Maintenance and Servicing
Motorbike Chain Maintenance: Clean, Lubricate and Adjust
A well-kept chain lasts longer and rides better. How to clean, lubricate and check chain slack, and when to replace the chain and sprockets.
A neglected chain wears quickly, makes the bike rougher to ride and can fail an MOT. A few minutes of regular care keeps it quiet, smooth and long-lasting, and saves you the cost of replacing the chain and sprockets early. Always check your owner's handbook for your bike's specific advice, as some bikes use shaft or belt drive instead.
Why chain care matters
The chain carries all the power from the engine to the rear wheel, so it works hard and is exposed to water, dirt and salt. Dry, dirty or badly adjusted chains wear faster, rob power and can eventually damage the sprockets. A well-kept chain can last many thousands of miles longer than a neglected one.
How often?
Lubricate the chain regularly, and always after riding in the wet. Clean it more often if you ride in dirty or salty conditions. Many riders build a quick check into every fuel stop or weekly routine, so it never gets forgotten.
What you need
- A paddock stand or centre stand so the rear wheel can turn
- Chain cleaner and a soft brush
- Chain lube suited to your chain type
- Clean rags or paper towels
- Gloves and eye protection
Cleaning
- Put the bike on a stand so the rear wheel can turn.
- Use a chain cleaner and a soft brush, working around the whole chain.
- Avoid harsh solvents such as petrol or brake cleaner. They can damage the seals on O-ring and X-ring chains.
- Wipe it dry and check each link as you turn the wheel.
Lubricating
- Apply chain lube to the inner side of the chain while turning the wheel, so centrifugal force pushes it through the links.
- Give it time to soak in, then wipe off the excess so it does not fling onto the wheel and tyre.
- Lubricate when the chain is slightly warm, such as after a short ride, as lube works in better.
Keep lube and cleaner away from the brake disc, pads and tyre. Contamination of the brakes or tyres is dangerous.
Checking the slack
Chains stretch with use. Measure the slack as shown in your handbook, at the tightest point of the chain, because chains wear unevenly. Too loose can cause the chain to jump or whip. Too tight puts strain on the chain, sprockets and bearings.
If the bike needs adjusting, follow your handbook and make sure the rear wheel stays aligned. If you are unsure, ask a workshop to do it.
Checking the sprockets
Look at the teeth of both sprockets. They should be evenly shaped. Worn sprockets show hooked, pointed or shiny teeth. Worn sprockets quickly damage a new chain, so they should be replaced together.
When to replace
- Rust, stiff links or a chain that cannot be adjusted properly
- Hooked, shiny or uneven sprocket teeth
- A chain that can be pulled away noticeably from the rear sprocket by hand
- Chain adjustment that has reached its limit
Chains and sprockets wear together, so they are usually replaced as a set.
Chains and the MOT
A badly worn or poorly adjusted chain and sprockets can be a problem at the MOT. See our MOT guide for what is checked, and our guide to winter storage for how to protect the chain when the bike is parked up.
Buying a used bike? Check the chain
Chain and sprocket condition is a quick indicator of how a bike has been treated, and replacing them is a real cost. It is part of our buying checklist.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a chain last? It depends on the chain, the bike, how it is ridden and how well it is maintained. Regular care extends life.
Can I use any lube? Use a lube made for motorcycle chains, and check it suits O-ring or X-ring chains if yours is one.
Should I use WD-40? General-purpose sprays are not a substitute for proper chain lube.
If you would rather have it checked, ask the DH Superbikes team.
