es and annoyances for many a
y, they’re not fit and forget. They
you want them to be reliable for
a healthy battery on charge over
bly be okay. But a battery can lie
it will work great the first couple
f days it’s dead. If you’re battery
charge then be cautious. Without
possible to know what condition
ok for signs of serious corrosion
ter you need to adjust to DC volts
o the battery terminals, positive-
-to-negative (black). Look at the
d if the voltage drops below 9.5
no ifs or buts on this one.
arger should be on every
ey’re now cheap and
ver and buy a Multimeter.
e you over 12.5 DC volts
Drive Chain.
Editor's Note: Smug shaft riders get away with this one until it pops
and then you’re stuck and unable to change it at a rally. Then the smug
chain rider whips out a new chain and fits it in the field while waiting
for their brew to boil. The shaft rider is then towed away by the big
AA van that comes and gets them at the rally. (For Graham Scouse...
oh how we chuckled and mocked!) James.
To be fair chains are not as easy to adjust or replace without tools and
DIY knowledge but you can certainly check and oil it. The average
drive chain should have about 40-50mm of free play (check your
manual to be exact) . An over-tight chain can snap and a sloppy one
can come off the sprockets. Either one will certainly wear them out
prematurely. It takes nothing more than a tin of chain oil to keep your
chain happy. An independent workshop can usually check and adjust
your chain in 15 minutes.
Teds Tip: An auto chain oiler can quadruple your
transmission life. Eg. Scottoiler, lubeman etc.