A motorbike chain runs in the open: it collects sand, road dust, water from puddles and, in winter and early spring, road salt. All of this sticks to the old lube and gradually becomes an abrasive that wears the rollers, sealing rings and sprockets. A dirty chain stretches faster, snatches under acceleration and gets noisy.
Regular cleaning and lubrication can extend the life of the chain and sprockets many times over and makes the bike run more smoothly. You need half an hour, a stand and two products: a degreaser and a dedicated motorbike chain lube.
What you will need
Important: Only work with the engine off and turn the wheel by hand. Never turn the wheel with the engine in gear: the chain can drag in fingers or a cloth. Keep products off the tyre and the brake disc.
Step 1
Prepare the bike
Put the bike on a stand so the rear wheel turns freely and select neutral. Place a drip tray or cardboard under the chain so dirt and product do not end up on the floor. If you have just been riding, let the chain and exhaust cool down.
Step 2
Apply the degreaser
Spray WD-40 Specialist Degreaser liberally along the whole chain while turning the wheel by hand. Cover the inner and outer sides and the side plates. Leave it for at least five minutes to dissolve old lube, dust and road deposits.
Step 3
Scrub the chain
Work the brush over every side of the chain, section by section, to lift stubborn dirt. Do not press too hard, especially on a chain with sealing rings, as a stiff brush or screwdriver can easily damage them. Repeat on the dirtiest areas if needed and clean the front sprocket as far as you can reach it.
Step 4
Wipe and dry
Wipe off the remaining dirt and product with a clean cloth while turning the wheel. The chain must be clean and dry or fresh lube will not stay on. Inspect it: rusty links, stiff rollers or obvious slack mean the chain needs adjusting or replacing.
Step 5
Lube the chain
Shake the can of WD-40 Specialist Motorcycle Chain Lube and apply a thin coat to the inside of the lower run of the chain, close to where it meets the rear sprocket. Turn the wheel slowly by hand until the whole chain is covered, aiming at the rollers and rings on both sides.
Give the lube time to penetrate and set as directed on the can, then wipe the excess off with a cloth, especially from the sides of the chain and the rim, so nothing flings onto the tyre.
Tip: The best time to lube a chain is straight after a ride while it is warm, as the lube penetrates the links more easily. After riding in the rain or on salted roads, clean and lube the chain the same day rather than waiting for the next service.
What next
Clean and lube the chain every 500-800 km, after every wet ride and always before winter storage, and check the tension against your bike's manual at the same time. The chain and sprockets will last much longer.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
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