How To Properly Clean And Lubricate Your Motorcycle Chain
Taking ownership of any sort of vehicle means that you are also taking the care and maintenance into account. Properlymaintaining the engine of a caror motorcycle is the best way to ensure it runs efficiently for as long as it’s in your possession. As a bonus, it will also ensure the vehicle maintains a certain level of monetary value should you choose to sell it.
In the case of a motorcycle, such maintenance can also be vital to a rider’s safety, asregularly changing the oiland taking additional steps tokeep the bike in tip-top shapecan help owners avoid potentially dangerous issues on-the-road. The good news is that there are certain aspects of motorcycle maintenance that can be performed without the aid of a professional mechanic. That includes properly maintaining the bike’s chain, which is the primary way in which power is transmitted its rear wheel. Since most motorcycles are rear-wheel drive, it’s important to ensure that chain is both cleaned and properly lubricated so you get a smooth, safe ride every time you hit the road.
You can indeed clean and lubricate your motorcycle chain on your own. The process can typically be done in under an hour’s time, and it doesn’t even require the removal of the chain. Here’s how to clean and lubricate your motorcycle’s chain.
Cleaning your motorcycle chain
Assuming you are comfortable undertaking this task without professional oversight, you’ll need a few cleaning materials on hand to give that chain a nice shine, including a chain brush (or an old toothbrush), a few clean shop towels, water, and an O-ring safe chain cleaner or degreaser. You may also need a wrench in case you have to remove your bike’s fender to gain complete access to the chain. You should also secure the vehicle on a bike stand to immobilize it and help lift the back wheel off the ground while you clean. From there, follow these steps to clean your motorcycle chain.
It is recommended that you clean your motorcycle chain when it is still warm from a ride, as this may help ensure some of the heavier dirt is loose and more easily removed at the start of the process.
Lubricating your motorcycle chain
Once you’ve got your motorcycle chain good and shiny, you’re ready to hit with a little lubricant. This is not a complicated process, but you will need a motorcycle-safe chain lubricant, and more clean dry shop towels on hand before you begin. It’s also recommended you remove the bike from the stand and take it for a short ride around the block before you begin to warm the chain back up and prime it for lubricant. With a warmed-up chain, and your motorcycle secured on a stand with the back wheel elevated off the ground, follow these steps to properly lubricate your motorcycle’s chain.
It’s recommended that you apply lubricant to your motorcycle chain every third or fourth time you fill it up with gas. Just FYI — while you’re tending to the chain, it’s also a good time to check its slack, and ensure it’s in line with the manufacturer’s recommended levels.
