A well-maintained chain is crucial for your motorcycle’s performance, longevity, and safety. Your motorcycle’s chain is exposed to constant friction, dirt, and varying weather conditions. Without proper lubrication, the chain can wear out quickly, leading to reduced efficiency, increased noise, and even potential safety hazards. In this guide, we’ll explore why chain lube matters, the different types available, and how to apply it correctly.
Some benefits of using chain lube:
- Lubrication minimizes metal-to-metal contact, preventing premature wear.
- Chain lube creates a protective barrier against moisture and contaminants.
- A well-lubricated chain ensures smoother power delivery and better throttle response.
- Reducing friction and keeping contaminants at bay means fewer replacements and lower maintenance costs.
How to Apply Motorcycle Chain Lube Properly
Applying chain lube the right way ensures maximum effectiveness. Follow these steps for best results:
Step 1: Clean the Chain
Before applying lube, clean the chain thoroughly using a chain cleaner and a brush to remove dirt, grime, and old lubricant. You can use commercially available chain cleaners (expensive) or Kerosene, Kerosene dissolves the existing lubricant and dirt particles on the chain. Don’t be shy about really soaking things down. Kerosene is cheap, new motorcycle chains are not.
With the chain soaked, use a chain brush to really get at the caked-on gunk. Be thorough, a clean surface allows for better adhesion of the motorcycle chain lube. After cleaning, dry the chain properly because for chain lube to adhere to the chain, it needs to be applied to a dry surface. So fully dry the chain and remove all the chain cleaner/kerosene prior to lubricating.
Adapted: revzilla.com/
Adapted: revzilla.com/
Step 2: Choose the Right Lube
Not all chain lubes are created equal. Here are the most common types:
Wax-Based Lube – Forms a protective coating, reducing fling-off and keeping the chain cleaner.
Wet Lube – Thick and sticky, offering excellent protection in wet conditions. However, it attracts dirt more easily.
Dry Lube – Ideal for dry and dusty environments. It doesn’t attract grime but may require more frequent application.
Select a lube suited to your riding conditions and preferences. For Bangladesh or similar weather countries, SAE90 grade gear oil works like a charm.
Step 3: Apply Evenly
With the chain clean and dry, apply the lubricant. Rotate the rear wheel and apply the lube evenly along the entire length of the chain, focusing on the inner side where it contacts the sprockets.
Adapted: revzilla.com/
Step 4: Let It Settle
Allow the lube to penetrate and settle for at least 10-15 minutes. Some lubes may require longer for optimal adhesion.
Step 5: Wipe Off Excess
Using a rag, wipe off any excess lube to prevent fling-off onto your bike and tires.
How Often Should You Lube Your Chain?
The frequency of lubrication depends on riding conditions:
- Street Riding: Every 500-800 km or after every few rides.
- Off-Road Riding: After every ride due to exposure to dirt and mud.
- Rainy Conditions: More frequently, as water washes away lubrication.
Conclusion
Regularly lubing your motorcycle chain is a simple yet essential maintenance task that can significantly impact performance, longevity, and safety. By choosing the right lube and applying it correctly, you’ll keep your chain running smoothly and extend the life of your drivetrain components. Happy riding!
