Motorcycle chain cleaning, lube and adjustment

A clean, lubed and correctly adjusted chain lasts much longer and makes shifting smoother.

20 minutesEasyDoubles chain and sprocket life

What you need

  • Chain cleaner and a soft brush
  • O-ring-safe chain lube
  • A rear stand
  • Wrenches for the axle and adjusters

Steps

  1. Put the bike on a rear stand so the wheel spins freely.
  2. Spray the cleaner on the chain while turning the wheel by hand, scrub with the brush, and wipe dry.
  3. Spray lube on the inside of the chain (where it touches the sprockets) while slowly turning the wheel. Let it sit 10 minutes, then wipe off the excess.
  4. Check slack midway between the sprockets. Adjust to the spec on your swingarm sticker by loosening the axle nut and turning both adjusters equally.
  5. Retorque the axle nut to spec.
Tips: Lube every 300–600 miles and after riding in rain. Replace the chain and both sprockets together when the chain is stretched or the teeth look hooked.

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