Clean & Lube your Motorcycle Chain. (WHY NOT TO USE WD40)

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A quick and short how-to video on cleaning and lubing my motorcycle chain on my Ducati 1098S with the single sided swing arm. This method will work for basically all motorbikes regardless of make or model. All you need is a rear stand (optional), metal drip pan (optional), brush, solvent, lube and some optional dirty rags. For the solvent, a lot of people use WD40 to clean their chain. Some claims that it will lube the chain as well while others suggest it will destroy rubber o-rings. Watch the video to see why I don't use WD40! Cleaning the chain takes nearly no time. A well maintained motorcycle chain, however, will reward you with extended life and improved performance. Therefore keeping it fresh and clean is paramount.

From a chemistry background, I would strongly recommend against using acetone, gasoline, or brake cleaner on rubber components. This includes rubber o-rings. Chemistry aside, cost is the second most factor in maintenance. While WD40 is mostly composed of kerosene, purchasing kerosene is much cheaper. That is why I chose kerosene.

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RetroVision

[petercoxshall]

This guy has no idea of the best way to do it or the proper way to do it. Just loves the sound of his own voice.

[tmrthiago]

My brother, next time try to place a 90° folded cardboard on the floor between the chain and the wheel (it's a way to isolate the chain and sprocket). By doing that you'll be able to do all the procedure without worrying about any chemicals flying on your tire. AND, you can lube the chain while spinning the wheel. It makes a huge difference.

[chem]

you should of used WD40 on your chain as it will help free up the stuck link in your chain lol you even point on the damaged link (think it's around 6:20 in) so good info tho and nice camera work.

[echobeats]

This dude needs to stop being salty over all these comments fr 😂

[ketanshah]

Kersone is flammable and burns the rubber between the chain segments

[davidkavanagh]

Hey, paraffin oil or kerosene is best used in a spray bottle, use a water hose after the brush to remove everything, then use 90w gear oil 100x cheaper

[PNW_Sportbike_Life]

My Kawasaki manual calls for kerosene. I use maxima chain cleaner with PJ1 blue label. I like the pressurized spray of the Maxima cleaner because it blows the grit out.

[chriswright]

I can see 2 tight links on that chain.

[mll]

did I miss it or you didn't explain why not use wd40?

[OddBallPerformance]

Your video says "NO WD40!" yet you use Kerosene. Have you ever read the MSDS of WD40? It's heavy Naptha, aka Kerosene.

[malrofo]

would it be crazy to put the bike in first gear to get the wheel spinning while cleaning?

[markrancourt]

Extended bushing and O ring chains are different animals and as such require different maintenance.
That said a street bike chain will never see the torture of an ATV/Dirt bike chain.
WD is great as a degreaser or water dispersant but will not lube a chain.
Coin car washes are fine for a non O ring chain, If followed soon with WD and a proper lube..
Do NOT force water past the rings of an O ring chain, it will destroy it.
On a non O ring chain it is critical to get between the side plates. The pins and bushings are not sealed.

[MyA]

I use kerosene. It won't damage tire rubber, rims etc. I use it to clean the entire area.

[therider]

We should'nt use solvents because of the Rubber orings use cheap lubricants to clean the chain

[PodExbert]

i use wd:40 to clean and motor oil to lubricate

[itsjustme]

i use diesel instead of kerosene cheaper and easier to get... and buy a spray bottle it'll be easier and place a cardboard b/w the wheel and sprocket and chain..

[bennyherwegh]

everybody talks about the WD-40, why are the experts not talking about the way of cleaning ?? kerosene on chain, brushing it and putting the used kerosene back on the chain with the grime and dirt in it this is not the way, your chain will shine but is will stil be dirty and after lubrication the dirt will still be on the chain

[jaywhoisit]

At 2 minutes you can see a kink link in the chain. Whatever he’s using is not working well!

[PHILIPWATSON]

WD 40 IS PERFECT FOR CHAINS ONLY AS A CLEANER MAKE SURE TO JUST WIPE IT ALL OFF AND LUBE AFTERWARDS.

[chriswalker]

my ears are bleeding with the background music!!