How to Clean and Lubricate Your Bike’s Chain?

Changing the engine oil and cleaning your bike externally are not the only steps to ensure your bike’s good health. The techniques to clean and lube the chain are also important. To clean and lubricate your chain, you first need to understand the chain type. Then you need to remove the chain using a tool.

But what tool? If you want to discover the steps, keep reading this blog and learn the steps for your bike chain cleaner and lube, and why your bike’s health determines two-wheeler insurance plan eligibility. 

When Should You Clean or Lube Your Bike Chain?

According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, regular chain maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of a motorcycle chain and improve overall riding efficiency. Apart from that, there are more reasons:

1. If you are a daily commuter, it is advisable that once a week, you clean or lube your bike chain.

2. For dry riding on pavement, you can use a specific oil-based lube, such as Tri-Flow or Pro-Link, but not WD-40.

3. If you are riding your bike in snowy, wet and salty conditions, clean and lube your bike regularly.

4. If you are riding your bike in sandy and dusty conditions, you can use dry-based lube that does not attract dirt or sand as much as oil-based lubes do.

Facing chain issues, specifically on a bike ride, is no less than a nightmare, especially when you do not have any help. Avoid the panic and renew bike insurance with Bajaj General Insurance today to secure your journey!

Also Read: First Party Two-Wheeler Insurance: Benefits, Inclusions & Exclusions

What are the Steps of Bike Chain Cleaning?

Understand Your Bike Chain

The first step of bike chain lubrication or cleaning is to understand your bike chain. Not all bike chains are the same. Unlike the sealed chains, such as O-ring, X-ring and Z-ring, that use rubber seals to keep grease in and dirt out.

Basic motorcycle chains are metal-on-metal. It is because they lack these seals, and unsealed chains require more frequent cleaning. 

Ride the Motorcycle for 10 Minutes

The next step is to ride the motorcycle for 10 minutes to generate some heat. The temperature in the chain loosens the grime so that cleaning and lubricating the chain becomes easy. Go for a small ride for 10 minutes straight.

However, ensure that the chain is heated with excessive temperature. 

Park Your Bike

Park your bike and turn off the engine. If your bike has a centre stand, chain lubing becomes much easier. However, in any case, if your bike does not have a centre stand, ensure to use a paddock.

Ensure that you are keeping your finger safe. Do not touch the gear. Use elbow grease or a small tool to make yourself comfortable.

Spray the Chain Cleaner

To make sure that every part of the chain is getting cleaned the best way, would be to use a spray chain cleaner. Additionally, you can use kerosene to remove the grime and the particles attached in between.

Spray the cleaning agents profusely and ensure that each inch is duly coated and resting. Buying a chain cleaning agent is more reasonable. 

Scrub off the Dirt

This step can be hard and messy. Since the chains are completely soaked now with the cleaning agent, you can take a cleaning chain brush and start rubbing off the dirt that is stuck in between.

Automobile experts suggest using a three-way brush since it helps to clean the chains deeply. Deep cleaning is required to make the lubricant seat properly.

Dry Your Bike

Before you start with bike chain lubrication, it is essential to dry off your two-wheeler completely.  It is essential because a clean and dry base helps a lube to work effectively and allows proper adhesion.

Do not hurry the drying process because the surface needs to be ready enough to proceed with the next step.

Bike Chain Oiling or Lubrication

Once your bike is properly cleaned, you can start with bike chain oiling.  A well-lubricated two-wheeler ensures a smooth finish to your ride and avoids obstacles which can lead to accidents.

Lubrication is important since it ensures that your bike is eligible for bike insurance. Apply the lubricating oil to all four sides of the chain and make sure everything is in place. 

Maintaining your bike with a clean, lubricated chain ensures your bike is giving a smooth and safe ride. While a valid bike insurance ensures that you are protected financially against any unforeseen events.

Choose Bajaj General Insurance to buy bike insurance online and protect your bike from natural and manmade calamities.

Also Read: How to Use a Bike Insurance Calculator for New Bikes?  

Final Words

Now that you know the process of bike chain cleaner and lube, you can understand that regular cleaning and lubrication of a motorcycle chain is extremely essential for your bike’s performance and safety. It helps you with friction, rust and mainly costly repairs.

Maintaining a clean chain can significantly improve fuel efficiency and acceleration, and may also help you meet maintenance-related requirements considered by bike insurance providers such as Bajaj General Insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is best to lubricate a bike’s chain?

The best way to lubricate a bike chain is by using specialised bicycle-specific lubricants. Choose wet lube for rainy seasons and dry lube for dry weather conditions. Never apply vaseline or any other petroleum jelly instead of bicycle specific lubricant.

How do I know if my bike chain is damaged?

A damaged or worn-out bike chain displays excessive rust, stiff links and mainly causes poor and noisy shifting. Moreover, to check, you can use a chain wear tool or pull the chain away from the front sprocket; if it breaks, it is damaged.  

How many types of bike chains are there?

Bike chains are mainly categorised by the number of speeds. It is decided on the rear cassette ranging from 1 speed to 13 speed systems. The main types of chains are ⅛” chains for single speed. 5-13-speed chains are mainly for derailleurs. 

Is it okay to spray WD-40 on a bike chain?

It is generally not recommended to spray WD-40 on a bike chain. While it can temporarily loosen the rusty links, it is still a watery displacement and not a lubricant that is designed for long term solution. Hence, do not use it. 

What is the biggest mistake in chain lube?

The biggest mistake in the chain lube is over-lubricating and applying new lubricant to a dirty chain. You should always clean your bike chain before applying the lubricant. Do not make this mistake, and clean your bike chain first before applying lubricant. 

*Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.