Frequently Asked Questions

How should I maintain my O-ring chain?
How should I maintain my non-O-ring chain?
Will I need any special tools to install my new chain?
How much should I flare the rivet pin when installing a rivet connecting link?
Can I use a connecting link from a different type of chain?
Is it OK to add links to a chain if it’s too short?
Does RK or Excel sponsor riders?
Where can I purchase half-links?
Is it normal for a new chain to stretch after the first few rides?
How do I know when my chain has elongated beyond its service life?
What does RK stand for?
How can I get a copy of the RK or Excel logo to get some graphics made?

How should I clean my anodized rims?
The logos on my rims are wearing away. Is this a warranty issue?
My rim has small cracks near the nipples, what caused this?
What are the benefits of the Pro Series Wheel?
Where can I purchase replacement parts for my Pro Series Wheels?

Will using a FRAM Filter on my new bike void the warranty?

How do you match the style and heat range of the OE spark plug?
What are the benefits of using Iridium plugs?
Should I still use an Iridium plug if I install new plugs every season?
Is the Autolite Xtreme Sport Plug resistant to fouling?
Can I use an Autolite Xtreme Sport in my 2-stroke Engine?

RK CHAIN

Q How should I maintain my non-O-ring chain?

A Doing routine maintenance on any chain is a crucial step to getting the maximum wearlife out of your chain. You should clean and check its adjustment every 400 miles (sooner if the chain gets excessively dirty). Use Formulated o-ring chain cleaner or other similar product to keep dirt from building up around link plates and rollers. You can hose off a non-O-ring chain, but be sure to use a moisture displacement product (like WD40) after the chain comes in contact with water. After your chain has been cleaned you should apply a quality chain lube. Wipe away any excess lube, so that it does not attract dirt.

Q How should I maintain my O-ring chain?

A. Doing routine maintenance on any chain is a crucial step to getting the maximum wearlife out of your chain. You should clean and check its adjustment every 400 miles (sooner if the chain gets excessively dirty). Use formulated O-ring chain cleaner or other similar product to keep dirt from building up around link plates and rollers. Don’t use a wire brush or pressure washer. If your chain comes in contact with water, be sure to use a moisture displacement (like WD40). Lubing an O-Ring chain is vital for maximum wearlife. All RK O-Ring chains are injected at the factory with a lifetime supply of internal lubricant. The purpose of an O-Ring lube is to keep the chain from rusting and the O-rings from drying out. Use a lubricant specifically designed for O-Ring Chains.

Q. Will I need any special tools to install my new chain?

A. We recommend that every RK Chain be installed using a chain tool. Some tools, like RK’s UCT4060, combine all the parts needed to break the chain, cut it to length and clip or rivet the connecting link. Using tools that weren't designed for chain installation and/or removal may damage your chain and/or cause a dangerous situation.

Q. How much should I flare the rivet pin when installing a rivet connecting link?

A. The flare can be as little as 0.152mm to 0.5mm but should never be over 0.7mm. The rivet pin should be flared just enough to keep the sideplate on, but not flared too much to bind the link. When using the RK Chain Press-Fit/Rivet Tool you should be able to feel when you've reached the right flare. Below are examples of a good rivet link installation and an example of a bad rivet installation.

Good Rivet Installation	Bad Rivet Installation
Good even flare.	Note the cracked side and the overly flared "mushroom" edge.
Good Rivet Installation	Bad Rivet Installation

Q. Can I use a connecting link from a different type of chain?

A. No, you should only use the connecting link for your specific chain. If you have lost your connecting link please contact your dealer for a correct replacement.

Q. Is it OK to add links to a chain if it’s too short?

A. RK does not recommend adding links to a chain if the chain is too short. You should purchase the correct length instead.

Q. Does RK or Excel sponsor riders?

A. Yes, Both RK and Excel sponsor riders of all levels. Most riders submit their resumes in September/October. RK Excel's sponsorship window will open in October and close in December. You must submit your resume during those times if you want to be considered for sponsorship. You can also send your resume through MXSponsor.com

Q. Where can I purchase half-links?

A. RK stopped producing half-links 15 years ago. To our knowledge half-links are not produced by any aftermarket motorcycle chain company. Home improvement stores have been reported as selling half-links but please DO NOT USE on motorcycle chains! The material and tensile strength rating of the half-link and the material/tensile strength rating of the chain do not match. Using a half-link can cause a very dangerous situation and is NOT recommended by RK Chain under ANY circumstances!

Q. Is it normal for a new chain to stretch after the first few rides?

A. Yes, it is normal for all chains to stretch a small amount. You should adjust your chain alignment and tension to OEM specs for your motorcycle/ATV. Check again after the first 50 miles and again after 200 miles. If you are riding off-road, check the chain before every ride.

Q. How do I know when my chain has elongated beyond its service life?

A. Besides the obvious signs of long-term wear, rust, "hooked" sprocket teeth and bound links; There is a mathematical formula for determining when the chain needs to be replaced. Below is an example using a 120 link, 520 pitch chain.

A= # of Links (We'll use 120 for an example)
B= .625 for 520 pitch chain. (Measurement of center of pin to center of pin)
C=.03 (ratio of wear)

(A x B)=Y
(Y x C)=Z
(Y + Z)=X

X=When the chain exceeds this length - replace the chain!

Example:

(120 x .625)=75
(75 x .03)=2.25
(75 + 2.25)=77.25"

You should replace this chain when its length exceeds 77.25".

Q. What does RK stand for?

A. RK is an abbreviation of Rolle Kette. Which is German for Roller Chain.

Q. How can I get a copy of the RK or Excel logo to get some graphics made?

A. Please download the Logo Use Permission Form and return it to us. We will respond within five business days. Click here to download the form.

EXCEL RIMS

Q. How should I clean my anodized rims?

A. Rims that have been anodized require special care. DO NOT USE SIMPLE GREEN® ON ANODIZED RIMS! Wash rims with a PH balanced soap (shampoo) and rise thoroughly. Do not use a pressure washer.

Q. The logos on my rims are wearing away. Is this a warranty issue?

A. No, Excel has worked hard to develop a two-part epoxy that would withstand the harsh elements in which Excel rims operate. However any applied treatment to the rim surface will eventually show wear from riding conditions. The logos silk screened onto the rims are a cosmetic feature only and do not affect the performance aspect of the rims.

Q. My rim has small cracks near the nipples, what caused this?

A. Cracks around the nipple holes indicate over-tightening of the spoke and nipples. Nipples should never be over tightened. Whenever you lace or true rims Excel always recommends using a spoke torque wrench. You can maximize your wheel strength by torquing the spokes/nipples to the appropriate specifications suggested by the manufacturer. Excel produces an adjustable torque wrench designed to tighten your nipples to the appropriate specs. See the Excel section of our website for details. Click here to go to that section of our website.

EXCEL PRO SERIES WHEELS

Q. What are the benefits of the Pro Series Wheel?

A. Unlike OE-type hubs (static or application specific), Excel Pro Series Wheels can be moved from one bike to another by using bike-specific carrier rings. This feature saves you hundreds of dollars by allowing one set of wheels to be used on several bikes. If you decide to sell your bike, you can remove the wheels and install them on the new bike using carrier rings for the new bike. Your investment in wheels becomes long-term giving you a better value for your money.

Q. Where can I purchase replacement parts for my Pro Series Wheels?

A. Unfortunately most dealers do not stock Excel Pro Series replacement parts, however dealers can special order replacement parts directly from their distributors or from RK Excel.

FRAM FILTERS

Q. Will using a FRAM Filter on my new bike void the warranty?

A. No, FRAM Filters meet or exceed OEM specifications and therefore will not void the manufacturers warranty. FRAM Filters trap debris smaller than 10 microns (1 micron is smaller than 1 thousandth of a millimeter)

AUTOLITE SPARK PLUGS

Q. How do you match the style and heat range of the OE spark plug?

A. We use what is called a "rating engine" to match up plugs. The process beings by buying the OE spark plugs and carefully measuring it. Our engineers then match the physical qualities with several Autolite plugs. Then we run the OE spark plug in our rating engine. The data from this engine tells us the heat range of the OE spark plug. We use this information to precisely match an Autolite Spark Plug to both the heat range and dimensions of the OE plug.

Q. What are the benefits of using a .6mm finewire Iridium Enhanced Motorcycle spark plug that originally had a copper core plug?

A. Autolite's .6mm finewire design with Sport V-Trim ground electrode engineered to offer improved ignitability and durability over a standard copper core plug. Up to 26% quicker starts, more focused ignition to prevent fouling, more horsepower and better fuel efficiency, larger flame kernel for more complete burn, optimum performance, less firing voltage for more coil dwell time.

Q. Should I still use a .6mm Finewire Iridium Enhanced spark plug even if I install a new plug every season?

A. Yes, you will gain all of the benefits listed above from using a premuim spark plug compared to that of a standard plug. The Autolite Xtreme Sport spark plug extracts optimal performance, better fuel economy and quicker starts.

Q. Is the Autolite Xtreme Sport Spark Plug resistant to fouling?

A. Yes, the extended tip and lower required voltage to fire Autolite Xtreme Sport spark plugs help prevent fouling by providing more focused ignition.

Q. Can I use an Autolite Xtreme Sport Spark Plug in my 2-Stroke engine?

A. Yes you can, it will give you up to 26% quicker starts than leading standard plugs and better ignition system performance. The benefits of the finewire design in Autolite Xtreme Sport also provide improved fouling performance as fouling is a common problem in 2-stroke engines.

Have a question? Send your questions to info@rkexcelamerica.com