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How to clean and lube the chain...

5K views 44 replies 23 participants last post by  soc_monki 
#1 ·
Because we have alot of new riding members I figured I would do another "how-to" and today it was time to clean and lube up the chain. I do this about every thousand miles or if it looks really gummy and nasty. Also by doing this it will prolong the life of the chain and sprockets.

First thing is the products I use. I get a great deal on Motul stuff threw my local shop and they race bikes plus they have been in business for over twelve years. So lets just say I trust them. :)hail:Everything Motorcycles:hail:)


This is a very simple thing to do. Save the fifty bucks for new gear and do this yourself.

This is my chain and sprocket before...


Make sure you put down paper or something under the chain. You will thank me later...


Then spray your chain with the cleaner. I do this in the area between the lower fairing and in front of the rear tire. It won't hurt the fairings if some get on them, just wipe it off with a clean towel. Spin the tire very slowly until all of the chain is very saturated. Let it sit for a few minutes. (The can says 15 minutes) Then using a terry cloth wipe or scrub the chain clean from the lower portion of the chain. (Keep your hands clear of the sprocket and I spin in the direction like if I was backing up.)




(If your chain is still gummy after repeat these steps and get a chain brush. I don't own one and I think if you keep up with this you won't need it.)

Then get the chain lube and spray the chain with it. I love this stuff cause it turns white so you can see where you missed.



I wait about a half hour and the lube bonds to the chain and doesn't sling.
(She is pretty when they are clean :love2:)

And there you have it. Simple enough and money saving.

P.S. see why the paper is so necessary? :bigthumb:
 
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#2 ·
Good job! I'm sure this will help a lot of our newer members out!!
 
#3 · (Edited)
Quick tip: Try your absolute hardest not to get the chain lube on your rear tire. Otherwise you will eat it when riding hard due to the lack of traction.

I recently made that mistake and had to take sand paper to the tire in order to resolve the slickness.

Terrible learning mistake, but at least I know for next time. :)
 
#5 ·
Quick tip: Try your absolute hardest not to get the chain lube on your rear tire. Otherwise you will eat it when riding hard due to the lack of traction.

I recently made that mistake and had to take sand paper to the tire in order to resolve the slickness.

Terribly learning mistake, but at least I know for next time. :)
Good point. I lube the chain in the same area as I sprayed the cleaner pointing it towards the front of the bike. :bigthumb:
 
#9 ·
Dude ..why is your rear stand backwards? isn't it easier if the handle was pointing away from the bike?

Also you should spray (lubricate) only inside of the chain so when you ride lube gets spread out evenly ....if you spray it on the sides and top it will fly off doing no good but making fairings dirty!
 
#10 ·
Dude my stand is not backwards. It is a pitbull stand and that is how it is meant to be used. I also lube the entire chain inside and out cause my chain will rust. And exactly how do you spray the inside of the chain? Do you go link by link? If so you have a lot more patience then I do. I spray the chain from the top and the sides let it sit for a bit. I rode it and it didn't sling much. They all will sling I don't care what is used. I have been doing it this way for years and this is how I was shown. I actually get the full life out of my chain and sprockets.
 
#11 ·
You should apply the chain lube in front of the rear sprocket on the top of the bottom chain run. Turn the wheel in the direction it would normally when the bike is going forward. This will get the lube on the inside part of the chain. It will naturally migrate thru the chain to the outside as you ride and the sprocket will help squeeze it into the rollers.

If you look at your third photo, you would apply it exactly where you swingarm spool appears to be touching the chain.
 
#12 ·
I don't see how that would be any different then what I did. I would actually be fearful to do it there cause the chance of shooting it on the tire and rim greater. But hey if that is how you do it more power to you. :bigthumb:
 
#13 ·
Great thread, I'm glad you posted this being a new rider myself, who's chain is dirty right now sitting in the shed. Thank you for the time and effort
 
#19 · (Edited)
take off the front spocket cover and clean all the crap outta there.
^This. When I took mine off for painting this month I had no idea that much gunk was nesting in there. 18K miles & rolling. I used WD40 & a "grunge" brush to clean mine. Didn't worry about overspray on the tires since they were being replaced.

Ashy to classy!

 
#21 ·
Thanks for the write up. I need to clean my chain this spring when she comes out of storage. If you don't want to spend the cash on the Motul stuff, what other products do you guys use for cleaning the chain? I use Maxima Chain Wax for my bikes, but I've never used an actual cleaner. I'm def interested in buying one now, seeing the before and after pics you guys put up!
 
#23 ·
I got the cleaner for 11 bucks and you get about two uses out of it. I prefer the aerosol cause it gets in there.
 
#24 ·
K so I'm gonna bump this one really quick. I don't have any shops close to me that sell the Motul chain cleaner, I dont have access to kerosene, what should I use to clean the chain? It's beautiful out and I want to go work on the bike. Is WD40 a good alternative or does a regular "engine degreaser" product work well too?
 
#26 ·
WD40 works but some say it works too well and get into the orings and damages the grease inside the chain. I don't know if I have ever seen proof of it online.

Use WD-40 sparingly for now and order some chain cleaner and lube online if you don't have any local stores. Start planning for your next maintenance day to avoid these types of situations. ;)
 
#29 ·
Good job very helpful, my chain is Gold so I take it off and give it a god scrubbing and soaking because i attracts so much dirt and gum.
 
#31 ·
what are you soaking it in?
 
#30 ·
I cant find the kerosene that I usually use, Has anyone tried diesel fuel?
Will it harm the O-rings??? Its pretty close to kerosene.
Its time Joan, had her chain cleaned.
 
#35 ·
You must be using a clip link?
 
#36 ·
This one i do because the chain I ordered didn't have my size with the conversion so I had to cut it and clip it.
 
#37 ·
ive seen people use nothing but WD40 on their chains with no problems after 10s of thousands of miles...most of the ingredients are fine and wont harm chains or o-rings. just dont spray it on the chain...the pressure might work it past the rings and displace the grease. MIGHT. i have no factual evidence, but i use a soft toothbrush and spray it on the brust and scrub my chain. wipe it off well with a towel. spray on lube. take a short ride, and relube (if the bikes been sitting...if i just got in from a ride well, you know. i skip that extra step).

i used to use Maxima...no longer. i use Dupont Teflon Multi-Use spray. they have a bike formula too, which is pretty much the same, but thicker. this stuff is slick, nothings going to stick to it. thats one thing i always hated about chain wax. dirt, dust, anything stuck to it. not anymore. and its available at Lowes or any other hardware place, 5 bucks a can. look it up...its awesome stuff.
 
#38 ·
Just made a run to "Lowe's" & picked up a gallon of Kerosene.
 
#40 ·
I know what someone is doing the next couple of days ;)
When you pull it out and scrub it, in your shop/garage/what ever be sure to hang it on a nail or something and let it dry for a couple hours. even after you use a drying towel to get most the moisture off.
 
#39 ·
I use wd40 or crc and spray it on a rag and rub the chain and work my way along it.. Just take your time and DONT let the bike idle along while your doing this or you may loose fingers!!!
 
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