Best way to clean chain without removing?

1653 Views 7 Replies 6 Participants Last post by SemiFast, Nov 25, 2018

t99

Discussion Starter · Oct 27, 2018

I've noticed some minor rust on my chain recently. It doesn't get all that wet, but sometimes it will get some light rain sitting or I'll have to ride in some rain. It's usually covered if it's going to rain. I put some chain was spray into the chain every so often.

Can I just spray some chain cleaner and wipe it a bit? Is it going to matter if anything gets into the middle of the chain? I'm worried about removing it and not getting it back on right. I don't have stands or many tools. I do have a chain cleaner, but it's meant for when the chain is off the motorcycle. I have 5800 miles on the bike.

Would it be worth just changing it out now? The motorcycle is a '15 Suzuki GW-250. Removing it looks like a serious pain that would require multiple pieces coming off. There is also some kind of rain guard or chain cover thing running above it. I can get in there and scrub it though. Anything to recommend that I can apply that stops it from getting rust and won't cause issues?

Thanks.

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Unkle Krusty

· #2 · Oct 27, 2018

More oil, less tightening, usually will make the chain last longer.
The rear axle may be hollow. If so slide a thin rod thru it, and support each end of the rod on blocks of wood. Now you have a cheap stand. The guard over the top of the chain, is to catch the oil that is flung off the chain. Without that it would get messy. There are many chain cleaning devices available for use when the chain is on the bike. I do not have one so can not comment. Fortunately for you, I am not the only one awake on this site. 5,800 miles is not very much. I would just oil it and have a beer break.

My 006 Suzuki has about 40,000 miles on the original chain. It looks fine.

UK

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SemiFast

· #3 · Oct 28, 2018

"Best way to clean chain without removing?"

There are products on the market made for cleaning drive chains... I've never used them.
I believe I'd just lube the snot out of it then wipe it down with newspaper.

I use PJ1 Blue Label. It's goes on thin then thickens up in a few minutes and is good for about 400 miles.
Or, reapply when the chain starts looking dry and every time after you've been riding in rain.
No more rust. :wink2:
Read the directions on the can and you should be good to go.

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t99

Discussion Starter · #4 · Nov 10, 2018

Thanks, I ended up ordering a small thing the rear wheel goes over and let's it rotate so I can clean it easily while the chain is on the bike. I just assumed you had to take it off and ran across many videos (best one on revzilla) showing exactly how to use the tool I have while it's on the bike.

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Ray'ssporty1200

· #5 · Nov 10, 2018

I used to do chain maint around 12,500 miles. Took it off bike and used wire brush on it, washed in Kerosene, hung to dry,
then put #90 gear grease on a rag and wiped it over the chain.

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sirgilbert357

· #6 · Nov 24, 2018

Yup, I used kerosene to clean too. An old toothbrush can get some of the smaller, stubborn spots if you need to scrub a bit.

I used Chain Wax spray on lube. I don't really recommend it to be honest, it wasn't really all that great in my opinion. Left a build up that felt sticky more than anything and I question how well it actually lubricated anything...

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Oz

· #7 · Nov 24, 2018

t99 said:
Thanks, I ended up ordering a small thing the rear wheel goes over and let's it rotate so I can clean it easily while the chain is on the bike. I just assumed you had to take it off and ran across many videos (best one on revzilla) showing exactly how to use the tool I have while it's on the bike.

A Rollastand is good for cleaning the chain without rolling the entire bike back and forth.

Just a suggestion, clean and lube your chain after a ride while the chain is warm. Let the lube soak in a few hours, wipe off the excess if any, and then apply some chain wax. It's not pretty, but it IMO it adds protection. It clings like Cosmoline and minimizes lube fling-off.

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SemiFast

· #8 · Nov 25, 2018

Oz said:
A Rollastand is good for cleaning the chain without rolling the entire bike back and forth.

Just a suggestion, clean and lube your chain after a ride while the chain is warm. Let the lube soak in a few hours, wipe off the excess if any, and then apply some chain wax. It's not pretty, but it IMO it adds protection. It clings like Cosmoline and minimizes lube fling-off.

Finally, a use for Chain Wax.

Never thought of using it to kinda seal in the good lube... :thumbsup:

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