How To Clean & Lube Your Motorcycle Chain at RevZilla.com, by RevZilla on YouTube. 17 min 29 s.
- Video length
- 17 min 29 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Check your chain type first. Most modern bikes use O-ring or X-ring chains, which need a mild cleaner. Look in your owner's manual for the correct slack figure and lube type.
Put the bike on level ground with the engine off. A rear paddock stand makes the chain easier to reach, but the side stand works if you turn the rear wheel by hand.
Slide a piece of cardboard behind the chain to keep cleaner off the tyre and rim. Spray chain cleaner onto the chain and your brush, not the brake disc.
Scrub the whole chain with a three-sided chain brush, turning the rear wheel by hand as you go. Work along the top, bottom and side plates.
Re-soak the chain with cleaner and wipe it with a clean rag until the grit is gone. Repeat on stubborn spots.
Dry the chain completely with a clean rag and let it air for a few minutes. Lube will not stick to a wet chain, and leftover solvent thins it out.
Apply chain lube evenly along the inside of the chain run while spinning the wheel. Coat the rollers and side plates on both sides.
Let the lube set for 10 to 15 minutes, then wipe off any excess with a rag. Check chain slack against your manual spec and adjust it if it is out.
Tips and common mistakes
Lube works best on a warm chain, so clean and lube right after a ride.
Keep fingers well clear of the sprocket and never run the engine in gear while you work near the chain.
Use kerosene only if your manual allows it, and never use brake cleaner on an O-ring chain.
Ordinary WD-40 is a solvent, not a chain lube, so keep it for freeing bolts.
Questions
How often should I clean and lube the chain?
Every 400 to 600 miles, and always after riding in rain or on grit. Clean first, then lube.
Can I do this without a stand?
Yes. Park on level ground and push the bike forward a little at a time to reach the whole chain.
Do I have to clean before I lube?
Yes. Lube over grit pushes dirt into the rings and wears the chain and sprockets faster.
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.
