How to clean and lubricate a motorcycle chain?

Every biker knows how important it is to maintain their motorcycle, cleaning and lubricating their chainset is one of them if you want it to last. By taking care of your motorcycle chain with a few cleaning steps, you will prolong its life and improve the performance of your motorcycle. So how do you thoroughly clean your chain before lube? What kind of lubricant to apply on a motorcycle chain? V Complete guide to maintenance, cleaning and lubrication of the motorcycle chain.

Why clean and lubricate your chain?

Note that a chain kit costs around € 300 and usually includes a transmission chain, cogwheels, driven gear and crown. The maintenance-free chain kit will last about 10000-15000 km, with the maintenance the chain kit will last from 30000 50000 to XNUMX XNUMX km, if you are a freak, your kit can last a maximum of XNUMX XNUMX km.

Therefore, it is best to clean the chain every 3 or 4 lubricants and lubricate it every 500–1000 km after each dry use. In case of rain or wet roads, do so as soon as you return.

How do I clean and lubricate your chain?

Cleaning and lubricating the chain will take about 30 minutes., you don't need to be a mechanic to do this, it's relatively simple. However, it is important to start this operation by applying a cleaning agent that will remove residues and limescale, sand, grease, etc. Then the second action will be to lubricate the chain.

Here equipment and steps to be followed to keep the motorcycle chain in good condition.

Equipment needed to clean and lubricate the chain

You need the following accessories for cleaning and lubrication:

• Toothbrush or motorcycle chain brush.
• Suitable motorcycle chain cleaner (O-ring, X-ring, Z-ring) or flavored gasoline.
• the cloth
• Pelvis
• Chain fat

Steps to follow to care for your motorcycle chain

1. The first step is to clean all the links by spraying with de-flavored gasoline. To get a chain drive without lubrication, turn two turns.
2. The second step is the centrifugation of the drain of the dearomatized oil and impurities. You have two options for this. The first is to bypass the block, which is my preferred solution as the chain will be hot to lubricate. The second is to turn the wheel while the engine is running on the workshop stand. If you use this method, be sure to place a piece of cardboard so that there are no protrusions.
3. The third step is obviously chain lubrication, lubrication is done on a hot transmission chain because when you put your product in when it cools it will freeze and this will prevent splashing. For this step, take your lube and apply it to the chain. If this item has a rod, place it inside the rollers and thread 10 cm by 10 cm to cover the full width of the chain.

What fat should I use?

You have three types of lubricant that you can use for your chain.

Lubricants in the form of aerosol cans

This type of aerosol lubricant crushes a very thin film of lubricant that has very little adhesion and very little dust. This type of lubricant is suitable for off-road motorcycles that ride in mud, sand and dust.

Fatty paste

They come in a tube of paste and can be applied with a brush, foam applicator or toothbrush. Solid grease allows you to apply the lubricant exactly where you want it, it is very tight, adheres well to the chain and does not allow protrusions. Provides good chain lubrication. This type of chain should be used for people who drive on clean roads or regularly clean motorcycle chains. The downside of this grease is that the glue traps dirt.

Liquid fats

You will find them in aerosol cans, they are the most common and easiest to use. With this type of lubricant, the lubrication is medium but it has a lot of fluidity, which allows it to flow through the chain and inside the links, which will increase the life of your motorcycle chain. You will need to repeat the operation frequently for proper lubrication. Application of grease in pots or tubes ensures complete and thorough lubrication without loss. This is the best way to lubricate, especially for motorcycles equipped with a sealed secondary chain guard.

Finally, the motorcycle chain kit needs to be serviced regularly... The motorcycle chain should be cleaned regularly, and when lubricated, it is recommended to do this when you return from a ride or after riding in the rain or on a wet road.

To maintain their motorcycle chain, each biker has their own path, but they have common foundations. How do you maintain your motorcycle chain? How often?