How to Clean, Lubricate, and Wax a Motorcycle Chain

The chain is a vital component on a motorcycle. A well-maintained chain is essential to the longevity, safety, and functionality of a motorcycle. Here's how I do it.

• Chain Cleaner, Chain Lubricant, Chain Wax - http://goo.gl/nhq1cQ
• Chain Brush - http://goo.gl/KTetzi
• 10 mm Wrench (I needed this for my bike, you may not) - http://goo.gl/U6NcU4
• Swingarm Lift, make sure it works with your bike (optional... I didn't use one) - http://goo.gl/cw1Xrd

• Locate and remove the bolts for the rear fender and chain guard. On the CBR250R there are four (10mm) bolts, two per side. You don't have to remove this piece, but it makes things much easier.
• Set the fender aside for cleaning.
• If you have a swingarm lift, you can safely raise the rear of the bike now. Otherwise, you will need to push the bike forward in small amounts in order to reach the entire chain.

Wash the chain and surrounding areas with clean water to remove dirt and loose debris. Wash the fender now too.

• Prep the area with newspaper to protect against potential drips and over-spray.

• Liberally saturate the chain with chain cleaner, rotating the rear tire in order to access every link in the chain.

• Allow the chain cleaner to penetrate for a few minutes.

• Use the chain brush to scrub the chain. Make sure to scrub all sides and rotate the wheel in order to reach every link.

• Rinse with clean water until the water runs clear.

• The chain is clean.

• Prep the area with newspaper to protect against potential drips and over-spray. DO NOT get MPPL lubricant on the tread of your tires! If you do, clean the tire thoroughly prior to riding as it may cause an accident.

• Apply just enough of the MPPL lubricant to coat the chain, rotating the rear tire in order to access every link in the chain.

• Allow the MPPL lubricant to penetrate for 15 minutes prior to riding.

• Take the motorcycle for a short ride to work the lubricant into the chain. I usually ride for about three miles on clean, paved roads.

• See, I use the phone mount from my previous instructable for GPS, not Netflix. ;)

• The chain is lubricated.

• Prep the area with newspaper to protect against potential drips and over-spray.

• Liberally coat the chain with chain wax, rotating the rear tire in order to access every link in the chain.

• Allow the chain wax to set 10 - 15 minutes before riding.

• The chain is protected.

• If you raised your bike with the swingarm lift, carefully lower it now.

Re-install the fender/chain guard.

Your bike chain is clean, lubricated, and protected.

Do this periodically to maintain your chain and keep it is safe riding condition.