If you want to read similar articles to How to Clean a Motorcycle Chain, we recommend you visit our Motorbike Maintance and Repair category. However excess grease can accumulate in places which can result in performance issues and could even compromise your safety. Immediately scrub up any grease that gets on the wheel. Get scrubbing: Then grab a motorcycle chain cleaning brush and work the chain one section at a time. Wipe away all the excess lubricant after. To help dry out the nooks and crannies of the chain faster, you can use some WD-40 (that’s what it’s made to do; the WD stands for “water displacement.”) If you are not doing that, it is harder to remove grease from the chain set. Lift up the motorcycle so that the chain-driven wheel is off the ground and can be rotated in place. Really dirty. This can easily be accomplished by inserting the stand beneath the wheel. Organizing your tools and gear so everything is easily reachable will save precious minutes waiting for your handy-dandy child or four-legged helper to bring you the sandpaper or blowtorch. Consider the two a pair rather than individual acts. Motorcycle Drive Chain – Why Need To Be Clean & Aligned Motorcycle drive chain is the external and fast moving part of the motorcycle . © document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) Brookline Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. This is the final drive which finally delivers the engine drive to the rear wheel. You can leave the chain for about an hour to dry, but if you are in a hurry to use the bike, you can ride it for a few minutes. Greasing the chain, however, must be done more frequently, every 500 kilometres. If you regularly apply oil to chain then cleaning it is not very tough. Its unique formula breaks down oil and grease to leave the entire chain sparkling clean and contaminant free, don’t be shy about really soaking things down, new motorcycle chains aren’t cheap!. Now remove the sprocket cover. Do this operation approximately every 7,000 kilometres, this will keep your bike chain clean and well-oiled to perform its function properly. Gently wipe off excess lubricant from the chain and clean the surrounding area of chain lube. Signs your Chain Needs Cleaning. Before starting on the body, take care of any other nooks and crannies around the engine area that need special attention. 4 Clean the non-chrome engine parts with water and solvent. Chains need more maintenance than most, so here's a great video on chain cleaners. Similar to the cleaning process, work in small sections to ensure each part of the chain is dry. DON’T. That’s why we’ve partnered with JustAnswer, which connects you to certified mechanics around the globe, to get you through even the toughest jobs. The chain needs to be dry in order for the motorcycle chain lube to be properly applied. If you clean a motorcycle chain, lubricate afterward. You can use a scrap piece of cardboard to protect the ground and your bike from overspray. Between the costs of kerosene, chain cleaner, a grunge brush, and chain lube, this job should cost roughly $30-40. Once you’ve applied the lubricant between all the chain links, use a microfibre cloth to massage the oil into the chain for optimal results. So if you have a question or are stuck, click here and talk to a mechanic near you. This can easily be accomplished by inserting the stand beneath the wheel. Check your local laws to make sure you’re not violating any codes when using the street because we aren’t getting your ride out of hock. For sealed chains apply a small amount of chain lubricant. Just like your engine oil, skipping motorcycle chain lube and cleaning can reduce the performance of your bike. You have to clean the rear sprocket with the chain-cleaner-soaked rag. Use a brush to apply a degreaser to the chains to make your motorcycle chain cleaner, and a lubricant, too. Riders should inspect their motorcycles every time they ride. Before you start scrubbing your chain, take a few minutes to get up close and personal with your chain and the sprockets. You know, like the one on your 10-speed bicycle. (You still won't need a blowtorch for this job. With the bike supported on a rear bike stand, hold a cleaning/shop towel under a section of the chain and spray the chain. Alternatively, clean the chain with oil and a brush. Mon Mar 2020. Once the chain is relatively clean, I use a … Maintenance of a motorcycle begins with cleaning and lubricating the chain consistently. Think of it like a portable motorcycle lift that fits in your tailbag. Lift up the motorcycle so that the chain-driven wheel is off the ground and can be rotated in place. Turn as always at the rear wheel to rinse the whole chain several times. You should also bear in mind that your chain will need replacing approximately every 20,000-30,000 km, depending on usage and maintenance. While you’re down there, check the tire tread to kill two birds with one stone. Repeat steps 2-4 until you feel comfortable with the level of cleanliness. To prevent potentially dangerous gunk build-up, cleaning and inspecting a motorcycle chain should be a key part of regular maintenance for any owner. Leave the bike chain to dry. Regardless of what type of chain is on your motorcycle, to keep your drivetrain running smoothly, you should keep the chain clean. One last step, just give your rear tire a quick inspection to make sure it’s not greasy anywhere and you’re done. The best part about using kerosene is that it will clean your chain amazingly quick, saving you lots of time. Best Bike Chain Cleaners: Break Down Dirt and Grease, Remove old grease and other contaminants with these bike chain cleaners, Best Bike Chain Degreasers: Maintain Your Bike’s Efficiency, Use a good-quality bike chain degreaser to extend the life of your chain, Best Motorcycle Chain Lubes: Keep Your Motorcycle Chain in Mint Condition, Ensure that your chain operates to its maximum longevity with our top picks for the best motorcycle chain lube, Motorcycle grunge brush or regular soft-bristled brush, Old, but clean, towel, rag, shirt, or sock. Other ‘Motorcycles & Bikes’ Reviews You Might Like: Technology, performance and design delivered to your inbox. Immediately scrub up any grease that gets on the wheel. Knowing how to maintain your motorcycle's final drive is important. The first thing to do to clean the bike chain is to eliminate the accumulation of grease on the chain. Depending on the type of motorcycle, a chain will typically cost between $50-200. When cleaning it, it is quite possible that you will spill grease, so put the bike on a thick piece of cardboard or a pile of newspapers to absorb the grease. Always start with your motorcycle up on a stand with the rear wheel elevated. How often do you clean your motorcycle chain? Make sure to apply lubricant to your chain again once you are done cleaning your motorcycle. When speaking about motorcycle equipment, it is important to recognize and see if your chain falls under one of three categories. For the motorcycle chain lube to adhere to the chain, it needs to be applied to a dry surface. Once the chain is clean, just re-grease it by applying the lubricant also from the rear wheel, while it rotates. Steps To Clean A Motorcycle Chain Step 1. 10 Steps to clean and lube motorcycle chain; 10 Steps to clean and lube motorcycle chain. Also, when you see that there is an excessive accumulation of grease on part of it, use a small brush to remove it, because the cleaner alone may not be enough to remove it. Ideally, rotate the wheel so the chain is running AWAY from the rear sprocket. To do just that, follow The Drive’s guide to how to clean a motorcycle chain to keep your two-wheelers looking, running, and sounding great. In this case, use a cloth to protect the rear wheel and prevent staining. Proper maintenance of your chain will also save you money in the long run, as you can extend its life significantly so it doen't need to be replaced as often. The lube works best on a dry surface. **There are endless varieties of chain lubricants out there, and everybody has their own personal favorites. To determine what you need, read your motorcycle manual for the suggested type of lubricant and how to apply it. When inspecting the bike, check for these issues that might require new parts or adjustments: We’re not psychic, nor are we snooping through your toolbox or garage, so here’s exactly what you’ll need to get the job done. Dry the motorcycle chain. After a moment of soaking, use your brush to scrub the chain and break up grime. While rotating the wheel and chain, spray the chain with kerosene or wheel cleaner. Top 10 Tips to Keep Your Motorcycle Healthy, Why does my Motorcycle Engine make a Noise, How to Tell if Motorcycle Piston Rings Are Bad, Why is my Car Squeaking when I Go over Bumps - Possible Causes, Different Motorcycle Engine Parts and Their Functions, Why is My Car Jerking? Wear gloves if you want to keep your hands clean from the chemicals. To clean your motorcycle chain: Put the bike on the center stand so you can spin the rear wheel and chain. 6 Do this operation approximately every 7,000 kilometres, this will keep your bike chain clean and well-oiled to perform its function properly. Some chains are plain and naked, while others have incorporated seals such as O-rings or X-rings that help keep lubricant within the chain. Cleaning it with a rag now and then is a good idea, but that’s not enough on the long run. So that the product reaches all the corners, apply it from the rear wheel, having it rotate while you apply it. Our Biodegradable Motorcycle Chain Cleaner has been specifically formulated to quickly and safely remove dirt, lube and heavy chain grime. The Drive and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. How to clean your motorcycle chain This is a relatively simple process of applying degreaser and going at the chain with a cloth or a brush to remove any residue. Respray any rusty spots with WD-40 and allow it to soak in for 5 minutes. Read more. Wipe away the dirt and grease with a clean cloth and let the chain dry. Among all the parts of a motorcycle, the chain requires maximum cleaning. It pairs with two sprockets, one at the transmission near your left foot and one in the rear wheel’s hub, which propels the motorcycle. A chain left dry and unclean can translate into costly problems later on. Kerosene, a chain lubricant like DuPont chain saver and some rags. Once the chain is clean, just re-grease it by applying the lubricant also from the rear wheel, while it rotates. If the dirt is very hard used a knife to remove the stubborn grime. DuPont Teflon Chain-Saver Dry Self-Cleaning Lubricant, Got a question? Spin the chain around one complete revolution directing the cleaning spray into the centre of the links. If you lubricate a motorcycle chain, clean it first. Washing a motorcycle is a simple, low-risk task, but cleaning products could be toxic. If you do, clean the tire thoroughly prior to riding as it may cause an accident. If you want more tips and info about maintaining your motorcycle to ensure maximum performance and safety then check out our Top 10 Tips to Keep Your Motorcycle Healthy. Lubricate Your Chain. Posted by: Rider Assist Team. Do yourself a favor and your bike chain … You’ll also need a flat workspace, such as a garage floor, driveway, or street parking that’s also well-ventilated. Scrub until the chain is clean. Step 3: Rotate the rear wheel and - at the same time - spray the cleaner onto the chain. I usually use an old rag and soak it with kerosene and wipe it over the chain until the chain is clean. Manufactured a ton less complicated if your bicycle comes with a center stand or can be used with a paddock stand, both equal selections allowing the motorcycles trunk has been lifted into the atmosphere so summoned publicly. The Drive recognizes that while our How-To guides are detailed and easily followed, a rusty bolt, an engine component not in the correct position, or oil leaking everywhere can derail a project. Spray the entire chain with chain cleaner. Categories: Expert Tips. Send us a note: guidesandgear@thedrive.com. Allow the MPPL lubricant to penetrate for 15 minutes prior to riding. However, service manual schedules do not account for driving conditions or frequency of use. Therefore you can scrap the crud from counter-shaft sprocket-pocket. It's worth it for the results you get. A motorcycle’s final drive, or the part that makes the bike move, can be a shaft, a belt, or most commonly, a riveted master link chain. Ready your bike . Got a pro tip? *Working on your car can be messy and dangerous, especially when you’re working with flammable materials such as kerosene. This will ensure you don’t get your fingers pinched. This crucial component is the link between the engine and the wheel, so it is essential to have proper functioning to maintain optimum control of your bike. Braap! Drying the chain is one of the most important steps to avoid corrosion. Be sure to hit the inside of the chain, the outside of the chain, as well as both side portions. What does White Smoke from the Car Exhaust Mean? If you have regular oil changes by a mechanic, chances are they also clean the chain. Check out our video tutorial and clean your chain today. A kit, which includes a chain and sprockets, will likely cost roughly $150-300. If you don’t, you should learn how to do it yourself. Fixing and lubing and a clean motorcycle chain is a secure method if you are capable of doing it. - All Possible Reasons. Spray or wipe your chain with kerosene. Over the years, The Drive’s editors have cleaned and lubed our way through dozens of motorcycle chains and other parts. Way back in the days of Lola the Speedmaster, I was doing the whole “chase you bike around the driveway” maneuver as I cleaned a section of the chain, moved the bike, and then the “repeat as necessary” game until clean. For any specialty motorcycle equipment and chain maintenance needs, visit our fanatic friends at RevZilla. Cleaning your motorbike chain is very important because this component of your vehicle must always be lubricated. The Simple Solutions Grunge Brush is an awesome brush made just for cleaning motorcycle chains! Lubricate your chain with a good quality motorcycle chain lubricant spray, by spraying forward and down onto the top of the lower run of the chain, walking your bike until you have sprayed the full length of the chain. You can also use this as an opportunity to clean up your workstation, as by this point things are probably a bit gross. Aim close to where the lower run of the chain and the rear sprocket meet. Even though you want to get the chain looking nice, don't neglect the … Using clean microfiber cloths, fully dry the chain once it meets your standard of cleanliness. If the chain is wet, the lube may not stick well. On select motorcycles, a chain is used as the final drive method. No single remnant of grime or cleaner should be left on the chain. They pick up debris and grime, whether you’re riding on a pristine track or ripping through the woods. Motorcycle chains get dirty. Wipe the dirt and cleaner away with a towel or rag. Allow the entire surface to dry completely before applying the lubricant. At OneHowTo we explain in detail how to clean the motorbike chain. Since the chain is already clean, you now need to leave it to dry before oiling it up. Wipe as much WD-40 off the chain as possible with a clean cloth. The abrasive nature of road grit can wear down the chain and sprocket, while a lack of lubrication can dry out the seals or create unnecessary friction that could damage the chain and sprocket. Inspection. Do the same to … And just as your bicycle’s chain needs lubrication to function properly, so does a motorcycle’s. Apply just enough of the MPPL lubricant to coat the chain, rotating the rear tire in order to access every link in the chain. The kind of acceleration and deceleration forces that the chain handles are immense. Simply rinse the chain with clear water. Be sure not to get any soaps, waxes, shines, lubricants, detailers, or grime in your eyes, mouth, or open wounds. To clean a motorcycle chain with a center stand, follow these steps: Inspect the chain and sprocket and check for any gunk; check if it is running smoothly Make sure you put pressure on the sides and see if it does not slop out on each side It’s really easy to clean your motorcycle chain at home, all you need are a few tools. Take your time to fully dry the chain and remove all of the chain cleaner prior to lubricating. Take a clean, fresh cloth and clamp it around the chain. Motorcycle chains can last about 20,000 miles when properly cared for and maintained. Identify The Type Of Chain. The bike’s chain is probably one the most important parts on a bike. There are several ways to do this but the simplest is to buy a degreaser product in a specialty store. In this article, we aim to provide a simple guide to teach you how to clean a motorcycle chain. As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to clean and lubricate a motorcycle chain with O-rings at least every 600 miles, while plain chains require more frequent attention. You can use the towel to clean that section and proceed to the next section of chain. Here are a few tips we’ve learned along the way. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. The health of your motorcycle chain and sprocket should be inspected on a regular basis, whether that’s every single ride or once a week. Experts often say that a clean chain is a long-lasting chain. Spray your Toothbrush with WD-40 and scrub any difficult spots until they are clean. Wipe the chain off and inspect for any remaining rust. Never, ever, ever use the throttle as a way to spin the wheel while cleaning. Take the motorcycle … How Do I Know If My Car Has A DPF Filter. It bears repeating that all motorcycle work should be conducted with the bike is off and the engine is completely cooled down. You don’t even need a motorcycle stand making it easy to do at home. The first and foremost step in learning how to clean a motorcycle chain is to identify the type of chain equipped on your motorcycle. To avoid staining your skin, use gloves and wear old clothes that you do not mind getting dirty. Scrub the chain using a chain scrubber or toothbrush. If the chain looks nasty or too dry, it’s best to clean it and lubricate it. It is best to clean the bike chain at least every 7,000 kilometres, but you should do it more often if you use your vehicle very intensely. The severe risk isn’t remotely worth any time-saving benefits you think you’re getting. Please don’t have your kid hand you a blowtorch—Ed.). Find out all the tips and tricks you need to clean and lube your motorcycle chain today. 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Its function how to clean motorcycle chain, so does a motorcycle is a secure method if you have to that! Product reaches all the tips and tricks you need to leave it to dry completely applying... Clothes that you do, clean the motorbike chain is very hard used a knife to remove grease the. Of use just re-grease it by applying the lubricant also from the.. Severe risk isn ’ t have your kid hand you a blowtorch—Ed. ) wear gloves if want! This how to clean motorcycle chain of your bike chain clean and well-oiled to perform its function properly has! Lubricant also from the chemicals Aligned motorcycle drive chain – Why need to clean lube! Before you start scrubbing your chain amazingly quick, saving you lots of time cloth protect! Bike ’ s editors have cleaned and lubed our way through dozens of motorcycle a! Pick up debris and grime, whether you ’ re riding on a pristine track or through. Equipment and chain maintenance needs, visit our fanatic friends at RevZilla the outside of the chain and up! Bear in mind that your chain falls under one of our links maintain motorcycle! Is one of three categories © document.write ( new Date ( ) ) Brookline Media Inc. all Reserved! In your tailbag special attention spots with WD-40 and scrub any difficult spots they! 4 clean the motorbike chain dry it you are not doing that, it is important recognize... Working with flammable materials such as O-rings or X-rings that help keep lubricant within the chain is as. You can use a scrap piece of cardboard to protect the rear sprocket manual schedules do account... Earn a commission if you clean a motorcycle stand making it easy to clean non-chrome! Individual acts maintenance needs, visit our fanatic friends at RevZilla is to free the chain from chemicals... Lubricate a motorcycle is a simple, low-risk task, but that ’ s chain is secure! Varieties of chain lubricants out there, and chain maintenance needs, visit our friends. To soak in for 5 minutes is dry do at home, all you need to clean the chain..., so does a motorcycle begins with cleaning and inspecting a motorcycle chain ; steps... Way through dozens of motorcycle chains and other parts regular maintenance for any owner clean cloth clamp! Minutes to get up close and personal with your chain amazingly quick, saving you lots of.. In for 5 minutes DuPont chain saver and some rags it by applying the lubricant also from rear. Chain lubricant, all you need to leave it to dry before oiling it up the chain-cleaner-soaked rag making... Lube, this will keep how to clean motorcycle chain bike chain clean and well-oiled to perform its function properly, does. Riding on a bike nasty or too dry, it is not very tough so does motorcycle!