Clean and Lube Your Chain

[MrTinman818]

Great demonstration!

[Gokumitsu9000]

would just regular wd40 work anyone??

[HighOctanePowersport]

@Gokumitsu9000 the wd in wd40 actually stands for water dispersal. So while wd40 does provide a film allowing for free movement between 2 surfaces, its formulation won't actually lubricate the o-rings. Since, they do come out of the box greased, that won't be an immediate problem, but it's not the best long term choice. It works fine on non o-ring chains, though. Again, you'll need more frequent application with wd40 than chain lube.

[lukochayan]

Is that i have to clean and lube my chain each time when i wash my bike? Also twice i used a local lubricant oil to lube my chain. Will it affect the performance of the bike or damage the chain in the long run?

[HighOctanePowersport]

@lukochayan depends on how you're washing your bike. If you're spraying the whole thing down and using agents that will break down the lube on your chain, then you should clean and lube the chain each time you wash the bike. If you're spot cleaning & avoiding the chain, you can address the chain on it's own schedule. The lubricant oil will tend to fling off more readily requiring regular application. Also, double check it's specs to make sure it won't break down under the high heat of the chain.

[AbdulRa7eeM]

I am using white spirit to clean the chain. Would that harm the o-rings?

[HighOctanePowersport]

@AbdulRa7eeM That's hard to say. I know that kerosene is fine to use and will not harm the o-rings. Both kerosene and white spirit have a hydrocarbon base for their formulation. Beyond that, I don't know. This takes me back to why I usually recommend using products specifically formulated for the job. It just removes the guess work. I know white spirit is excellent for removing grease from metal, but I can't give you a definitive answer regarding it's effects on the o-rings.

[AbdulRa7eeM]

@HighOctanePowersport Thanks for your feedback!

[Kwaizar77]

Very clear easy to follow

[UltimateXreviewr]

thanks dude

[death2pc]

While I own a motorcycle other than a Honda - and I critically consider all Honda product to be some of the finest product ever and always, I've come to prefer both their chain lube and motor oil. The only other chain lube I like - prefer is that from Dumonde Tech.

[Marilynloveful1]

i have 2002 honda 919 what would you recommend i use to clean and lube my chain.

[ecaii2nd]

@Marilynloveful1 For cleaning I like Motul's Chain Clean. Motorex also makes a good chain clean product and several people who have commented have mentioned Simple Green which should also work fine and be safe on the o-rings. As for lubing, I like the lighter full synthetic lubes. Motul's Factory Line or Motorex Street are two good options. BelRay makes a good one too. It's a little heavier and is a white lithium formula, but as long as you don't over apply it, it works well.

[Froastwolf]

nice job brother

[HighOctanePowersport]

@TheYellowRaptor700r Degreaser is typically a little harsh on the o-rings and shouldn't be used to clean the chains without fully understanding how a product is formulated. For example, I know Simple Green is formulated to be safe on o-rings. I tend to err on the side of caution and use product specific to the task. That's a product of my racing background, combined with being paid to do the job. It sounds like your product would be OK, but I would email them and ask if it's safe on o-rings.

[fulanunan]

Just going to lube tha chain on my new bike for the first time. So I just lube the orings, not the rollers? Wont there be wear between the sprokets and rollers then?

[HighOctanePowersport]

@fulanunan The rollers roll by definition, which allows the chain to turn around the sprocket. That process is what drives your bike forward. You're trying to maintain the chain so that process happens smoothly, but you're not looking to eliminate friction between the two. The sprocket will wear, it's supposed to. It's a poor analogy, but think of it this way. You don't lube your break pads to avoid wear to the rotors. Stopping system vs. drive system, similar concept.

[HappaHero]

this guy looks like ray romano lol

[mgrande11]

I followed your directions but I still managed to sling lube off the chain and on to the rear wheel and tire. I washed the bike but that crap is very hard to take off. I hope I got it all off of the wheel.

[HighOctanePowersport]

@mgrande11 What lube where you using? Any fling will either be a function of the formulation of the lube used, an excess amount that is used or excess that is on the side plates and isn't wiped down prior to use. Granted, you almost always get some, which is why most bikes come stock with a chain guard to "catch" it. If you do get some on the wheel and bodywork, Honda Spray Cleaner & Polish is an excellent product for removing it.

[mgrande11]

@HighOctanePowersport I was using Maxima clear synthetic chain guard chain lube, I will try to use less of it on the next round, I wiped the excess off of the outside circumference of the chain and let it sit overnight. I think the sling came from excess being on the in circumference of the chain. The good thing is that I cleaned the mess up and wore off what little was left on the tire (and cut down the chicken strips abit) I don't like the white chain wax (I have a gold RK chain)

[HighOctanePowersport]

@mgrande11 I personally don't like the chain wax either. The Maxima is fine. If you continue to have fling issues, you may want to try the Motul Factory. Remember, you're only trying to lube the o-rings and the crevices in the rollers. So you can lightly wipe off any excess from the inside and outside with a rag. Don't rub, just run it around and pull off the extra. The reason why I spin the wheel with some speed in the video is to make sure I get a thin application.

[mgrande11]

@HighOctanePowersport Thank's for the advice, I'll do that next time around, speaking of that my bike is a daily rider and was wondering how often should I clean and lube the chain, I try to avoid rain at all cost but sometimes the weatherman seems to be doing rain dances. I forgot to mention I'm using Finish Line degreaser that came with my grunge brush, will be buying Motul chain clean once I run out of the Finishline stuff. This is one of the more comprehensive chain maintenance vids.

[HighOctanePowersport]

@mgrande11 Thanks for the compliment on the vid. It's hard to balance comprehensive with going overboard covering every possible nuance. Hopefully, I can redo it with better quality soon. As for a chain maintenance interval. I could give 1000 different suggestions all based on weather, riding conditions, chain type, etc., etc. The best advice is that as you do it more and more, you'll know by looking when it's due. Failing that, 1 to 2 times per month, depending on the length of your commute.

[NoiKayla]

Thanks for the tips. For lubbing though i herd the new thing at least for street bikes is to use WD-40. Its cheap and accesable. Any advice?

[HighOctanePowersport]

@NoiKayla WD-40 is typically not recommended for use on O-ring chains. The "WD" in WD-40 actually stands for water dispersal. WD-40 is designed to provide a film which protects against moisture and corrosion, as well as reducing friction between 2 surfaces. That is why most people jump at using it on chains. However, it doesn't properly penetrate and lube the o-rings, especially the newer Z and X rings, and can even degrade the OE grease contained in them, resulting in early degradation.

[Pgbiker]

Great video. I've looked at couple of videos and this is the most accurate info on chain cleaning. The reason I was looking - I've owned and cleaned chains for many years - using a number of different products, but have a specific question. The other day, I was using Simple Green to clean my rear wheel and accidently got some on my chain and sprocket - man were they clean there. This is a general purpose cleaner - will it harm the O-rings?

[HighOctanePowersport]

@Pgbiker Good question. Simple Green's website lists that it was originally designed for all purpose air craft cleaning and is safe on rubber. I know several people I've raced with that have used it on their chains without issue. Chains are replaced more frequently under race conditions though, making it difficult to determine the long term effects on the o-rings. I would email Simple Green and ask for a recommended dilution ratio which would be safe for this particular application.

[Monk537]

Top Job ! Very Helpfull , Cant wait to lbue my bike chain , Nice when people take the time to help others ,, Thanks

[specificlyvague]

i dont own a bike currently but i like to find things out ahead of time, should i lube the chain before i wash my bike or after? and is there possibility the lube will be washed off when i wash the bike down? or is it ok as long as i let it set for a certain period of time?

[HighOctanePowersport]

@specificlyvague whether or not the lube will be effected by washing depends on what cleaning agent you're using, how much of it gets on the chain and how long it sits there. In general, most lubes will hold up fine to water, they're designed to hold up to and protect your chain in inclement weather. You're best bet, though, is to lube the chain after you've finished cleaning the bike. You can clean the chain anywhere in the process that makes sense for you.

[specificlyvague]

@HighOctanePowersport kk tyvm for the information and taking the time to reply =]

[porlapatilla1]

Excellent video!!!

Finally someone telling the proper way of lubeing a chain through the inside!!!

Greetings from Spain!!!

[coldfiregixxer]

Great vid, but I think he should have covered the safety issues with cleaning your chain directly by hand. There are a lot of people out there who have lose fingers, due to cleaning their chain improperly...

[HighOctanePowersport]

@coldfiregixxer Good point. However, the key to avoiding such injury is performing the cleaning with the bike off. All such injuries that I'm personally aware of or have heard about occurred while trying to utilize the engine to turn the wheel and clean the chain more quickly. I should have made specific mention of avoiding injury, but if you follow the method presented you will do just that.

[coldfiregixxer]

@HighOctanePowersport I've heard of people spinning the wheel with one hand, as fast as you were or faster, and getting the fingers of their other hand so mangled they had to be amputated. ><

[HighOctanePowersport]

@coldfiregixxer Typically, if you're spinning the wheel by hand and cleaning the bottom of the chain, it will be moving away from the sprocket, making that very unlikely. However, it never hurts to be as cautious as possible. With that in mind, two keys. First, solidifying the above point, always clean the chain while it's moving away from the sprocket. Second, use a brush rather than a rag to scrub the chain while it's moving. Use the rag to wipe the chain in segments while it's stationary.

[coldfiregixxer]

@HighOctanePowersport I agree. I just feel that getting your fingers caught between the chain and sprocket is an easy mistake to make, especially if said person just got their bike and, likewise, would be looking for vids just like this one to help them learn. :)

[HighOctanePowersport]

@coldfiregixxer Absolutely correct, the world is filled with warning labels as a result of someone doing what isn't "typical". I would never think to spin the wheel from the bottom up, but I'm sure that would feel natural for someone out there. I'll try to add the warnings we discussed to the video. Thanks for the input.

[HighOctanePowersport]

Sorry for the delay in answering any questions or comments. The owners actually sold the shop and it took me some time to be able to access this page again in order to answer any questions or comments. If any of you have posted a questions that you still would like an answer to or some input on, please repost it or let me know.

[siekiersk]

he makes it look easy , it must be nice to have your own stand and lift

[HighOctanePowersport]

@siekiersk I actually no longer have a lift to work with (see above). It is much easier with a stand. A few years ago there were only a few stand options and they were extremely expensive. Now there are a wide range available, many of which are relatively inexpensive. You can, of course, also simply roll your your bike forward a little at a time and work in segments. I've also used other work arounds in the past. If you want some more thoughts or options, let me know.

[scarekr0]

Great vid. I'm a new rider. I average 20 mi. per day in the city. How often should I clean and lube my chain? Thx for any help.

[HighOctanePowersport]

@scarekr0 Depends a somewhat on the weather, the bike, the chain, etc. Without all that info, I'd say once a month to month and a half is a good place to start. As you get used to doing it on a regular schedule, you'll get a feel for how much your chain "needs" it and whether you need to shorten or extend that interval.

[J0cK3rFr3aK]

you are a great teacher and you helped me a lot, thank you very much for this very informative and professional video

[shj6yzf]

very nice video great job..just wanna ask what would be the best chain lube for middle east weathers as u here is always sands so just wanted to know plz thanx

[HighOctanePowersport]

@shj6yzf With the high amount of sand, I would opt for a lighter, fully synthetic lube. Motul Factory, Motorex Racing or 622. You want something that won't be so heavy that it "traps" the sand. I would stay away from the chain waxes and the lithium formulas.

[shj6yzf]

@HighOctanePowersport thanx sir really help full for me....if u dont mind asking you another question....everytime i ride my bike i can hear crunch noise coming from right side of my steering (triple clamp or near from there what is that ???? any idea it can be hear whenever i apply breaks for whenever i turn the bike.......plz advice thanx

[HighOctanePowersport]

@shj6yzf From your description, I would say you have some loose and damaged steering head bearings. If you you just had a "clunk, clunk" noise from the triple clamp when hitting the brakes, I would say they were simply loose and needed to be tightened. However, the crunching sound when stopping along with with whenever you turn the handlebars as well, would indicate that they are flat spotted or damaged.

[bigun1999999]

top video, covers everything

[EQRoycerranMF]

@arlexise1 every 400 mile clean an lube the chain. After washing your motorcycle u should lightly lube the chain to help prevent rust from the water getting on it when u wash your bike

[Arlexise1]

How often should you clean and lube your bike chain?

[siekiersk]

@Arlexise1 theres no set time on how often if your chain needs it then clean it 100 miles or 500 miles it dont matter

[budsherrera]

Diesel in one of the best to use for cleaning the chain for sure, use an old toothbrush for brushing!

[LoserBo1]

What kind of brush is that? Cant really hear it due to the echo in the room.

[drmix9]

@LoserBo1 Its a grunge brush. I got mine at the dealership with the degreaser for like $15. Works pretty good

[LoserBo1]

@drmix9 oh i need to get me one of those! havent cleaned my chains since i got it which is about 2 months ago.

[suzukiholdenman]

@h20hydro burnout!

[Showko22Milk]

Too naggy....

[rgaufman]

A lot of videos and guides I can find recommend cleaning the chain, then going for a short ride to warm up the chain before lubing it. Is there any validity to this recommendation?

[HighOctanePowersport]

@rgaufman Your actually better off going for the ride prior to cleaning the chain. The heat produced will make it easier for the old lube and accumulated dirt and grease to come off of the chain. If the chain is cleaned correctly, I don't think there is any benefit to warming it up prior to lubing it. That's more likely to stress the o-rings and rollers, although minimally, than anything.

[apiwatbob]

For the last part, lubing the chain, can I just rotate the back wheel the opposite way from the vid?? DOes the rotation matter??

[highroller921]

i would never think that grunge brush would work. i broke mine trying to clean my mountain bike chain. out of all the videos that ive seen with cleaning a mountain bike chain, this has been the most helpful out there on youtube. thanks for putting this up, i think u just got my trust in the grunge brush to

[AbdulRa7eeM]

What about using white spirit as chain cleaner?

[hinesdeal82291]

Thank you for the video, everything you said makes sense and I definitely learned some ways to improve.

[h20hydro]

today i cleaned and lubed my ninja 250.. i guess i sprayed too much lube that it got on my rear tire..i sprayed it where HighOctanePower sprayed it. Now the edge of my tire is sticky and a little slippery. Should I be worried? How can I take it off?

[suprascooter]

What about using steam to clean your chain?

[klich1984]

Great video. Some really good insight!

[UaEsKnight]

Awsome vid thank you very much for the tips

[schnor88]

Spot-on! 

[VirgiliusRomanus]

Dirty gloves on rear tire??? that would make it slippery. so watch what you touch with dirty gloves.

[hinesdeal82291]

@VirgiliusRomanus Every time I'm done lubing my chain I rub down my tire with a wet rag and basically scrub it, I'm sure most people do. Hell I clean my tires more than the rest of my bike lol.

[rg0r]

Great video, thanks for explaining that.



[oneforthewin]

i need an all weather lub. and recomendations? gonna be ridden through rain salt and grit

[asadapa08]

too much talking....

[wsvitak]

excellent how to video,

Can you tell me what the difference between a chain lube and a chain wax is. I got a chain lube from the dealer but I really dont like it. It flings off and is yellowish color. I ride a streetbike daily in the summer, no dusty or muddy conditions just street riding also, some stunting so if you could recomend a chain lube or wax I'd appreciate it. Thanks

[bmedeiros678]

Great vid. What products do you use? I could not understand. Thanks.

[bmedeiros678]

What are the products you use? Great vid!

[HotKebab]

How often should you lube your bike?

[Hardboi01]

@HotKebab well if u use it evry day like i do then myabe once a week,also varies depending on what u drive on like offroading of just normal road use then should ldast longer i think

[rosscorion12]

Great video, good to see someone teaching it the right way... too many 'half ass' instruction vids out there!

[UKSossige]

@rosscorion12 - Indeed. So many of them suggest lubing the outside of the chain, so at best the lube gets flung straight off, at worst the chain isn't lubed. The sticky lube then picks up grit and dirt, producing a grinding paste to further damage the chain and sprockets.

[rosscorion12]

If anyone has any other hot tips to 'summer-ise' a bike that has been sitting for a few months I'm all ears!..  It's about time to dust her off. 06' Kawasaki ZX-6R

[yulado]

i went to a bike garage/dealership to get chain and sprocket cleaning supplies...the guy told me not to bother trying to clean my cruiser's chain and sprocket, but to just make sure it's lubed...he said it's always going to be dirty, the grease/muck that's on it, will protect it from rusting because it's not exposed....he was dead set on me not cleaning it...is this guy "pulling my chain"?...i want to know everybody's thoughts on this

[Hunleas]

i ride a dirtbike, and i really have to clean and re-lube my chain because if i don't clean it and just lube it, it wears twice as fast... But i think my chain lives a harder life than yours, so that's the difference i think.

[HighOctanePowersport]

I would seriously consider finding another shop; if that's the advice you're receiving. The physics of his assertion simply don't make sense. The reality is that most, if not all, of what will get on your chain while you're out riding will not provide additional lubrication. It's mainly particles and chemicals which are either abrasive or serve to break the applied lube down. If you'd like, feel free to email me and I can give you a more technical breakdown along with some good references.

[rgaufman]

@HighOctanePowersport Hmm, I took my Ninja 250R in for the 600 mile service to an official Kawasaki dealer. I asked how often I should clean and lube the chain and their mechanic told me you don't really need to clean it between services, just spray lube every 500 miles or so to make sure the chain never looks like it's dry.

[Greenmarine6]

@yulado I lube my chain every 500 miles with 90 gear oil. Most people I know use a spray Chain wax lube that sticks really well. But I follow the owners manual..cbr600rr.

Yes this guy was pulling your chain, your chain should be very clean and lubed all the time..it also helps prolong the life of the chain and sprockets

[chrsmcfrln]

@yulado The grit that adheres to the chain acts as an abrasive. Over time it provides wear on the rings and joints, and thats what wears chains out.

[vaguincolombia]

for those interested, you can use diesel oil and a toothbrush to clean the chain thats what manuals say, and finally you can use kitchen paper to finish cleaning it so that way you will not have dirty cloths everywhere

[HighOctanePowersport]

Kerosene works well as another alternative. We like the chain clean simply due to ease of use and storage. There are several effective options though. An old toothbrush will work, although a brush with longer/stiffer bristles will be more effective on the beefier chains. Thanks for the additional input.

[Hardboi01]

@HighOctanePowersport i got told wd40 will be good for cleaning but isnt wd40 a lube not a cleaner?

[samihasib]

@HighOctanePowersport how about petrol ?

[samihasib]

@vaguincolombia how about petrol ?

[macfahad]

Thank you. Always good to get it right from the experts!

[usforeignpolicy]

Thank you very much. Now I'm going to go clean my chain properyly.

[prakashjk]

Thanks for the video.I am trying this way.I looked out for that "grunch" brush here ,but not available,so using a old toothbrush for the purpose.

after spraying chain clean ,Shall We do a round with motorcycle so that chain gets heated?

[bingofmunti]

Thanks for this.

[cata893]

Nice...thank you!

[HighOctanePowersport]

Yes, they do. You spray once down the line of o-rings furthest from you and the second revolution sprays down the line closest to you. Obviously reverse order is fine as well. Typically if the nozzle is a couple inches away while you're spraying the o-rings, there is enough oversparay that you get sufficient lube on the rollers and side plates at the same time.

Hope that answered you're question. We should have a revised video up soon that will show everything in close up.

[keithwall]

thanks for the great video! do the o rings on the back side get lubed? it doesn't appear they would from the angle you are spraying. thanks in advance.

[ironjoker420]

i so need to do this!!! my chain does not sound right. but FRAK this crap is so expensive!!! why does everything have to be $100 or $200 bucks!!! lmao

and then there is this type of stuff. ;op

thanks for the info!!! time to clean my chain...

[Kichoman1983]

Great video! i use the same products too.. now if only i can find a brush like that locally..

[HighOctanePowersport]

Any of your local shops who use Tucker Rocky as a distributer can get one for you. Part # 31-7121 MSRP $12.95.

[HighOctanePowersport]

I also saw one at a Sports Authority the other day in the bicycle section.

[ranga55]

This is THE video to watch for this 'how-to', as just about ever aspect has been covered, and you clearly know what you're doing.

[ThePackJack]

Very good Vid. Covered it all.

I still like to use Kerosene for cleaning. Apply very liberally with a small paint brush and then scrub. Kerosene is mfg's recommended and cheap. Using lots really flushes out the gunk. Also I don't mind leaving a thin coating of lube on the outside of the chain links; help prevent rusting.

[HighOctanePowersport]

Kerosene works very well. I used to use it myself, but switched to the chain clean products a couple years ago for ease of use, smaller storage and to avoid the fumes. Also, in my area, kerosene isn't readily available at many hardware stores year round. I still know many people that use kerosene with great success.

A thin coating is good to leave on the outside of the links. Wiping them down, as in the video, just removes the excess which tends to fling and capture particles.

[StreakingTiger]

great vid. Thanks. All the things that I thought I was doing wrong (or thought that there has to be a better way) - then you covered them well.

[generee]

very simple, to the point, and compared to the other videos, really makes sense. thanks

[mccameyk]

thanks for the vid...with all of the hubub (and silliness) about cleaning motorcycle chains, this approach makes sense to me...

[funkybeat0]

Fantastic demo, very informative......thankyou

[bertman4]

Very education. Just wish the lighting was better. Thanks!

[HighOctanePowersport]

You're right. You'll notice that we've improved the lighting for our second video on throttle adjustment. We'll probably reshoot this one soon with better lighting and closer cuts. Thanks for the response.

[JayzBeerz]

Outstanding video thank you

[1madmnky]

great stuff!

[UKSossige]

Easily the best chain cleaning/lubrication video on Youtube. Great stuff!

[leifiplomerosftw]

Excellent vid indeed. Much appriciated! How often should this be done you reckon?

[HighOctanePowersport]

In general, every 100 to 300 miles. Where you fall in that range will depend on what conditions you're riding in. Essentially, if there is build up of dirt and grime or you can see that the applied lube has worn away, then it's time to do it again.

[janderson505]

excellent video man.thanks for this