How to Clean a Motorcycle Chain
Learning how to clean a motorcycle chain is a smart move for every rider! Proper chain care and cleaning can help your chain last longer, improve ride quality, and save you a trip to your local Harvey service center. How often should you clean your motorcycle chain? Your bike will be seen by technicians on your routine service visits every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, but you should check your chain often in between regularly scheduled services.
Before you can move forward, you need to determine the type of chain your bike has. How—and how often—you should clean your motorcycle chain depends on the type of chain. Plain chains have two types of links, inners and outers, connected by a rivet. Sealed chains are designed to keep grease inside and debris out, so you can get more life out of your chain even if you’re not so diligent about keeping it clean.
Inspect the Chain and Sprockets
Before cleaning and lubricating your motorcycle chain, you need to know the basic condition of the chain and sprockets. A chain that’s in good shape shouldn’t move much under side-to-side pressure, compress when put under pressure, or expand when pulled. A worn-down chain, on the other hand, easily flexes and wiggles under pressure. If this is the condition of your chain, it’s time to replace it.
Next, find and examine the master link. This link allows for convenient connection and disconnection of a chain, without the need for a chain tool. It should be easy to identify because it looks different from all the other links, with a clip or a rivet to keep the two ends securely connected. You want to be sure that this mechanism is in good shape before cleaning and lubricating the motorcycle chain.
Finally, check the sprocket area. Chains and sprockets work together, and you’ll usually need to replace the sprockets along with the chain. Check for wear on the teeth. If they're pointed, they're worn at both ends—and you should schedule service to replace the sprocket ASAP.
How to Clean a Motorcycle Chain: Step-by-Step
For proper cleaning and lubricating of a motorcycle chain, you’ll need to access its full length. You can do this by removing the chain for cleaning, putting your bike on a lift and spinning the wheels, or simply moving your bike around.
You can find a variety of commercial chain cleaners in Harvey-area service centers, but the best thing to clean a motorcycle chain may be what most chain manufacturers actually recommend: kerosene. It’s inexpensive, so you won’t have to worry about using a lot to fully flush dirt and debris out of your chain.
Then, follow these steps:
- Completely soak the chain and sprockets with kerosene to flush out dirt. This can get messy! If your chain is pretty clean to begin with, you may be able to wipe it clean and finish up right now.
- Otherwise, you’ll need to do some scrubbing. For a plain chain, a brass brush should do fine.
- A modern sealed chain needs something less aggressive, like a soft nylon brush. A grunge brush makes it easy to clean 3 or 4 sides of the chain.
- Scrub the whole chain, and spray down with kerosene again to flush out the rest of the debris.
- Next, use a rag to dry the chain. Do a few passes to get it completely dry. No dirt should come off on your finger when you touch the chain!
How to Lubricate a Motorcycle Chain: Plain vs. Sealed Chains
As you read above, cleaning and lubricating a motorcycle chain is different for plain vs. sealed chains. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- While plain chains love a lot of grease and lubricant, sealed chains only need a small amount of lubricant on the outside to prevent rust and deter dust.
- Chain lubricant is available in liquid or way form. Wax goes on like a liquid, then gets waxy, which helps keep the lubricant on the chain.
- For sealed chains, turn the wheel and hit the chain with lubricant until you’ve covered the whole length of the chain. Lubricate the top and the bottom of the chain, and then wipe off the excess.
- With a plain chain, you can run your bike to warm the lubricant and help it penetrate the other side of the chain.
Learn More About Motorcycle Maintenance with Leson Auto Spa
Do you have more questions about cleaning and lubricating motorcycle chain, when to replace motorcycle tires, or how to charge your bike’s battery? We’ve got you covered! Reach out to your team or visit us to speak with a technician today.