Chains get dirty, like, really dirty. Wiping your chain down with a cleaner-moistened rag works well for removing superficial grime prior to applying fresh lube but occasionally (with every oil change anyway) you should give your drive chain a deep clean. Here’s 7 simple steps on how to clean a motorcycle chain.

Step 1

The best time to clean your chain is after a ride when it’s good and warm. Obviously wait a bit if you were out for a long ride because that chain will be scorching hot. Once it's cooled down to the point you won't burn your fingertips park your bike on its centerstand or on a rearstand near a hose. You’ll understand why next.

Step 2

Place a piece of cardboard beneath the lower rung of the chain to block overspray, and then liberally apply an O-ring-safe chain cleaner to the entire chain. A good rule of thumb here is to ensure that the cardboard piece is large enough and bent upward to prevent too much spillage. See image below.

Step 3

Gently scrub the chain with an old toothbrush or a chain-specific brush. This part of the process will take a bit of patience depending on the condition of the chain.

Step 4

Next, clean your rear sprocket with a solvent-soaked rag. If necessary, remove stubborn grime with a plastic putty knife or something similar. Bonus points to you if you remove the front sprocket cover and scrape the crud from the countershaft-sprocket pocket. Nobody ever said owning a motorcycle was going to keep your hands clean and dry!

Step 5

After you've thoroughly removed the grease and grime, rinse the chain with a hose to wash the cleaner and residue off. Repeat as necessary and resist the urge to pressurize the stream with your thumb. It should go without saying but PLEASE don’t even think about firing up the pressure washer.

Step 6

Re-apply whatever chain lube you have like Twin Power® Primary Chain Case Lube available in our store by clicking here.

Step 7

Take the bike for a short ride (5 miles or 10 minutes) to dry the chain and to warm it up. Then put it back on a stand and apply your lube of choice to the overlapping links of the lower rung. Wipe off excess lube, check your chain slack, and you’re good to go.

Pictures and original article from MOTORCYCLISTONLINE.COM