A motorcycle chain is one of the most important parts of your bike, and keeping it in good condition ensures smooth performance and a longer life for your sprockets. Over time, the chain collects debris, grime, and dirt from riding on the track or through the woods, making regular maintenance essential.
Simply wiping it with a cleaner-moistened rag can help in removing superficial dust, but to properly clean it, a more thorough approach is needed. Every oil change is the perfect opportunity to give the drive chain a deep clean, applying fresh lube to keep everything running smoothly.In this article, we delve into how to clean a motorcycle chain. Taking care of your chain not only enhances performance but also prevents premature wear, ultimately extending the chain’s durability.
how to clean a motorcycle chain
Inspect Your Drivetrain
Before cleaning your chain, take a moment to inspect it along with the sprockets for any signs of wear. A worn-out sprocket will have teeth that appear sharp or have an unusual curve, which means it’s time to replace it. Also, check the chain itself—look for kinks, rust, damage on the rollers or plates, and any stretching. If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to swap out the whole unit instead of just one part to ensure that an old component doesn’t cause excessive wear on a new one.
Put Your Bike On A Stand
The best time to clean your chain is right after a ride when it’s still warm, as this helps loosen up any stubborn gunk and grime that may have adhered to it. To make the job easier, park your bike on its center stand or use a rear stand, positioning it near a hose for convenience. Make sure to throw it in neutral—this small step will save you a lot of effort in just a moment by allowing the wheel to spin freely while you work.
Douse With Chain Cleaner
Now comes the fun part—getting your hands dirty! Start by placing a piece of cardboard beneath the lower rung of the chain to protect the wheel and tire from any overspray. Next, liberally apply an O-ring-safe cleaner to the entire chain, making sure to rotate the wheel to ensure that every link and the sprockets are completely covered. Let the degreaser soak in and loosen up the grime for a few minutes before grabbing your trusty cleaning tool to scrub away any remaining dirt.
Scrub Your Chain And Sprockets
Once the chain is soaked in cleaner, it’s time for some scrubbing. A regular cleaning routine is key to keeping your sprockets and links in top shape. Use an old toothbrush or a motorcycle-specific brush like the Tirox 360 or the Grunge Brush—or even both for a thorough job. Take your time to reach the gaps between the teeth, where the rollers make contact with the sprocket, ensuring every link is grime-free and smooth.
Wipe Down Your Chain And Sprockets
After scrubbing, soak a clean rag in solvent and wipe down the chain and sprockets to remove any remaining dirt. If stubborn grime won’t come loose, gently scrape it off using a plastic putty knife. For the true overachiever, take the extra step to remove the front cover and clear out any crud hiding in the countershaft-sprocket pocket, ensuring a deep clean that keeps everything running smoothly.
Rinse Off Your Chain
As suggested, after you clean the chain, make sure to rinse it off in a place with a hose for convenience. If you don’t have access to one, simply fill a bucket with water and pour it over the chain, or rub it down using a couple of damp rags. However, resist the urge to pressurize the stream by covering the nozzle with your thumb, and never consider firing up a pressure washer, as the force can push water into the chain’s seals and cause damage.
Lube Your Chain
Regular chain maintenance is essential for smooth performance, and proper lubrication helps extend its life. It’s recommended to lube your chain every 500 miles of riding to keep it in top condition. There are different types of lube available, including wax, foaming, and conventional options.
The level of fling and protection varies between them, so deciding which one to deal with depends on your needs. If you prefer less fling, you’ll need to apply lube more frequently.
Some of the best lubes include Motul Factory for track and race motorcycles, as it’s intended for dry conditions, while Motul Road is better suited for road-going bikes that might face moisture and longer rides. Finding the right balance ensures luck is on your side when maintaining your chain.
