Clean the chain! Say what now?

Hayabusawannabe

Hayabusawannabe

Registered
So I'm thumbing through the manual and I read that the chain needs to be cleaned & lubed every 600 miles. I've already put almost 2k miles on it since I got it so I'd say its over due :-) Keep in mind folks its my first bike so I'm learning. After the ordeal I went through with the POS Chinese scooter, other than changing the oil, working on a bike was the last thing I wanted to do. I plan to get a chain brush from Cyclegear. As for the cleaner & lube I just need ones that work with O-rings right? I have no idea where to find Kerosene so skip that. Next thing I need to do is change the oil....... I cannot believe I have to take the (censored) plastics off just to do this! Why they didn't design some sort of access door I don't know :'( So which side is the filter located on and do I have to take the plastics off both sides or just the one?
 
What bike do you have?
Also you can get Kerosene anywhere. Hardware store will have it.
 
Use WD-40 to clean the chain and Dupont multiuse lube to lube it.
Oil filter is on the throttle side of bike and that side is the only one you have to remove plastic on.

Have you not changed the oil yet either?
Via Tapatalk
 
If you don't want to go kerosene, pick up some Motul chain cleaner at the bike shop while your there...

Be careful with that cleaner brush and your sprocket. I have one and they do a great job, but just stay away from the sprocket or something nasty will happen.

BusaBret said:
Use WD-40 to clean the chain and Dupont multiuse lube to lube it.
Via Tapatalk
Click to expand...

I have used WD-40 for years and am a firm believer in the product, but have recently changed my mind when it comes to chains. I understand WD-40 being the lubricant and grease breaker that it is can penetrate the O-rings and do bad things with the grease that is supposed to stay in there. There may be cases where WD-40 can actually wear out your chain faster than cleaning with other products.
 
I'm just wondering since his name is Hayabusawannabe, does he have a 'Busa? Not that we are giving him the wrong info... Maybe he has a GS500F? SV650S? R6? Indian Chief? Excelsior Henderson?
 
outlawbusa said:
If you don't want to go kerosene, pick up some Motul chain cleaner at the bike shop while your there...

Be careful with that cleaner brush and your sprocket. I have one and they do a great job, but just stay away from the sprocket or something nasty will happen.



I have used WD-40 for years and am a firm believer in the product, but have recently changed my mind when it comes to chains. I understand WD-40 being the lubricant and grease breaker that it is can penetrate the O-rings and do bad things with the grease that is supposed to stay in there. There may be cases where WD-40 can actually wear out your chain faster than cleaning with other products.
Click to expand...

Been using it for 20 years without an issue. Got 16k on the chain now only using WD to clean it. Only thing I can go by is my personal experience.

My 06 Busa I used nothing but WD for cleaning and lube. Put almost 20k on oem chain. :dunno:

Via Tapatalk
 
lil charlie said:
If he has a gen ii and wants to pull the front sprocket cover off to clean in there he will have to pull the clutch side plastic off.

Sent from my SCH-I510 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

I think he's talking about pulling the plastic to get the oil filter out. He switched topics at the end.
 
I have a 2005 100% stock busa :-)
I have to clean the sprockets too?
Where did I get that idea? I dunno! The POS Chinese scooter didn't have a an oil filter.

Whoops! I did switch topics at the end didn't I? Sorry about that I need to go to bed. LOL
 
To all the WD40 fans, IMHO that is a bad idea on an O-Ring chain. While DW40 is a very light grade lubricant and you can use it for just about anyting, including cleaning and removing labels, bugs etc., it also has good penetrating properties. With an O-Ring chain the last thing you want is penetrating the sealed O-Ring pins and bushings and interfere with the heavy lubricant which is sealed in for the life of the chain.

With my Busa, when new, I had to remove the back wheel to get the chain into a receptical, where I can clean it properly using kerosene, a paint brush, gloves and a mask. (you can get high on Kerosene)

Lowes stock both Kerosene and Dupont, which is the lubricant I use. I cleaned my chain once only, since then the Dupont has done the job. Again IMHO the lubricant Zuk comes with attracts dust and dirt then it becomes grinding paste and the rest is history. Dupont is not really a lubricant, but it takes care of the O-Ring seals and keeps the chain clean while riding. A clean chain and the factory sealed lubricant behind the O-Rings is all you need.

Anything goes, it just depends for how long. If DW40 works for you, you can probably just go a whole lot further without it.

On a non O-ing chain DW40 probably OK, but too light for a chain lubricant and you can get better cleaners by submersing the chain.

Finally, for those who only learn by peeing on the electrical wire, here is linky with recommendations from a DW40 rep.

Beware of Snake Oil - ADVrider
 
Stock chains don't need to be cleaned ! They need to be thrown away and replaced with a good aftermarket one !
 
jphilipson said:
My stock RK chain was the best one I had on the bike, not sure why you'd throw it away
Click to expand...

I like beer and you like Soda, I use Motul and Bots uses Amsoil, It's like elbows and buttholes we all have have em, opinions that is.
I choose not to use WD-40 because of it's penetrating properties and unlike most people I have read my owners manual and tend to agree with most of the reccomended practices and techniques. My only gripe w/ kerosene is it stinks. Works like a charmand My chain has been fine.
 
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