Clean and Lube Your Chain

How to properly clean and lube a motorcycle chain.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• High
• Octane
• PowerSports
• motorcycle
• chain
• service
• maintenance
• care
• clean
• bike
• offroad
• mx

[mcg22cc]

what i've always done is use wd40 to clean the chain, and after taking a rag and trying to remove as much of the dirt/grime/excess wd40 as i can, i then apply (an ample amount of) chain wax to the chain. is this an adequate process, or should i be using different products?

[HighOctanePowersport]

@mcg22cc It's not ideal. WD40 is actually a water dispersal agent. So, it will inhibit whatever lube you apply from adequately conditioning the o-rings. Chain wax has always been a little heavy for my taste and an ample amount may be too much for that product. Depending on your region and weather, chain wax may not be a bad choice, but a little goes a long way. I know people who have used WD40 with no problems, but I'd look at another option personally.

[mcg22cc]

@HighOctanePowersport thanks for your advise! i should probably change the sprockets and chain on the bike soon so I will change what i use to clean the chain and reduce the amount of chain wax i put on the chain.

[HighOctanePowersport]

@mcg22cc sounds good. Just remember that even though the chain wax goes on very thick. The heat of the chain as you ride will increase it's viscosity and allow it to penetrate the o-rings and rollers. That's why a little goes a long way. It'll also help to clean and lube the chain while it's warm from riding.

[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.

[NoBody1399]

How often is it recommended to clean and lube your chain?

[salvatard]

Great video. I need to get one of those brushes. I used to use WD40 but now I know better. Thanks for the demonstration.

[MrTinman818]

Great demonstration!

[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.