Complete Guide to Motorcycle Chain Cleaning and Lubrication

Riders typically only notice their chain when it begins to make a sound.

Or when they gaze down one day and see that it's turned from silver to black.

It's usually at that point when someone remarks, “You should probably clean that.”

It seems that motorcycle chains are hardly ever discussed when compared to tyres, brakes or engine oil.

But the chain is working hard with each revolution of the bike.

Every throttle turn.

Every gear change.

Every highway run.

Power is continually being transferred from the engine to the rear wheel.

That is why chain cleaning and lubricating are some of the easier, yet more important tasks when riding a motorcycle.

 

Let's face it, no one wants to deal with chain maintenance

Nobody wants to mess with chain maintenance.

Fairly speaking, chain maintenance is not a very exciting topic.

No one purchases a motorcycle for the purpose of chain cleaning.

It seems most riders would prefer to be on their bikes.

The trouble with chains is that they're exposed to all sorts.

Dust.

Rain.

Mud.

Road grime.

Even regular city riding can leave a surprising amount of dirt around the chain and sprockets.

With time, it becomes too obvious to ignore.

Particularly when the chain feels dry or rough.

The Difference A Clean Chain Can Make

When asking veteran riders about maintenance and chain care, it is a topic that usually arises.

Not because it magically transforms the motorcycle.

However, a neglected chain does not feel the same as a well-maintained chain.

A properly cleaned and lubricated chain can run more smoothly and quietly.

It can also help reduce unnecessary friction and wear and help maintain efficient power transfer.

As a result, many riders make chain cleaning a regular part of maintaining their bikes.

How Often Should You Clean Your Motorcycle Chain?

This is a very common query that riders ask.

The solution is as simple as possible.

It depends.

If a motorbike is principally meant for weekend cruising, it might require a different maintenance frequency compared with one that is ridden daily.

A rider on a road covered with a lot of dust will have to clean the chain more frequently than a rider on mostly clean roads that do not have much dust.

Rain also does its part to alter things.

A lot of riders simply check the chain regularly and make a decision based on its condition.

If it appears dirty, dry or covered with grime, then it's generally a good indicator that it needs some attention.

Chain Lubrication Is Just As Important

Some riders do a lot of work cleaning, but neglect to lubricate.

Both are important.

Cleaning gets rid of dirt and grime.

Lubrication helps reduce friction and wear and keeps the chain operating smoothly.

That's why most riders consider cleaning and lubrication together.

If the motorcycle uses a sealed O-ring, X-ring or similar chain, cleaning and external lubrication are still important. The sealed rings help retain the grease inside the chain's internal components, but they do not mean that the outside of the chain does not need maintenance.

People who ride long distance are more particular

If you speak with people who spend whole weekends riding and exploring, you'll notice something.

They tend to be more diligent about maintenance.

Not because they love to do garage work.

Primarily because they do not like problems hundreds of kilometres away from home.

Many people do check prior to a trip:

Tyres

Brakes

Engine oil

Chain condition

The chain isn't necessarily the most interesting of items listed on a checklist, but it's practically always on the list.

Common mistakes that Riders make

The most common mistake is waiting too long.

Most people know that the chain needs to be serviced but just delay it.

The other error is putting new lubrication on dirt-coated chains.

That typically creates an even bigger mess.

Products that are not intended for use on motorcycle chains can also cause issues.

With some maintenance, it's best to keep it simple.

Selecting the appropriate chain care products

Today, there are plenty of chain cleaners and lubricants that are available.

The majority of riders eventually find a product they trust and stick with it.

The important thing is to ensure the products are designed specifically for motorcycle chains.

The right products will typically make cleaning easier, and will help ensure that the rider can maintain the bike regularly.

It is important to buy motorcycle chain maintenance products from a reliable motorcycle parts supplier.

Baycity Powerparts is the one-stop shop for motorcycle maintenance products such as chain cleaners, chain lubricants, oils, filters, brake pads, batteries, chains and sprocket sets and motorcycle accessories.

Final Thoughts

Motorcycle chain cleaning and lubrication isn't the most exciting job in the world.

If possible, most riders would rather forego it.

In reality, though, a few minutes taken to take care of the chain can save a lot of frustration later.

Chain maintenance is one of the easiest methods of caring for your motorcycle whether you're out riding every day or taking your motorcycle on long tours or weekend rides.

It's also one of those tasks, unlike some enhancements that riders pay for, that don't take that long.