The chain of a motorcycle is one of its most important but most overlooked components. Sometimes even official motorcycle service centers skip this maintenance even though it is important. The motorcycle chain sends power to the rear wheel of the vehicle. It is the link between the powertrain and the wheels. To put it simply, the chain is the most important part that makes a motorcycle run after the engine. A dry or dirty chain can greatly affect the performance of the motorcycle. Therefore, it should be maintained properly and timely at least after every 500 kilometers of bike riding.
Cleaning and lubricating a motorcycle chain ensures a reduction in damage to the vehicle. Besides, it also improves the performance of the motorcycle. A motorcycle chain can go bad for many reasons. However, small pebbles and stones that get inside the chain wear away its metal and cause the most damage. Dirt can cause them to stick and accelerate wear and tear. On the other hand, dryness in the chain can accelerate wear and tear while increasing traction.
Cleaning and lubricating a motorcycle chain is one of those maintenance tasks that can be done at home. It's a bit of a fiddle, but certainly satisfying if you like two-wheeler machines. To do this, you just need a few pieces of equipment, including a toothbrush or chain cleaning brush, WD-40 spray cleaner, and chain lubricant. Here we are telling you some important tips for cleaning and lubrication motorcycle chains. Apart from this, we are also telling you about the equipment you need for cleaning.
Park the motorcycle on the center stand
Find a clean and flat surface to park the motorcycle on the center stand. If your motorcycle doesn't have a center stand, you can purchase a paddock stand. And it can be used to jack up a two-wheeler. Parking the two-wheeler on the center stand instead of the side stand will help you rotate the chain and sprocket.
Wash the chain
Motorcycle chains get dirty over time. Especially in countries like ours, because they come in close contact with dirt and many other natural elements due to high humidity in the air. Therefore, they require regular cleaning. Chains act like a magnet for dirt and dust due to their design and condition and oily surface. Many modern commuter motorcycles come with chain covers to protect the chain from getting dirty. However, sporty motorcycles come with open chains. Wash the chain thoroughly after parking the two-wheeler. If possible, try pressure washing. This will help in removing as much surface dirt as possible. Washing will soften any remaining mud on the chain.
Clean chain
WD-40 is a versatile spray cleaner available online and offline. Spray it on the chain and keep rotating. Due to this WD-40 will be applied in equal quantities through the chain and sprocket. Give it a few minutes to soak and then start scrubbing the chain with a toothbrush or chain cleaning brush. This will completely remove the mud from the chain. Next, wipe the entire chain with a cloth and make sure to remove the dirty black color of the chain. This will reveal the original shiny metallic color of the chain.
Oil the chain
The last part of this maintenance job is to apply oil to the chain for lubrication. Use the nozzle provided with the spray can and make sure to apply oil to each link of the chain. Spray the lubricant in short bursts and rotate it to apply it evenly. Make sure there is not too much grease on the chain and no spray on the rear tire.
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