Riding Loose On The Grom

Chains. They need to be cleaned, lubed, and tightened. I am learning now that is has to be in that order. I have owned the Grom now for over a year and the one thing I have not been able to do very well is maintain the chain. What happens when you don’t do it right and often? See this video to find out:

It was a hot, but a cloudy Sunday, and I had ridden into town after church to do some work for Ronald McDonald House. While there, the clouds broke and we got some much needed rain. It lasted only a few minutes but it was enough to cool the air and lower the temperature a few degrees. This made for a nice ride home. I took the long way home and enjoyed the breeze. As I got closer and closer home the wind picked up and the skies began to darken. I was glad to beat the rain.

Then it happened. The chain fell. The camera was rolling but it died right as the chain was being seated. It was a super short ride the rest of the way home but I was so nervous. Nervous that it would fall again and cause some damage. As soon as I made it home, the rain began.

It wasn’t until Tuesday evening that I was able to work on the Grom and see if I could get the chain tightened so that it wouldn’t fall off again. I was able to get it tight up to specification but the wheel was as far back at it could go. I rode it to work the following morning, and I could have sworn that at one point the chain skipped. I arrived at work safely and looked up chain replacements for the Grom. I read that the factory chain is not that great and that it usually lasts about 3,000 miles. I am at just over 5,000 miles. I read the manual and it said to replace the chain when the wheel is as far back as possible. So, I was a tad relieved that I hadn’t messed up the chain, but that it was normal wear and tear. I ordered a new chain and it should be arriving soon. Until then, I am not riding it. To Be Continued…