensure smooth power transmission to the rear wheel. Under average usage, the drive chain should be lubricated, and tension checked, every month. Under severe usage, or when the motorcycle is ridden in unusually duty areas, more frequent maintenance is necessary.

Tension Adjustment:

  1. Place the motorcycle on the main stand to raise the rear wheel off the ground. Shift the transmission into neutral.
  2. Check vertical movement of the lower length of the drive chain at a point midway between the sprockets. Move the chain up and down with your fingers and observe the amount of slack. Drive chain tension should be adjusted to allow approximately ¾ in. vertical movement at this point.

    Rotate the rear wheel and check drive chain tension throughout its length. Drive chain tension should remain constant as the wheel is rotated.

    If the chain is found to be slack in one segment of its length and taut in another, this indicates that some of the links are either worn or kinked and binding. Kinking and binding can frequently be eliminated by lubrication. Worn or damaged drive chain must be replaced.

  3. If the drive chain is found to require adjustment, the procedure is as follows:
  4. Remove the rear axle nut cotter pin (2) and loosen the rear axle nut (3)
  5. Loosen the lock nut (6) and turn the adjusting bolts (7) on both the right and left chain adjusters to increase or decrease chain tension. Align the chain adjust index marks (5) to corresponding scale (4) graduations on both sides of the rear fork.
  6. Tighten the rear axle nut and secure the nut with the cotter pin (replace the cotter pin if it has become broken or damaged). Tighten the lock nuts.
  7. Recheck drive chain tension.
  8. Rear brake pedal free travel is affected when repositioning the rear wheel to adjust drive chain tension. Check rear brake pedal free travel and adjust as necessary.

   

 

Lubrication:

Normally rear drive chain lubrication is performed without removing the chain, at the time of chain adjustment.

More frequent inspection and servicing is required under severe operating conditions.

The CB450 is equipped with the endless type drive chain and requires periodic inspection. If dirty or rusted, clean with brush and solvent, wipe dry with a clean rag. Inspect the chain for wear (sloppy joints), stiffness and binding at the joints, and broken or separated rollers. Apply a liberal amount of good engine oil or chain lubricant.

If damaged or worn, the chain should be replaced. Replacement of the endless chain requires a special tool, therefore your HONDA dealer should be consulted.

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