How to Clean a Motorcycle Drive Chain

One of the most important parts of your motorcycle is the drive chain. If the chain is not in clean, working condition, your bike won't go very far. A dirty, neglected chain can also cause you to have an accident while riding and possibly even injure yourself. Your chain should be cleaned about every 3,000 miles, or more often if you see heavy buildup of grease and oil. Cleaning your motorcycle will take about 30 minutes, and can be done in your driveway or garage.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Kerosene or WD-40 Chain lube or chain wax Steel wire brush Bucket Garden hose Water Bike jack (optional)

1. Park your motorcycle on a clean, flat surface, and allow the engine to fully cool down. The chemicals that you will use are extremely flammable and should be used on a cold motorcycle. There is also a potential for burns from the exhaust pipe, chain or engine if you work on a hot bike.

2. Remove the chain guard from your bike, if it is equipped with one. The chain guard is usually attached to the bike with two bolts near the front of the chain, and with two bolts near the back axle of the bike.

3. Spray your bike's drive chain with kerosene or WD-40. Make sure to coat the chain fully. Remember to cover the inside of the chain and between each link. You may want to put the bike on a bike jack. This will allow you to raise the rear tire off the ground so you can have easy access to all parts of the chain.

4. Scrub the chain down with a steel wire brush. You can buy this brush at any hardware or automotive store. Scrub the chain as closely as possible. The new chain lubricant will not stick if there are particles of dirt and grease left on the chain. Keep a bucket of clean water nearby so you can rinse the brush out when it becomes covered in debris.

5. Rinse the chain with clean water. You can use water from your garden hose, or empty your wash bucket and fill it with clean water to pour over the chain. Make sure you rinse the chain thoroughly and allow it plenty of time to dry.

6. Apply a liberal coating of chain wax or chain lube to the entire chain once it's dry. Make sure to coat the entire chain, including between each link. You can buy chain lube or chain wax at any automotive store or motorcycle dealership.

Tips & Warnings

• As you clean the chain and re-grease it, roll the bike back and forth to expose hidden parts of the chain that might otherwise be missed.
• Do not smoke or use other open flame sources when you clean your motorcycle's drive chain. WD-40, kerosene and chain lubricant are all extremely flammable.

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