How to clean a motorcycle chain with tools, brush, and spray, and why it is important to do it right.

The motorcycle chain plays a crucial role in the proper operation and safety of the vehicle. Its maintenance and cleaning are essential, as a dirty or poorly maintained chain can significantly compromise the vehicle's performance and increase the risk of accidents due to potential breakage.

In this article, we will explore in detail the available products and tools for cleaning a motorcycle chain and properly maintaining it. We will provide valuable advice on how often to clean and lubricate the motorcycle chain to keep it in excellent condition, with a particular focus on the needs of the off-road world.

Cleaning the motorcycle chain on your own: when and why to do it

Since the chain is a crucial element for the motorcycle's proper operation, it requires care and attention. During use, the chain accumulates dust, dirt, and debris from the road, in addition to being subject to wear and tear and exposure to weather agents.

Generally, it is recommended to thoroughly clean the motorcycle chain every 1000 kilometers (621 miles) on asphalt roads or after each ride if the motorcycle is used on muddy or dusty off-road terrain. Cleaning and lubricating the chain, which we will discuss shortly, should be an integral part of the motorcycle's maintenance routine to ensure optimal performance, safety, and longevity.

White spirit: can I use it for motorcycle cleaning?

Many motorcycle and off-road enthusiasts wonder if using white spirit for cleaning their motorcycle chain can damage it. This substance is actually a solvent, a refined fraction of crude oil that undergoes a purification process to remove impurities and obtain a clear, odorless product. Due to its composition, it can be effective in removing dirt, dust, and grease buildup from the chain.

On a microscopic level, white spirit molecules have a structure similar to that of fats and oils, capable of dissolving and removing dirt, grease residues, and other impurities from the chain's surface. The molecules of white spirit infiltrate between the links of the motorcycle chain, dissolving dirt build-ups and facilitating their removal with the help of a brush or cloth.

Although the belief that using white spirit for chain cleaning is harmful is widespread, the truth is that it is not an extremely corrosive substance. It does not damage the O-rings, as is the case with pressure washers, which are much more commonly used by motorcycle owners and often incorrectly, and it does not require special precautions.

The actual effectiveness of white spirit is still debated; however, it is a method that is quite commonly used. Nevertheless, we always recommend using specific chain cleaners for motorcycles, such as Muc Off cleaner.

How to clean your motorcycle on your own: the DIY method to do it properly 

1. Before proceeding with chain cleaning, park the motorcycle on a flat and stable surface, preferably on the center stand or a rear motorcycle stand, ensuring that the engine is turned off and the gearbox is in neutral. This will allow you to easily rotate the chain during the cleaning process. Wait for the engine to cool down for safety reasons.
2. Use a high-pressure water jet to remove any heavy soiling present on various vehicle components.
3. Spray the degreaser onto the motorcycle chain, rotating the rear wheel and focusing on the more stubborn dirty parts. Leave it to work for a few minutes to allow the product to dissolve accumulated dirt and grease.
4. Use the chain brush to remove dirt and surface residues. These brushes are designed to fit the chain's shape and allow you to easily reach spaces between the links. Do not use stiff or hard brushes as they could damage the chain or scratch it. Slowly move the rear wheel forward, keeping the brush against the chain to clean it evenly.
5. Remove the degreaser residue and dirt with a cloth.

Clean the motorcycle pinion and crown

When cleaning your motorcycle, don't forget the pinion and crown. Gently remove dirt from these components as well using the appropriate cleaner. Let it work and then brush to thoroughly clean the parts.

Dry with a clean cloth and lubricate it well with the grease applied to the chain. During chain maintenance, don't forget to clean and inspect the pinion and crown. These components work in synergy with the chain, and irregular wear or the presence of debris could affect overall performance.

What to do if the motorcycle chain is already rusty?

Can you recover a rusty motorcycle chain? Fortunately, if the damage is limited, you can intervene and save the chain.

Remember that rust is an irreversible reaction, similar to aging: once the chain has rusted, there is no returning to its original state, so you have to adopt a preventive approach to stop the wear.

How to stop rust corrosion? Clean and lubricate the chain every time you ride on muddy or dusty roads. If you mainly ride on asphalt, you can proceed with a thorough cleaning approximately every 1000 km (621 miles). If your chain is already slightly rusted, use a specific product, such as  Muc Off’s anti-corrosion spray.

Lubrication, on the other hand, should be done more frequently, especially after heavy rains. Let's see how.

Cleaning and lubrificating a motorcycle chain

In addition to cleaning, lubrication is also a crucial step for motorcycle chain maintenance. You should perform this operation every 500 km (310 miles) if you mainly ride on paved roads and after every off-road ride.

1. Before lubricating the chain, make sure it is clean. Otherwise, follow our cleaning advice in the previous section. It is important that the chain is free from rust and dirt to ensure effective lubrication.
2. Use a specific motorcycle chain lubricant. Make sure to choose a quality lubricant that is compatible with the type of chain on your motorcycle (e.g., O-ring, X-ring, or non-ring chain) and with the riding conditions (e.g., dry lubricants or grease-based lubricants).
3. Apply the lubricant evenly to the center of the chain links. You can do this using a dedicated spray can.
4. After applying the lubricant, slowly rotate the rear wheel forward or backward to distribute the product along the entire chain. This will help ensure even coating and better penetration of the lubricant into the chain links. Remember to remove any excess product, avoiding dripping onto sensitive parts such as the tire or brake. To do this, you can use a clean cloth.

Mistakes to avoid in maintaining and cleaning a motorcycle chain

A clean and well-lubricated motorcycle chain reduces friction and ensures optimal transmission efficiency. This means that the engine power is transmitted more smoothly and directly to the rear wheel, improving acceleration and vehicle response. Not only that, but by taking optimal care of your chain, you can delay replacement and prevent the chain from becoming stiff and noisy, compromising the stability of the motorcycle, or breaking during the ride.

Below you will find a list of the five most common mistakes to avoid for proper lubrication and cleaning of a motorcycle chain.

1. Avoid using brushes or abrasive tools that are too harsh when cleaning the chain. These could damage chain components or remove the protective coating.
2. Always ensure that the motorcycle is turned off before starting any chain cleaning or maintenance operation, as if it were in motion, it could cause serious injuries.
3. Excessive use of lubricant on the chain can attract excessive dust and dirt, creating a sticky mixture that could compromise the chain's performance.
4. Don't forget to check the chain tension using appropriate tools and adjust it if necessary. Also, verify that the chain is correctly aligned on the crown and pinion.
5. During cleaning and maintenance, carefully inspect the chain, crown, and pinion for any signs of wear, damage, or deformations. In case of issues, it is advisable to replace damaged components.