Slippery stuff
The chain drive on your motorcycle is one of the most important moving parts, it provides the power to the rear wheel which drives your forward. The chain is exposed to high torque forces and over time will stretch and needs to be lubricated on a regular basis.
Related: Honda CRF 300L Review (2021) - Dirty Commuter
As far as lubricants go you have a few options which basically boil down to chain wax or chain oil. These are available in either a brush-on or spray-on application but both will do the trick. There are a number of ways to do this essential maintenance and we can show you how it’s done.
You will need:
- Lubricant of choice
- Degreaser of choice
- Bristle brush
- Clean cloth
- Piece of cardboard
Let’s get it done
1. Set the bike on its centre stand (if equipped) or side stand.
2. Ensure the bike is clean from dirt and grime, use a degreaser on the chain
3. Use the bristle brush to clean any accumulated grit and grime as well as old lubricant from the chain and its guards.
4. Rinse with clean water and wipe everything down with a cloth.
5. Place the cardboard between the rear tyre and the chain
6. Brush or spray on the lubricant being careful not to get any on the rear tyre.
7. In neutral, rotate the rear wheel so that you get all the links of the chain covered (DO NOT RUN THE ENGINE IN GEAR AND DO THIS – IT WILL FLING LUBE EVERYWHERE)
8. Clean up and get ready to ride
