Hey riders! Taking care of your motorcycle is key to safe and fun rides. One important, but sometimes forgotten, part of motorcycle care is chain maintenance. This guide will show you how to clean and lube your chain like a pro, using plain language and simple steps.
Why is Chain Maintenance Important?
Your chain is the link between the engine and the rear wheel. A clean and lubed chain means:
- Smooth Operation and Power Transfer: A clean and lubricated chain reduces friction between the chain links and sprockets. This allows the engine power to be transferred to the rear wheel more efficiently, resulting in a smoother ride and potentially even better acceleration.
- Reduced Wear and Tear: Dirt and grime act like sandpaper, grinding away at the chain, sprockets, and other drivetrain components. Regular cleaning and lubrication help prevent this excessive wear, extending the lifespan of these parts and saving you money on replacements.
- Prevents Chain Breakage: A neglected chain can become weak and brittle over time. In the worst-case scenario, a heavily worn or damaged chain could snap while you’re riding, leading to a loss of control and a potential accident.
- Improves Overall Efficiency: A properly maintained chain contributes to the overall efficiency of your motorcycle. Less friction means less wasted energy, potentially leading to slightly better fuel economy.
Signs Your Chain Needs Cleaning and Lube
Your motorcycle chain will give you some telltale signs when it’s craving some TLC in the form of cleaning and lubrication. Here are some key things to watch out for:
Visual Signs:
- Dirty Chain: This is the most obvious clue. If your chain looks black and grimy instead of a silvery-gray, it’s time for a cleaning.
- Rust: Rust spots on the chain links indicate moisture has gotten in and started the corrosion process. This weakens the chain and necessitates cleaning and lubrication to prevent further damage.
Touch and Sound:
- Stiff Chain: A healthy chain should move freely with minimal resistance when you rotate it by hand. If it feels stiff and hard to turn, it’s likely gunked up with dirt and needs cleaning.
- Squeaking or Grinding Noises: These unpleasant sounds coming from the chain area are a red flag. It could be a sign of a dry chain or excessive wear on the chain or sprockets.
Additional Tips:
- Frequency: While the visual and physical signs are good indicators, it’s also a good practice to clean and lube your chain after every few hundred miles, especially if you ride in wet or dusty conditions.
- Post-Ride Check: Even if you don’t do a full cleaning, get into the habit of giving your chain a quick wipe with a rag after every ride. This can help remove surface dirt and prevent grime buildup.
How often do motorcycle chains need maintenance?
Keeping your motorcycle’s chain clean and lubricated is crucial for smooth operation, efficient power transfer, and preventing costly repairs. But how often should you tackle this task?
Here’s a breakdown to help you maintain a happy chain, using both miles and kilometers:
Ideal Cleaning and Lubrication:
- Frequent Riders (Well-Maintained Roads): Aim to clean and lube your chain every 300-500 miles (480-800 kilometers). This is a solid baseline for riders who regularly hit the pavement on well-maintained roads.
Increased Maintenance Frequency:
- Wet, Dusty, or Off-Road Conditions: When your adventures take you through wet, dusty, or off-road environments, bump up your chain maintenance game. Dirt, grime, and water accelerate wear and tear. In these conditions, consider cleaning and lubing your chain more frequently, perhaps every 150-250 miles (240-400 kilometers).
Long-Term Storage:
- Pre-Ride Maintenance for Stored Motorcycles: If your motorcycle is taking a long break in storage (ideally around 200-300 miles or 300-500 kilometers of storage), give the chain a light cleaning and lubrication before your next ride. This helps prevent rust and corrosion.
Additional Tips:
- Visual Inspection: Regardless of mileage or kilometers ridden, get into the habit of regularly inspecting your chain for signs of wear and tear. Look for excessive rust, stretched links, or loose rivets. These indicate the chain needs attention or replacement.
- Post-Ride Wipe: Even if you don’t do a full cleaning, wiping your chain down with a rag after every ride can remove surface dirt and prevent grime buildup. This quick step can significantly extend the interval between full cleanings.
Remember: These are general guidelines. Don’t hesitate to consult your motorcycle’s owner’s manual for specific recommendations based on your riding habits and the motorcycle model.
The manual might suggest a different cleaning and lubrication frequency depending on your riding style and the specific chain type on your motorcycle.
What You’ll Need for Chain Maintenance
Gather these tools before you start:
- Motorcycle stand (optional but helpful): This lifts the rear wheel off the ground for easier cleaning.
- Chain cleaner: Look for a motorcycle chain cleaner or use kerosene (more on that later).
- Chain cleaning brush: This brush has stiff bristles to remove grime.
- Rags: You’ll need clean rags for wiping.
- Chain lube: Choose a lube made for O-ring chains (most modern motorcycle chains are O-ring chains). Don’t use WD-40, it attracts dirt.
Cleaning Your Motorcycle Chain (Step-by-Step)
- Warm up the engine (optional): A few minutes of warm-up can loosen grime, but it’s not essential.
- Secure the motorcycle: Use a stand or park your bike securely and chock the rear wheel.
- Apply chain cleaner: Spray the cleaner all over the chain and both sprockets. Be generous!
- Scrub with the brush: Use the brush to clean the chain links, rollers, and sprockets. Don’t scrub too hard, especially on O-ring chains.
- Wipe away grime: Use a clean rag to remove the loosened dirt and cleaner. You might need to repeat steps 3-5 if the chain is very dirty.
- Rinse (optional): You can rinse the chain with clean water, but avoid spraying directly on the bearings or sprockets.
- Dry the chain completely: This is important! A wet chain won’t accept lube properly. Let it air dry or use compressed air (low pressure).
Kerosene as a Chain Cleaner: Kerosene can work, but be careful:
- Not for O-rings: Kerosene can damage the O-rings on modern chains. Check your motorcycle manual or ask a mechanic if you’re unsure about your chain type.
- Ventilation: Kerosene fumes are bad to breathe and flammable. Only use it in a well-ventilated area with gloves and safety glasses.
- Disposal: Don’t pour kerosene down the drain! Collect it and the rags in a sealed container and dispose of them properly at a hazardous waste facility.
Lubricating Your Motorcycle Chain (Step-by-Step)
Once your chain is clean and dry, it’s time to lube it up:
- Shake the lube can: Give the lube can a good shake to mix the contents.
- Apply a light, even coat: Slowly spin the rear wheel and spray a light, even stream of lube onto the inner rollers of the chain links.
- Less is more: Don’t overdo it! A thin coat is enough. Too much lube attracts dirt.
- Let it set: Allow the lube to dry according to the instructions on the can (usually a few minutes).
- Wipe off excess: After the lube dries, use a rag to wipe off any lube on the outer surface of the chain or surrounding areas.
Chain Maintenance Tips
- Clean and lube often: Do it every few hundred miles, especially if you ride in wet or dusty conditions.
- Quick wipe after rides: Even if you don’t do a full cleaning, wipe your chain after every ride to remove surface dirt.
- Inspect the chain regularly: Look for stretched links, loose rivets, or worn sprocket teeth. Replace the chain and/or sprockets if necessary.
Common Chain Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-lubrication: This attracts dirt and makes a mess.
- Wrong cleaning products: Harsh chemicals can damage your chain. Stick to dedicated chain cleaners or kerosene (with caution).
- Ignoring chain maintenance: Don’t put it off! A neglected chain can lead to expensive repairs.
Conclusion
By making chain maintenance a regular part of your motorcycle care routine, you’ll ensure a smooth and enjoyable riding experience.
A clean and well-lubricated chain means a happy motorcycle, and a happy motorcycle means a happy rider! So grab your supplies and keep your chain running smoothly for miles to come.