How to correctly clean and lube your chain

Motorcycle chain maintenance is often ignored in India; even official motorcycle service centres skip carrying out this major maintenance procedure correctly at times. We call it major, because it’s the chain that is literally sending the power to the rear wheel of your motorcycle, and a dry or noisy one can significantly affect your motorcycle’s performance. Well, the good news is, it’s not too difficult to do it yourself, only if you are ready to get your hands a little dirty. Remember, this needs to be done at least every 500-600km.

• Paddock stand (if your motorcycle doesn’t have a centre stand)
• Chain cleaning brush (Toothbrush is a common alternative, but we recommend you use an appropriate tool)
• Chain cleaner
• Chain lubricant
• And surgical gloves (if you don’t want to get your hands dirty)

1.  Jack up your motorcycle

Get your motorcycle up on the paddock stand or even its main stand on a flat surface.

2. Wash the chain

Motorcycles chains are filthy, and in countries like ours where the roads aren’t cleaned regularly, you can be shocked with the amount of dirt it catches. Reason why most commuter motorcycles in India come with enclosed chain covers is because open chains are like magnets to dirt and dust because of their oily surface and its position on the motorcycle. However, with the dawn of sportier commuters and even new sports bike introductions, open chains are now a common sight. These chains being exposed to the elements get dirty really quick, and the first thing they need is a good wash.

3. Clean the chain

Like many other things, preparation is the key and only washing the chain is not enough. It needs deep cleansing; to begin, spray it with a chain cleaner. There are a wide range of chain cleaners available in the market, you can pick any reliable brand. Give it a few minutes to soak and then get to work with the chain cleaning brush. Scrub hard. Lastly, wipe down the entire chain with a cloth and make sure the chain has lost its sludgy black colour and gone to its original shiny metallic colour. The time taken may vary, depending when was the last time you actually cleaned it.

4. Lube the chain

The last and most rewarding step is to oil the chain with chain lubricant. Make sure to spray in short bursts and on each link of the chain. Be careful not to over-lube and be careful not to get any on the rear tyre. A handy tip is to hold a piece of cardboard behind the chain to keep the overspray in control.