Chain Cleaning - Methods and Products

Q

quietguy_imp

Been there
Thread starter
I'm certain this subject has been covered in one form or another but I've had little to no success finding adequate info using the Search feature... hence this Thread.

So, allow me to just take a poll... What do You use?

Spray-on Chemicals
Kerosene
WD-40
Water & brush
Other
 
I spray the chain with WD-40, scrub it well with a Grunge Brush, wipe it dry with a rag, apply motorcycle specific chain lube and then wipe off the excess lube later that day.
 
Kerosene with a toothbrush, wipe off with a rag, then spray with whatever chain lube I have laying around. I'm not suggesting this is wrong or right, but it seems to be sufficient. I've been spoiled by shaft- and belt-drive bikes for way too long.
 
Thread starter
Before trading for my new CB1100, I spent a year with a CTX700ND. It too had final chain drive, but NO center stand. The cleaning and lube process was tiring and time consuming. With that, I used a spray on cleaner, let soak, brush and wipe with towel.

I may pickup some kerosene, and also a "grunge" brush; give those a try.

I concur with LongRanger - I too have gotten soft having shaft and belt drive bikes. Wish this one had belt, but then it would be that much less retro...

I appreciate y'alls feedback here.

...qg
 
Though in the past I have used both kerosene or WD40 to clean my chains, I have been using WD40 pretty much exclusively for the past 5 years or so.
A good slathering, and a thorough wipe down with a couple of shop rags get the chain nice and clean.
Periodic cleaning is very important, we don't want the chain get past the point of no return. I have a friend so anal that he cleans his after every ride, but his chains last seemingly forever :(
Enjoy this relatively interesting o-ring longevity comparison, which essentially mirrors the Motorcyclist magazine sidebar in the current issue ;)

Chain O-ring WD-40 exposure effects study and results

Along with my targeted technique of lubing the clean chain using synthetic motor oil and the syringe method in order to control the quantity and where the lubricant goes, I'm routinely getting 30k or so of chain life.
 
Thread starter
Interesting... I always thought of WD-40 as a lubricant. But I learned a neat trick some years back - those dang labels they stick on kitchen appliances and washers/dryers - can be easily and quickly removed by first liberally spraying them with WD-40, then they peal right off.

One of my part time jobs is at The Home Depot - I'll see if we carry the WD-40 in a "bulk" can. Be pretty expensive purchasing the small spray cans.

Thanks, Motogeezer.
 
Wd40 a fantastic solvent, use it to remove gum and residue on bottles all the time. Not fond of it as a lubricant. Cleaner - good choice.
Good habit to clean chains routinely, also to check air pressure in tires.
Amazing how routine maintenance extends the useful life.
 
This will open a can of worms, but I mentioned in another forum that I routinely used Simple Green to clean my bike (not just the chain) and was promptly warned that it attacked aluminum and to not use it. I never noticed any problems but the admonishment was universal and this was a fairly credible (and opinionated) bunch. I took their word for it.
 
I sprayed it good with WD40 to clean off the white grease from the factory. Since that original cleaning, I have just brushed on a small amount of 80W90 gear oil immediately after every long ride, roughly every 150 miles; no real cleaning involved, just a quick wipe with a rag before applying new oil.
 
I was using WD-40. Worked well, decided to try the Walmart generic and was pleasantly surprised to see it worked well also. I think a can around here cost $1.87 .
 
Some guy here reported about wiping some part of the chain at every refueling stop, with an oiled brush, he carries under the seat for that purpose.

Can't find the posting anymore. Anybody else?
 
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