Chain Cleaning - Methods and Products

[quietguy_imp]

For my first thorough cleaning, I plan to try WD-40 also.

 

[dirt road_imp]

I used kerosene for many years. Cleans great but the smell and the mess was terrible. For the last few years I've been using Maxima CleanUp Chain Cleaner. Spray it on . Use a brush only if the chain is very dirty. Hose it off ON YOUR DRIVEWAY . Then it all hoses off into the grass. Nothing left on the driveway. No bad smell. No harm to bare hands , concrete, grass or any motorcycle surfaces. Then I run the rear wheel at idle with a hairdryer on the chain. For safe measure I dry it more over night. This stuff has been the best . It'll cost more than kerosene, but worth it to me.

 

[White Dog_imp]

So far, I've only had to use a "Grunge Brush" to clean the chain. I use a wax lubricant.

 

[jimgl3_imp]

the trick to kerosene is adding the product called "gunk" from the auto parts store. that makes the kerosene where you can rinse it off with water, but doesn't bother the cleaning properties of it. 50/50 mix.

 

[the Ferret]

The hand cleaner?

 

[Elipten_imp]

No doubt the liquid gunk in the can to clean grease off floors and etc.


2014 CB1100 DLX
2013 CB1100 Std
1990 BMW K75 RT

 

[Inline4_imp]

Hi kids. :hello:

It seems this was discussed a couple years ago. The poll was a nice idea though.
Close to a couple years ago, I tried and fell in love with the MOTUL line of products. Their chain cleaner, although not as inexpensive as WD-40, is by far the best chain cleaner I have ever used.
The same can be said about their chain lube...it takes very little and fling-off is minimal.
I am so satisfied with this pair that I have no desire to even try another product.

 

[Ron in MO_imp]

+1 on the MOTUL products. I'm getting good results and performance using both.

 

[kmoney_imp]

I don't think I've ever bought something from Motul that didn't work well. Even their Moto Wash is one of the better bike cleaners I've used. Great company overall.

 

[jimgl3_imp]

The hand cleaner?

then

 

[capttwb136_imp]

I just cleaned and lubed my chain for the first time. I used Maxima Chain cleaner with a grunge brush to get off the factory grease and hosed it off. I then dried it with a couple rags and sprayed the Maxima Chain wax on. Let it dry over night. I live on a dirt lane and hope the wax won't attract as much dirt.

 

[drodg33]

Btw I did the WD40 with a rag to clean and then used a chain wax to lube. My question what is a good brush to use for cleaning that is safe for the chain on the CB? Thanks

 

[redbirds_imp]

Btw I did the WD40 with a rag to clean and then used a chain wax to lube. My question what is a good brush to use for cleaning that is safe for the chain on the CB? Thanks

I use an old tooth brush and WD-40. The stiff brushes may damage the O-rings according to some. Also clean the sprocket teeth at the same time. Wipe it all down with a dry rag and then lube.

 

[kmoney_imp]

Btw I did the WD40 with a rag to clean and then used a chain wax to lube. My question what is a good brush to use for cleaning that is safe for the chain on the CB? Thanks

The original Grunge Brush. Available at pretty much any MC shop, or you can find imitations all over eBay.

 

[Rocky_imp]

I use the Grunge Brush and the cleaner that came with it.
When the cleaner ran out I went back to old reliable - WD40.
The brush works very well with either product.

I used Chain Wax for a long time until I discovered the Dupont chain lube. I acquired several cans of that and when they run out I'll probably go back to Chain Wax.

If I'm on a road trip I carry a small can of Chain Wax.

 

[drodg33]

Thanks guys

 

[NightRider_imp]

WD40 damages the o rings. Use non-flammable kerosene and a brush.
The grunge brush is perfect. A tooth brush works but is a lot of trouble.

 

[flynrider]

WD40 damages the o rings. Use non-flammable kerosene and a brush.
The grunge brush is perfect. A tooth brush works but is a lot of trouble.

Do you have a source for that? I remember someone over on ADVRider (I think) doing some extensive testing of several potential cleaning agents on actual chain o-rings. I recall that long term immersion of o-rings in both kerosene and WD-40 showed no changes. The WD-40 Company also says it will not damage o-rings.

Personally, I use kerosene because it's cheaper. I know quite a few rider's who've been using WD-40 for decades (as a cleaner, not a lube) without issues.

 

[redbirds_imp]

WD-40 is completely safe for O-rings. It is a formula similar to kerosene. Motorcyclist magazine recently tested WD-40, soaking chain O-rings in the product for an extended period. The rings suffered no damage whatever and were as soft and pliable as new. I have been using WD-40 as a chain cleaner for over 12 years and have gotten excellent results. Like kerosene it is highly flammable.

 

[Pterodactyl_imp]

Btw I did the WD40 with a rag to clean and then used a chain wax to lube. My question what is a good brush to use for cleaning that is safe for the chain on the CB? Thanks

Be careful using a grunge brush. It is possible to damage O/Z rings.

Cheers