The simple thing first is to lubricate the chain. Our recommendation is that you lubricate your chain about every 500 miles, or at the end of a long day of riding. If you are riding in rain or dusty conditions, you should lubricate the chain more often.
I like to lubricate my chains when I stop for a day off on an adventure. The idea is to lubricate the chain as soon as you stop riding while the chain is still warm, as this will allow the lubricant to wick into the chain. Lubricating the chain is easier if your RX3 has our optional center bracket, but if not, it's still easy. I put a rag under the lower chain and spray the lube directly onto the chain. Then I would push the bike back a few feet to expose more of the chain and I would lubricate it. I kept doing this until I finished the whole chain. In total, it requires pushing the bike back about 15 feet.
Here's a piece of advice...don't be sloppy. Don't get the lubricant on the tires, and don't shoot through the spokes and put the lubricant on the rear brake.
After lubricating the chain, I did not ride the motorcycle for at least 15 minutes. This will allow the lube to soak in and dry. That's why I do it at the end of the day.
Ask any group of motorcycle riders what the best chain lube is and watch the fireworks show. There are wax-based lubricants and petroleum-based lubricants. Everyone has their own opinion on what works best. We sell both and if you call 909 445 0900 we will be happy to sell you one of our recommended chain lubes. It's important that you have a chain lube, especially if you're going to venture out lasting more than a day. When you get to your destination, you want to lubricate your chain every night. seriously. When you get on a motorcycle, you feel the difference.
Forward and up... let's talk about chains and sprockets. Your RX3 has a 520 O-ring chainring, a 14-tooth front sprocket and a 44-tooth rear sprocket. Sprockets and chains don't last forever. If you adjust your chain correctly (see our Chain Adjustment Maintenance tutorial) and lubricate it (see above), your chain and sprockets will last longer, but they still won't last forever. Typically, motorcycle chains and sprockets have a lifespan of between 10,000 and 20,000 miles.
Next point: If you change the sprockets without replacing the chain, you will only wear out the new sprockets very quickly. If you change the chain without replacing the sprockets, you may wear out the new chain very quickly. These are the things that are best replaced together. Do the chain and front and rear sprockets at the same time.
To get a better view of the sprockets (especially the countershaft sprocket) and chain, it is best to remove the countershaft sprocket cover and chain guard.
Removing the countershaft sprocket cover is simple; it comes off when you remove the two bolts that connect it. You don't have to remove the gear lever. I'm just pointing this out because one of the RX3 service manuals circulating on the internet says you need to remove the gear lever, but you don't.
There are three socket head cap bolts for securing the chain guard. Two are very visible and easily accessible; the third is hidden behind the chainstays at the front of the chain guard. Loosen these three bolts and remove the chain guard.
With these items removed, you can see the sprockets and chain.
If the sprocket teeth are hooked or excessively worn, both sprockets will need to be replaced. If the chain is overstretched, or if it has kinks that you can't fix by manually turning the links, it's time to get a new chain. Like I said above, if you need to replace either item (chain or sprocket), you should replace both chain and sprocket.
On the new RX3 motorcycle, the chain has no main links. When you need to replace the original equipment chain on your motorcycle, you have to cut it off. Replacement 520 chains (yes, we sell them) have a master link that allows you to install a new chain. When installing the main link, the closed end should always face the direction of chain rotation. Another suggestion: bring an alternate primary link (don't ask how I knew it was a good idea).
