Motorcycle chain maintenance: clean, lube and adjust

The chain carries all of your engine's power to the rear wheel. A dirty, dry or slack chain wears quickly, costs power and, at worst, can jump off the sprocket. Half an hour of maintenance prevents that.

How often?

As a rule of thumb: lube every 500 to 1,000 km, and always after riding in the rain. Check the tension roughly every 1,000 km. Your owner's manual has the exact values for your bike.

What you need

• Chain cleaner and a chain brush
• Chain lube spray or oil
• Rags and something to protect the floor
• A paddock stand (handy, not essential)

Step 1: clean

Put the bike on its stand with the engine off. Spray the cleaner onto the chain, brush the links on all sides and wipe the chain dry. Turn the rear wheel by hand, never with the engine running.

Step 2: lube

Spray the lube onto the inside of the chain, where it runs over the sprockets. Let it soak in for a few minutes, ideally overnight, and wipe off the excess. Keep lube away from the tyre and brake disc.

Step 3: check the tension

Push the chain up and down halfway along the lower run. The correct slack is in your manual, often around 2 to 4 cm. Adjust it with the adjusters at the rear axle. Move both sides by the same amount so the wheel stays aligned.

When to replace?

Hooked or pointed teeth on the rear sprocket, or a chain you can pull far away from the back of the sprocket, mean it's time for a new chain kit: chain and both sprockets together. Not sure? A shop near you can help.