Your motorcycle chain takes a fair amount of punishment. Rain, road grime, dust and mud all take their toll, whether you're commuting, touring or riding off-road.
Keeping your chain clean and properly lubricated is one of the simpler motorcycle maintenance jobs, yet it's something that's easily overlooked. A little regular attention can help reduce unnecessary wear and keep your chain and sprockets in good condition.
Here's how to clean and lubricate a motorcycle chain properly, what products to use and the common mistakes worth avoiding.
Why Is Motorcycle Chain Maintenance Important?
A motorcycle chain is constantly exposed to dirt, moisture and changing weather conditions. Over time, old lubricant can collect grit and road grime around the links and sprockets.
Left unchecked, contamination and poor lubrication can contribute to premature chain and sprocket wear. Moisture can also lead to surface corrosion, particularly if the motorcycle is regularly ridden on wet or salted roads.
Regular cleaning also gives you an opportunity to inspect the chain for stiff links, damaged seals, rust and excessive wear.
Worth remembering: A clean chain isn't necessarily a healthy chain. Correct tension, alignment and the condition of the sprockets are just as important. Always follow your motorcycle manufacturer's maintenance recommendations.
What Do You Need to Clean a Motorcycle Chain?
- A suitable motorcycle chain cleaner
- A soft chain-cleaning brush
- Clean, lint-free cloths
- Motorcycle chain lubricant
- Protective gloves
- A stable motorcycle stand, where appropriate
Many modern motorcycles use sealed O-ring, X-ring or similar chains. These contain seals designed to retain lubricant within parts of the chain.
Make sure any cleaning product you use is suitable for your particular chain. Avoid harsh or unsuitable solvents that could damage the seals.
Watch: Cleaning a Muddy Motorcycle Chain
Before getting into the step-by-step instructions, here's a short demonstration showing a dirty off-road motorcycle chain being cleaned.
Watch the cleaning process, then follow the maintenance steps below.
How to Clean a Motorcycle Chain
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Make sure the motorcycle is safe
Park the motorcycle securely on stable ground and switch off the engine. Allow hot components to cool before starting.
Never run the motorcycle in gear to rotate the chain while cleaning or lubricating it. Keep fingers and brushes away from chain and sprocket pinch points.
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Remove loose dirt
Gently remove loose mud, grit and road contamination using a suitable soft brush. Avoid aggressive scrubbing that could damage chain seals.
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Apply a suitable chain cleaner
Use a cleaner approved for your chain type, following the product instructions. Work along the chain in manageable sections, loosening dirt and old lubricant.
Pay attention to the rollers and accessible link surfaces without forcing a brush into the seals.
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Remove remaining contamination
Wipe away loosened grime with a clean cloth. Follow the cleaner manufacturer's instructions regarding rinsing or residue removal.
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Allow the chain to dry
Before applying fresh lubricant, ensure the chain is clean and dry. Applying chain lube over heavy contamination or remaining cleaning solvent can reduce its effectiveness.
How to Lubricate a Motorcycle Chain
Once your chain is clean and dry, it's time to apply fresh lubricant.
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Choose the right lubricant
Select a motorcycle chain lubricant suitable for the chain type and riding conditions. Wet weather, touring and off-road riding can place different demands on chain lubrication.
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Apply an even coating
With the engine off, apply lubricant carefully to the inside run of the chain, concentrating on the rollers and links. Work along the chain without oversaturating it.
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Cover the full chain
If the motorcycle is safely supported, rotate the rear wheel by hand using the recommended procedure, keeping fingers well clear of the chain and sprockets.
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Allow the lubricant to settle
Follow the lubricant manufacturer's instructions for drying or settling time before riding.
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Remove any excess
Excessive lubricant can attract dirt and be thrown onto surrounding components. Remove excess where recommended and ensure no lubricant reaches tyres, brakes or other friction surfaces.
How Often Should You Lubricate Your Chain?
There's no single maintenance interval that applies to every motorcycle. The manufacturer's recommendations should always take priority, but riding conditions also make a difference.
- Wet weather: Heavy rain and prolonged moisture exposure may require more frequent inspection and lubrication.
- Off-road riding: Mud, dust and grit can contaminate the chain quickly, making cleaning particularly important.
- After washing: Inspect the chain and reapply suitable lubricant when required, once it is dry.
- Long journeys: Check the chain regularly, especially during extended touring.
Rather than waiting until the chain looks rusty or completely dry, make chain inspection part of your regular motorcycle checks.
Common Motorcycle Chain Maintenance Mistakes
Using Unsuitable Cleaning Products
Not every degreaser or solvent is suitable for sealed motorcycle chains. Some can damage seals or remove lubrication where it is needed. Always check product compatibility.
Applying Lubricant Over Dirt
Spraying fresh lubricant onto a heavily contaminated chain doesn't remove the abrasive material already present. Clean the chain when necessary before applying fresh lubricant.
Using Too Much Chain Lube
More isn't necessarily better. Excessive lubricant can attract contamination and be thrown from the chain during riding.
Ignoring Chain Tension
A correctly lubricated chain can still cause problems if it's too tight, too loose or incorrectly aligned.
Check chain slack and alignment against your motorcycle's handbook. If the chain or sprockets show significant wear or damage, have them inspected and replaced as necessary.
Cleaning With the Engine Running
Never use the motorcycle's engine to rotate the rear wheel while working on the chain. The risk of fingers, clothing or equipment becoming trapped is serious.
MotoClean Wet Chain Lube
Regular chain maintenance is especially important for motorcycles ridden through rain, wet roads and changing UK weather.
MotoClean Wet Chain Lube is designed to lubricate and protect motorcycle drive chains in wet and demanding conditions. Always check compatibility and follow the instructions on the product label.
View MotoClean Wet Chain Lube →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brake cleaner on a motorcycle chain?
We wouldn't recommend using ordinary brake cleaner for routine motorcycle chain maintenance. Use a cleaner specifically approved for your chain type instead.
Should I lubricate my chain after washing?
Inspect the chain after washing and reapply suitable lubricant when needed, once the chain is clean and dry.
Can I pressure wash my motorcycle chain?
Avoid directing a concentrated high-pressure jet at the chain, particularly around sealed links. It may damage seals or force contamination into sensitive areas.
Does chain lube prevent rust?
Suitable chain lubricants can help protect exposed chain surfaces against moisture and corrosion. However, regular cleaning, inspection and correct storage remain important.
How do I know when my chain needs replacing?
Common warning signs include excessive wear, damaged or stiff links, damaged seals and adjustment beyond the permitted range. Inspect the sprockets too, and follow the manufacturer's replacement criteria.
Keep Your Motorcycle Ready for the Next Ride
Motorcycle chain maintenance doesn't need to be complicated. Keeping the chain clean, correctly adjusted and properly lubricated can help reduce unnecessary wear and keep your motorcycle in good condition.
Whether you're commuting, touring or riding off-road, a few minutes spent inspecting and maintaining your chain is worthwhile.