How to maintain your motorcycle chain…..A few years back—still pretty green on bikes—I decided to impress my then-girlfriend by doing some “routine maintenance” on my Honda in the driveway. I had on gloves, a YouTube video playing on loop, and this really intense face like I was working in a pit crew at MotoGP. You’d think I was doing brain surgery.
Except… I didn’t actually know how to maintain my motorcycle chain. I just sprayed some random “multi-use lubricant” (don’t do this) and wiped it with a dirty sock (don’t ever do this).
She dumped me a month later. Probably unrelated. But I still blame the sock.
Anyway—don’t be me.
If you’ve got a bike, knowing how to maintain your motorcycle chain is one of those basic skills that saves you money, stress, and the occasional roadside meltdown. It’s not rocket science. But it is something you can screw up if you rush it—or worse, ignore it.
🧽 Why Chain Maintenance Isn’t Optional
Look, your chain isn’t just decoration. It’s the MVP of your drivetrain. It transfers all that lovely engine power to your rear wheel so you can actually move.
And when it’s neglected?
- You lose horsepower (like a sad potato-powered scooter)
- You risk a snapped chain (which hurts, ask my ankle)
- You grind through sprockets faster than your paycheck disappears after payday
Basically, it’s like ignoring your teeth. Sure, you can skip brushing for a while, but eventually, the pain will find you.
🧰 What You’ll Need (aka: No, You Don’t Need a Fancy Garage)
Here’s the no-nonsense list of stuff I use. You don’t need to be a mechanic with a $200 torque wrench or some heated pit stand imported from Italy. Just get:
- Chain cleaner (actual stuff, not WD-40, please)
- Chain brush (I use the grunge brush—cheap and works great)
- Clean rags or paper towels (not your old gym socks)
- Chain lube (O-ring safe, always)
- Optional: rear stand (makes life easier, not essential if you’re resourceful)
I once used a stack of bricks and an old skateboard to prop up my rear tire. Not proud. Worked though.
🧼 Step-by-Step: How to Maintain Your Motorcycle Chain (The Right Way)
Let’s get into the messy part.
🛑 Step 0: Don’t Do This After a Long Ride
Hot chain + cold cleaner = bad. Like when you microwave ice cream and it explodes. Let the bike cool off.
🔁 Step 1: Get That Wheel Off the Ground (If You Can)
Rear stand? Great. Center stand? Even better. No stand? Enlist a buddy or find a creative solution involving gravity and questionable decisions.
You want to be able to spin the rear wheel freely. It just makes everything easier. Also kind of fun.
🧴 Step 2: Spray On Chain Cleaner Like You’re Salting Fries
Generously coat the chain. Focus on the inside where the rollers are. I usually let it sit for a minute or two so it can loosen up the grime.
You’ll smell it. It’s kinda gross. Like burnt rubber and disappointment. That means it’s working.
🔧 Step 3: Scrub-a-Dub-Dub (This Part’s Weirdly Satisfying)
Use your chain brush and go full dental hygienist on that thing. Scrub each section, spin the wheel, keep scrubbing. I talk to my bike during this part. Not kidding.
“Look at you, filthy beast. We’re gonna get you cleaned up like it’s your prom night.”
💨 Step 4: Wipe It Like It Owes You Money
Once you’re done brushing, grab those rags or towels and wipe the chain down. Try to get as much of that cleaner and leftover gunk off.
You’ll be surprised how much grime comes off. And also question why you waited this long to clean it.
💨 Step 5: Apply Lube Like You Care (But Don’t Go Wild)
Here’s the part people always overdo.
Spray your chain lube on the inside of the chain, right where it contacts the sprockets. Not the top, not the outside. Inside.
Spin the wheel as you go so it spreads evenly. One full rotation, maybe two. That’s it. No need to drown it like you’re flavoring popcorn.
Bonus: Let it sit for 15-30 minutes before riding. Gives it time to soak and stick.
🚨 Extra Tips I Learned the Hard Way
Because nothing teaches you better than failure, here are a few bonus lessons:
❌ Don’t Lube a Dirty Chain
You’ll just trap dirt and grit in there like a time capsule of regret.
❌ Don’t Ride Right After
Fresh lube loves to fling itself all over your tire and make corners spicy in a bad way.
❌ Don’t Ignore Chain Tension
Too loose? Slap city. Too tight? Sprocket death. Look up your bike’s spec. It matters.
🗓️ How Often Should You Do This?
Depends on your riding. Here’s my rough cheat sheet:
- Street riders: Every 500-700 miles or after a wet ride
- Off-road maniacs: After every few rides, especially if it’s muddy
- Me during winter when I don’t ride much: “Uhh, when was the last time I looked at this thing?”
If your chain looks dusty, dry, or sad—clean it.
If it squeaks? Clean it now.
💬 Real Talk: Why This Matters
Okay, here’s the deal.
Learning how to maintain your motorcycle chain isn’t about being “the bike guy” or showing off at group rides. It’s about owning your machine. Respecting it. Keeping it alive so it doesn’t yeet you into a ditch at 70mph because you skipped a 15-minute clean-up session.
Also… it feels kinda good. Like, satisfying good. Dirty hands, clean chain, that weird pride when someone asks how you keep your bike running smooth and you can casually say, “Ah, just regular chain maintenance, ya know?”
Like you’re a real adult or something.
