Motorbike chain cleaning and lube: a simple guide
Clean and lubricate your motorbike chain every few hundred kilometres and after riding in rain or on sandy roads. Brush off grime with chain cleaner, rinse and dry the chain, then apply chain lube to the inside run and wipe off the excess. Most automatic scooters use a belt, not a chain, so this applies to manual bikes.
Does my bike have a chain?
Manual bikes such as the Honda CRF150L, Kawasaki Ninja 250 and KTM Duke 390 have a chain. Most automatic scooters use a CVT belt inside a sealed case, which does not need cleaning or lube.
How often?
- Lube: every few hundred kilometres, and after rain.
- Clean: when the chain looks dirty, or after sandy or muddy rides.
- Check tension: regularly, following the bike's manual.
Step by step
- Put the bike on a stand with the rear wheel off the ground, in neutral.
- Spray or brush chain cleaner onto the chain and rotate the wheel.
- Scrub with a chain brush to remove grime, then wipe or rinse clean.
- Let the chain dry completely.
- Apply chain lube to the inside of the lower run while turning the wheel.
- Wait a few minutes, then wipe off excess so it does not fling onto the wheel.
Mistakes
- Lubing a dirty chain, which traps grit.
- Using harsh solvents on O-ring or X-ring chains.
- Spraying lube on the brake disc or tyre.
- Over-tightening or leaving a chain too loose.
We can do it
A chain clean and lube is an add-on to any wash, and a Signature Detail includes it. See our detailing options.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I lube my motorbike chain?
Every few hundred kilometres, and after riding in rain or on sandy roads.
Do scooters need chain lube?
Most automatic scooters use a belt, not a chain, so no.
Can I use WD-40 on a chain?
A general-purpose spray is not a chain lube. Use a product made for chains.