Prepping a new chain.

[snark]

When I took my bike in for inspecton this year the mechanic told me that my chain was near the wear limit and needed to be replaced. He looked at the sprokets and spaid tey were fine...no fish hooks. I got a brand new chain for $25 off of Ebay so my question is...first, do I have to add any lube to the factory lube job and what direction does the clip on the masterlink go? I have to use my chain breaker to get the old one off so I don't have a clip masterlink on the old chain to use as reference.

[earlfor]

When I took my bike in for inspecton this year the mechanic told me that my chain was near the wear limit and needed to be replaced. He looked at the sprokets and spaid tey were fine...no fish hooks. I got a brand new chain for $25 off of Ebay so my question is...first, do I have to add any lube to the factory lube job and what direction does the clip on the masterlink go? I have to use my chain breaker to get the old one off so I don't have a clip masterlink on the old chain to use as reference.

The closed end of the master link clip goes towards the direction of rotation.
If the clip is installed on the top chain run, the closed end is towards the engine. If its installed on the lower chain run, the closed end goes towards the rear sprocket.

A new chain comes out of the box already lubed. You will need to lube the pins on the master link before inserting it into the chain and installing the clip.

Earl

[Billyboy]

Now THAT is a thorough answer.

[fgh]

I've never heard of a mechanic that would recommend a chain change without a sproket unless the chain and sprokets are virtually brand new. If you compare a new sproket to one that's been in use for a while, even if it doesn't have fishhooks, you'll see considerable wear. The pre-existing wear on the sprokets will shorten your new chain life and add noise and vibrations.