HOW I CLEAN AND LUBE MY MOTORCYCLE CHAIN: Triumph Street Triple R, by Doodle On A Motorcycle on YouTube. 3 min 53 s.
- Video length
- 3 min 53 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Check your manual for the chain type and the slack spec before you start. Note whether your bike takes a spooled stand or a swingarm stand.
Fit the stand under the rear axle and lift the bike so the rear wheel spins freely. Check the bike is stable before you touch the chain.
Switch the engine off and keep your fingers clear of the sprocket and chain while the wheel turns.
Pour a little paraffin oil onto a rag or brush and work it into the chain. Spin the wheel and scrub the whole loop, about twice around.
Scrub the sides of the plates and the rollers too, not just the top run. Dirt left on the plates gets pushed back into the links.
Wipe the chain with a clean rag to pull off the loosened grit and old lube.
Let the chain dry for about 20 minutes. Use the wait to clean the rest of the bike or run a tyre, controls, lights, oil, chain and stand check.
Spray chain lube evenly along the inside of the chain while turning the wheel slowly. One full pass is enough, so do not soak it.
Let the lube set for a few minutes before you lower the bike. Wipe any overspray off the rim and tyre.
Tips and common mistakes
Lube a warm chain after a short ride so it soaks in better, but never lube a hot chain right after a long run.
Too much lube flings off onto the tyre and rim, so spray a thin even coat instead of soaking the chain.
Clean and lube every 500 to 800 km, and straight after riding in rain or on gritted roads.
Keep paraffin and kerosene away from painted panels, brake discs and pads, and wear gloves.
Questions
Can I clean the chain without a rear stand?
Yes. Push the bike forward and work on a section at a time, or use a paddock stand if you have one. A stand just makes the job faster because you can spin the wheel freely.
Is paraffin oil the same as kerosene?
They are close enough for chain cleaning and either works. Paraffin is sold for lamps and heaters, kerosene for outdoor burners, so pick whichever you can buy easily.
Do I need to remove the chain to clean it?
No. Scrubbing and wiping on the bike is fine for routine cleaning. Only remove the chain if it needs replacing or you are doing a full deep clean.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
