Newb chain cleaning

[SidG]

Since having a bike, have always used Wurth chain cleaner. I've read that some people use paraffin as a cheaper option but a few others mention that its not good for the rings over a period of time and chains need to be replaced sooner. Is this right?

[Fire99]

Personally, I use either WD40 or GT85 to wipe the chain down and re-lube with 75-80w/90 gear oil as the chain manufacturer recommends. Having used what seems like every different chain lube / wax etc on the market, this works a treat for me. (Though the first couple of rides there is a bit of flickage).

[mikal83]

Which is why I am soooooooooooo glad that my FJR isnt chain. Previous bikes I put on the centre stand and ticking over in first, wiped the chain down with wd40, then slowly sprayed on chain lube. let it tick over for a min or two, then a very quick loose wipe. Go for a quick ride and wipe spray off. Repeat after 500 miles! The pain........

[NITO]

I use diesel, toothbrush and a rag, diesel is amazing for cleaning grime off stuff. It's my go to, but keep it away from brakes and tyres obviously.

[Dakkon]

Fire99 said:

Personally, I use either WD40 or GT85 to wipe the chain down and re-lube with 75-80w/90 gear oil as the chain manufacturer recommends. Having used what seems like every different chain lube / wax etc on the market, this works a treat for me. (Though the first couple of rides there is a bit of flickage).

I do exactly this too, although these days I tend to use GT85 to clean it.

Your chain is sealed for life, so lube is just to stop corrosion, gear oil is fine you don't need to spend any serious money on fancy lube products.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnPYdcbcAe0

[Freakuk]

Everyone will have their our opinion on this so you won't get a consistent reply. Paraffin works, not sure on the o-rings though. I tend to use good brake/chain cleaner or if I've run out WD40/GT85 to clean. For me I use Wurth chain lube, clear and has low fling qualities.

[trickywoo]

Ipone chain cleaner is probably the best all rounder.

Lots of other stuff will do the job but can be messy / smelly. Depends how fussy you are really.

You just need to be careful that what ever you are using doesn't penetrate the seals and attack the grease in the sealed links. I use Bilt Hamber Surfex HD which is amazing but I'm not 100% sure it isn't too good.

Gear oil is a great option for re-lubing except it smells dreadful.

[the cueball]

I've been using parrafin for around 15 years now... nevr had any issues with my chains.

Wurth dry lube after (mostly) every ride too...

[Bikesalot]

I use kerosene (paraffin oil) it's very cheap and get loads of it.

Put some on a rag, wipe over the chain, run over again with the dry side, make sure it's dry and use your lube of choice straight away.

I find the cans of spray on stuff don't go very far.

[PTF]

mikal83 said:

Which is why I am soooooooooooo glad that my FJR isnt chain. Previous bikes I put on the centre stand and ticking over in first, wiped the chain down with wd40, then slowly sprayed on chain lube. let it tick over for a min or two, then a very quick loose wipe. Go for a quick ride and wipe spray off. Repeat after 500 miles! The pain........

Noooo! Easy way to lose fingers.

There was a facebook post in my local bike group of someone with the end of his thumb missing by doing this!! And plenty of other stories about this if you google it!

My method is the same as yours but i spin the rear wheel by hand. It doesn't need to be flying round!

Edited by PTF on Tuesday 1st October 10:46

[Sea Demon]

I use paraffin, couple of quid for litres of it from B&Q/Homebase and brush it on with a toothbrush, wipe off with a rag.

Now that I've fitted a Tutoro chain oiler the chain stays a lot cleaner & doesn't have a load of grit etc stuck to it so chain will last longer & I dont have to adjust it as much - if I had a sports bike or just rode at weekends/in the sun, I'd do without the chain oiler and do it the old fashioned way but Im doing 400 miles a week in all weathers so works for me - always someone who points out that it takes 2 mins to lube a chain etc etc, which it does but when I get home in the pissing rain, I just want to go in doors & have a cup of tea

[boyse7en]

[quote=Sea Demon... Im doing 400 miles a week in all weathers so works for me - always someone who points out that it takes 2 mins to lube a chain etc etc, which it does but when I get home in the pissing rain, I just want to go in doors & have a cup of tea
[/quote]


This was exactly why i got a belt-driven BMW F800S for my commute. Getting home soaking wet is not conducive to going and spending 5 minutes kneeling in the dark trying to lube a chain. I want to stop, get off and go inside.

[Donbot]

PTF said:

My method is the same as yours but i spin the rear wheel by hand. It doesn't need to be flying round!

And most importantly spin it backwards. The wheel doesn't need to be moving quickly to take your digits off.

My current bike doesn't have a centre stand, which makes chain maintenance take so much longer

[moanthebairns]

Keeping on top of it is the key. I have to admit I neglect mines more than I should. I use a de-greaser if its bad because its all I have at the moment, failing that a little UB-40.

I find a scouring pad works well.

[Byronico]

Sea Demon said:

I use paraffin, couple of quid for litres of it from B&Q/Homebase and brush it on with a toothbrush, wipe off with a rag.

Now that I've fitted a Tutoro chain oiler the chain stays a lot cleaner & doesn't have a load of grit etc stuck to it so chain will last longer & I dont have to adjust it as much - if I had a sports bike or just rode at weekends/in the sun, I'd do without the chain oiler and do it the old fashioned way but Im doing 400 miles a week in all weathers so works for me - always someone who points out that it takes 2 mins to lube a chain etc etc, which it does but when I get home in the pissing rain, I just want to go in doors & have a cup of tea

I've just had a Tutoro oiler delivered! Heard good things so should be easier to maintain my chain now
No center stand on my current bike means its always a chore to clean and lube!

[mikal83]

PTF said:

mikal83 said:

Which is why I am soooooooooooo glad that my FJR isnt chain. Previous bikes I put on the centre stand and ticking over in first, wiped the chain down with wd40, then slowly sprayed on chain lube. let it tick over for a min or two, then a very quick loose wipe. Go for a quick ride and wipe spray off. Repeat after 500 miles! The pain........

Noooo! Easy way to lose fingers.

There was a facebook post in my local bike group of someone with the end of his thumb missing by doing this!! And plenty of other stories about this if you google it!

My method is the same as yours but i spin the rear wheel by hand. It doesn't need to be flying round!

Edited by PTF on Tuesday 1st October 10:46

It doesnt "fly round " FFS.

[moanthebairns]

mikal83 said:

PTF said:

mikal83 said:

Which is why I am soooooooooooo glad that my FJR isnt chain. Previous bikes I put on the centre stand and ticking over in first, wiped the chain down with wd40, then slowly sprayed on chain lube. let it tick over for a min or two, then a very quick loose wipe. Go for a quick ride and wipe spray off. Repeat after 500 miles! The pain........

Noooo! Easy way to lose fingers.

There was a facebook post in my local bike group of someone with the end of his thumb missing by doing this!! And plenty of other stories about this if you google it!

My method is the same as yours but i spin the rear wheel by hand. It doesn't need to be flying round!

Edited by PTF on Tuesday 1st October 10:46

It doesnt "fly round " FFS.

Do you actually clean the chain whilst the engine is running.

[kennydies]

Agreed. If you want proof I can upload pictures of my colleagues ex-fingers when they got caught in the chain whilst he cleaned it.

There are several videos on youtube debunking about the o rings dissolving in parrafin/WD40 etc Petrol definitely dissolves plastic and rubber so it is the only one I wouldn't use.

[V1nce Fox]

Seconded about not running the engine. Bad, bad idea.

[moanthebairns]

V1nce Fox said:

Seconded about not running the engine. Bad, bad idea.

Yamaha Bandsaw