Chain Cleaning

[Jay]

A clean chain and sprocket makes the finishing touches to a schmick clean bike in my opinion.

[Pobbler]

how often would one service the chain and sprocket?

I have a schmick new set flying my way as we speak, and i want to take a lot better care of it then i have with my current set.

and...


chain wax vs chain lube?

i have both, can't seem to figure out which one i like better.

[Tayloj05]

I reckon clean it when ever you get a chance. Generally though you could try every 2 tank fills? depending on your usage of course. But im no expert

[Eukanuba]

I've been using ceramic chain lube, ' putoline ' - works well.....

[Semi]

i like the wax. Doesnt really fling at all, just make sure to put it on when the chain is hot

[Sprint]

i like the wax. Doesnt really fling at all, just make sure to put it on when the chain is hot

+1. Apply after a long ride.

S.

[XXX3]

Bumping this.

I have a unique situation where my chain is absolutely COATED in sand (bike had a play in turn 1 sandpit). I intend to soak it in something to remove the sand, is kero the way to go? Where's the best place to get some kerosene? I don't have any around as I usually clean with WD40 and a rag then reapply chain lube.

Would soaking in a mild detergent (dishwashing liquid) be effective, ineffective, or actually harmful to the chain?

[BigTim]

Unless you're removing the chain, which I can't imagine you'd bother, seeings as it's be a rivet link, soaking it will be pretty tough.

I'd say the best way is to physically remove the sand, which will just involve a lot of wiping and scrubbing. You'll just be cleaning it like normal, but it'll take longer. Use kero or WD40. If you need kero, most supermarkets sell at least the 1L bottles, but for anything larger you'll need to go to a hardware store.

[XXX3]

Rear wheel is off so while the chain is still on the front sprocket, the majority of it can be soaked, and then rotated through to soak the remainder.

Hmm.. off to bunnings to deal with the 15 year olds then.

[Semi]

Yeah, thats what i did yuggert, worked well. Bunnings have it in 4L bottles.

[duffman]

some servos used to sell kero from the bowser/ 44gal drum for $1 a liter (couple of years ago)
apparently some rural servos still do it, but i have no idea which ones.

[dv8]

Kero and a $2 paint brush, takes 1 min, job done.

[thro]

Got to disagree here - NEVER use WD40 - its a penetrant not a lube. it penetrates into the rollers and cleans out the grease and f***ks chains quicker.

Having only cleaned my chain with WD40 since i've had the bike, i've just put 28,000km on it, and its still good.

Next time it needs adjusting i've run out of adjustment (well, its out of spec according to the honda indicators on the back of the swingarm if it goes any further, it could probably still be adjusted, but meh... 520 conversion), but suffice it to say most people won't even bother riding their bike that many kays before upgrading it would seem.


method i've used thus far: WD40 + rag.

spray chain, wipe off immediately - breaks down the crusty old lube, etc pretty much instantly.

[aussieman]

i dont think i would like to use wd40 on a chain because of the chemicals and thiere effect on the rubber o rings on the chain , i only use gear oil 90 every 500 ks and a chain will last me the life of a bike , mind you i dont do wheel stands every time i leave a set of lights

[Mr M00se]

Safety warning: don't ever clean the chain with the engine on and it in gear. Sprockets do nasty things to fingers.
.

Bah whats the worst that could happen
...
...
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Oh Shit

[Tin Tin]

gross.... I shudder ever time I see that pic

[The Saint]

I can't wait for the jerky comp

[g0zer]

is that your finger tip moose? name change to goose, good thing you didnt loose more!

i hose my chain down with WD40 with it in 6th gear and spinning... dont stick my hand near it though

[Batkwaka]

Using WD40 as a chainlube, the chain and sprockets on my zzr1100 lasted 80k/km, 70k/km and the last set 60k/km before being retired.
WD40 works well and the wheel cleans up with a light spray of Mr Sheen and a cleaning rag.

[bigsikkle]

my method ; while turning rear wheel by hand slowly dribble engine oil onto bottom run. when nice n wet rub off as much as u can with clean rag. chain is now clean and lubed.