Author Topic: Chain Cleaning? (Read 8084 times)

txbanditrydr · « **on:** April 06, 2005, 05:08:40 PM »

I'm looking for the best way to clean the chain without removing it from the bike. Kerosene is the recommended cleaner and WD-40 has also been used IIRC. So whats your technique.... toothbrush, solvent sprayer, WD-40 right out of the can?????

Also, what other cleaners an be used or have you used? This might be my weekend project with some less than stellar weather forecast.

Finally, how often do you do a chain cleaning? I try to lube every tank of gas or so but not sure the owners manual recommendation is often enough for a full clean.

ray nielsen · « **Reply #1 on:** April 06, 2005, 06:00:27 PM »

I use a tool called a Grunge Brush. It should be available from any motorcycle dealer and is packaged either alone or with a special cleaning solution. I bought mine alons and use kerosene.

The bristles are adjustable for different size chains and it's easy to move them into position for a 530 chain as on the Bandit 1200.

Mine looks like new after several years of use and the bristles are still effective. I use it from the outside AND inside of the chain run and in just a minute or two the chain sparkles.

chevsuz12 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 07, 2005, 10:22:47 AM »

I second ray's method.

00Bandit Rider · « **Reply #3 on:** April 07, 2005, 12:29:30 PM »

Get this old enduro rider trick: Oil the chain a sloppy wet with 10/30 or the like,
take a brush to it ,oil again ride the sucker a couple miles. everything on it will sling off all over everything but the chain will be clean. Then wash the bike & lube the chain.

terrebandit · « **Reply #4 on:** April 07, 2005, 11:04:02 PM »

Jay,

I've done it a number of ways and I always use Kerosene as the manual suggests. It really cuts the gunk and lubes the chain too. I know lots of guys that use WD-40 and I use that on Cory's non O-ring chain. I don't use it on the bandit chain because I'm afraid that in might penetrate past the O-rings and breakdown the oil around the pins. I guess I don't know this to be fact but thats what I have heard before - rumors maybe...

As for brushes? Well I started off using a soft bristled paint brush because I was affraid of damaging the o-rings. I did buy a grunge brush, and used it for a time, but I think the bristles on that thing are way too stiff. I never let my chains get that dirty, so that kind of course brush is not necessary for me. It proably would be excellent for a non o-ring chain, thats real dirty, on a dirt bike. The other day, Rider magazine had a great write-up on chain construction and maintenance. They recommended using a soft cotton cloth soaked in Kerosene and clean the chain regularly with that - every 500 miles or so. I think I'm going to start doing that. If I ride in the rain and the chain gets a bit gritty, I'll use my old paint brush rather than the stiff Grunge brush. If you want to give my Grunge brush a try, I'd be happy to bring it with me to Palestine tomorrow night. I will say that it does not take as long to clean the cahin using that Grunge brush because it cleans three sides of the chain at the same time.

Dave

.

txbanditrydr · « **Reply #5 on:** April 07, 2005, 11:27:20 PM »

I'll be getting some kero this weekend. The chain is not terribly dirty - the OEM grease in the nooks and crannies is the worst so a toothbrush will suffice I'm sure. I also have a solvent sprayer that hooks to the aircompressor (would dial the psi down a bit) which might work too. Need to catch the residue and find someplace to dispose of the old gunk unless there is a trick for recyle/reuse of the kerosene.

Red01 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 07, 2005, 11:51:08 PM »

Kerosene and a rag has worked fine for me...

gsxr400 racer · « **Reply #7 on:** April 08, 2005, 01:33:16 AM »

all that sound like to much work dirty street riders i just throw mine away and buy a new one . I also have a hand grip fetish

mike · « **Reply #8 on:** April 08, 2005, 02:02:40 AM »

Like your avatar Jay !

Chain
I use those blue disposable shop towels you get at autoparts stores ot walmart ina paper towel roll and WD40. Spray soak the towel, they're tough paper-doesn't take much, then just hold it in my hand and wrap my hand around the chain -slide back an forth. Repeat with new towels. After 7 or 8, wipe evrything else around the area down and done. it gets done pretty often, so is never really caked with junk... plus I hate the way some chain lubes build up around the chain guard and sprockets. rather keep it semi clean...

I guess I started doing it that way living in an apartment, so I could just throw the used shop towels away. No garage, just a parking lot...

Whatever works for you is my motto...
Mike
:)

txbanditrydr · « **Reply #9 on:** April 08, 2005, 05:19:13 AM »

Thanks Mike..... kinda cute for a BUZZARD!!

Yeah - whatever works will be great once I do it a time or two. Just trying to keep it simple though I have a hard time with that.

gsxr400 racer · « **Reply #10 on:** April 08, 2005, 10:40:02 AM »

yea sometimes i feel deleted , mike. good to hear ya about!

seriously its good to hear peeps cleaning there chain !!

txbanditrydr · « **Reply #11 on:** April 08, 2005, 10:50:12 AM »

Should have known it wasn't my avatar....

mike · « **Reply #12 on:** April 08, 2005, 03:28:34 PM »

I like 'em both... You ever hit one of those Turkey Vultures as they launch from carrion on the side of the road. They can hit like NFL linebackers...

txbanditrydr · « **Reply #13 on:** April 09, 2005, 01:30:28 AM »

As a matter of fact I have hit a turkey vulture in "Ol' Blue".... sumbeech decided to take one more freekin' bite and WHAM - I'm out a turn signal and a trim piece.

Now adays I blow the horn and wave my arms.... anything to get them to move on or else slow down

as I approach - those are some dense birds.

banditrider · « **Reply #14 on:** May 22, 2005, 11:33:01 PM »

I tried some great stuff last year: WTK chain cleaner by wtkchemicalsolutions.com. They are based out of Markham Ontario (just outside of Toronto. They said to spray it on then hose it off. They weren't lying! I was bad and hadn't cleaned my chain for a few thousand miles so it was really "grimy". Well I did what they said and now I have the original golden colour of the chain, looks brand new. Definitely worth the $10.00 Canadian. No scrubbing (although I did some in heavy spots with a toothbrush but I put in more effort opening my beer.)