Chain adjustments

[cookiemech]

Easy to lube from the rear, but not easy to clean.

Well, if you REALLY want a clean chain, then here's the way to do it. I have copied this from Ducati Desmoquattro Maintenance & Modification Guide, 4th edition, by LT Snyder. It may not seem intuitive (and did not to me; I printed this and stuck it up on the wall of my garage), but the results are unbelievable. Obviously this is only done at the time you wash the motorcycle. If you wish to do something in between times you wash it, what I do is put it on the centerstand and use some brake cleaner (sprayed onto a paper towel, not onto the chain) and wipe off the worst of the crud, then use some chain lube/wax.

Lubricating a Motorcycle Chain

1. Spray the chain lightly with a good coat of WD-40.

2. Hose off the chain with a light spray of water to remove all grime and dirt.

3. Reapply a coat of WD-40 and wipe off any excess oil and water. Inspect the chain to ensure that no grit and grime is present.

4. Again hose off the chain with a light spray of water to remove any residual grit and dry the chain with a cotton rag.

5. Apply a light coat of chain lube and wipe off any excess.