Dirt bike chain maintenance

This shows you how to clean, lubricate and measure the chain slack of your dirt bike. I clean and lube my chain after every ride to maximize the life of the chain and sprockets.
Chain Cleaner- Kerosene
Chain Lube- Motorex Off Road Chain Lube 622
www.tokyooffroa...

[@jonashoglund6764]

This is how i will maintence my chain now!

[@ian9toes]

If you add up the cost of lube, cleaners and your hourly rate you will never make you chain last long enough to recuperate the cost.

[@Scottstunts]

Great info as always. Love the channel!

[@jeffcoulter7181]

Great advice, thanks

[@tannerb5716]

Great vid. Thanks for the details.

[@BraaapoholicBob]

Want to thank you for your informative videos...I made a vow I would become a better mechanic and do most of my own maintenance...your videos are concise and to the point...learning a lot from them so great job! Several are my go-to's for various tasks.

[@pavankumar06and06]

Very informative video👌👌👌🤘. Just a small question, should you let the lube cure overnight or can we ride just after a short period of time after lubing. Tend to get lot of splatter on my rear wheel, lot of effort and time needed to clean chain lube of the wheel😅😅😅 hence this question.

[@wakawaka12320]

Wow, your bike looks smick! So clean mate, you ride much mud? When you wash do you use all different brushes?

[@ashbridgeprojects6916]

I just read my D.I.D VX3 X-ring chain instructions and it specifically says that kerosene should not be used for cleaning it. What chain do you have from D.I.D that says it's OK to use kerosene?

[@TokyoOffroad]

I use DID chains (currently 520ERVT x-ring) and kerosene on a cloth to clean dirt off them as shown in the video. I do not ever soak chains in cleaner as I don't think it necessary and also think it best to minimize o-ring to cleaner contact time, even if the cleaner is deemed "o-ring safe". My experience has been that kerosene works well as a cleaner when applied with a cloth to wipe off dirt. Personally I haven't experienced any issues with using it on my own chain, however, I'm not going to preach to others what to use as I've really only used nothing other than kerosene and there may well be better cleaners. I think it best for each person to make their own mind up regarding whet they want to use and how to do it...

[@jimwood1068]

Do you use the narrow chain in that spec or normal please?

[@AlexKost-tq6bj]

I noticed your moto doesn't have a chain guard (plastic piece on the top section above the swing arm), any reason why you removed it or did your bike not come with it?

[@TokyoOffroad]

Yes, I remove it. I like to keep the chain guide/guard simple and strong on my off-road bike to help minimize any issues while out riding. IMO the guard doesn't serve as a significant protection device and is something extra that can potentially cause a problem. If however I was only riding it on road and not using riding boots, or carrying a pillion I'd keep it on.

[@carlosdias1940]

Getting acquainted with your videos and one better after the other, being all way (way) above average. Very knowledgeable. Happy Easter!

[@kslats916]

Very nice bike but this video would be more realistic if you actually started with a dirty chain. Like say a chain that looks like it just finished Erzberg.

[@TokyoOffroad]

kslats916 - I wash my bike after every ride and clean and lube the chain. Most of the mud on the chain is cleaned off during the washing. What is left after regular washing is what was shown in this video. As I clean it after every ride it’s quick and easy as there is very little build up of gunk...

[@kslats916]

I just discovered your channel and I'm watching some of your videos now. Good stuff so far. I also carefully wash my bikes after every trip or ride using a pressure washer but my chain never ever looks like that. I even use a brush and kerosene and it gets cleaner but not like brand new clean. Even your sprocket and hub look like new. You must have some special dust you spray on your bike.

[@kslats916]

Watching your washing video now.

[@fallbangskid8304]

Maybe I'll stop by sometime and have lunch on your chain! Good methods! Thank you.

[@Scottstunts]

Thank you for all these how-to videos they’re fantastic. Can you tell me what chain guide and skid plate are you running?

[@TokyoOffroad]

Thanks for the positive feedback. Both the chain guide and skid plate are made by TM Designworks. You can see these and other modifications I made to my bike in this video: kzbin.info?o=U&video_id=h3J6EUR45es

[@AlexKost-tq6bj]

Also, does kerosene fully evaporate? I was thinking you might end up with kerosene in the grooves between the links when you apply the oil which would wash/break down the oil, no?

[@TokyoOffroad]

It would only be a very small amount of kerosene left over if you wipe the excess off with a cloth. The kerosene will not break down oil, it acts as a solvent and will thin the oil. Then if left to air dry the kerosene will evaporate.

[@knutejay]

Do you use the bottom of the chain links as your datum for the distance between the swing arm and the chain? Or the pins on the chain (center of it)? My manual is ambiguous… it seems the precision is necessary in this case.

[@TokyoOffroad]

The measurement reference point is the bottom of one of the chain links

[@AlexKost-tq6bj]

What are your thoughts with using a thick oil (for example gear oil) for lubing the chain? Cheap and I'd imagine would stick much better? I find those aerosol cans are often all just carrier solvent and not much actual lube stays on the chain after it evaporates. Also, any reason to lubricate an o-ring chain? I thought that the only friction 'moving' part would be the pins, which are greased for life and sealed. Would applying lube to the outside simply prevent the outer surfaces from corroding, which is purely cosmetic?

[@TokyoOffroad]

Yes, for chains it's not that important what oil you use as the big purpose of oiling an o-ring chain is to help prevent corrosion. However, I do typically notice a small reduction is rolling resistance following lubing my chain. I use Maxima chain wax spray as it's easy to use and tends not to fling off. Regular oil is fine too, but will fling off more.

[@boelens2183]

how often do you recommend cleaning/lubing a chain, in miles for dry conditions on the street?

[@timetter7062]

That dirtbike is way too clean

[@uglymechanics6599]

Normally how to videos are just recycling the same crap.. i'm actually a big fan of the rag technique and will be doing it this way from now on.

[@frankloschiavo]

thank you for these awesome videos. I like the idea of using the caliper gauge. Do you have the rear wheel off the ground when you pull the chain up?

[@TokyoOffroad]

+Frank Loschiavo Yes, the wheel needs to be off the ground. the bike is on a center stand.

[@human1513]

Aerosal spray chain cleaners are actually kerosene with with a scent also so it will not smell like kerosene so the customers do not figure out what it is.

[@woodworm3615]

Question:2019KTM300XC Stock plug NGKBR7ES a. 79mm long b. Works fine. But debate from Slavens... a. The NGKBR7EIS b. 79mm long The latter is hotter. Understood. But for someone who installs a high combustion head. Then use the BR7EIX plug? I have stock head. It's fine. Your opinion is keep using stock OEM plug? -Woodworminteriors

[@TokyoOffroad]

If the NGKBR7ES is working fine for you I would carry on using it. They are cheap and broadly available.

[@TheKidCannibal]

that sounds from your front sprocket; is that normal?

[@maxhr1964]

Tokyo Offroad should wheel be on the ground or suspended to adjust chain?

[@TokyoOffroad]

The bike should be on a work stand with the rear wheel suspended when measuring the chain slack.

[@kylejones9084]

Just bought a new ktm 250sxf and the chain has come with some waxy coating on it but dust is sticking to it bad and I’m debating removing it all with some cleaner because jet washing ain’t touching it , do they do this for a reason or can I scrub it all off and put fresh on ? Thanks if you reply.

[@TokyoOffroad]

It'll clean up easily with some kerosene on a rag.

[@HeddleTown]

Nice video.. 🎥👍

[@sammoore7397]

Why do you use kero instead of degreaser? Does it work better? Also I think kero would be no good on o ring chains?

[@TokyoOffroad]

Kero is very cheap, doesn't damage the o-rings and is recommended by chain manufactures.

[@sammoore7397]

Tokyo Offroad great thanks for the info and I really enjoy your channel

[@fernandofernandez5719]

Ive been using kero for years is cheap and is way more cheaper than most chean cleaners and works way better

[@fernandofernandez5719]

Thanks for the vids

[@lsrracing]

how do you do it without a motor in it.

[@ofirlevy1428]

Hey do you recommend Enduro Engineering Clutch Slave Cylinder? I know it perfect for mud build up but What is the protection level of it?

[@TokyoOffroad]

Yes, it works well and offers a high level of protection. Highly recommended...

[@Jagi603]

where can i get the "chain protector for the frame?

[@TokyoOffroad]

Search on "Enduro Engineering Clutch Cylinder Guard 13-017"

[@jrago6228]

can wd 40 be used instead of kerosene? ktm 300 xcw 20021

[@TokyoOffroad]

Yes, I know some people do use WD40 and there's nothing wrong with that. However, kerosene is cheaper and works even better in my experience.

[@qmtf54]

Hola se que tienes ktm 2 tiempos pero podrías poner algún vídeo de tensor de cadena de distribución el original se estropeó en ktm 350 2017

[@danpluso]

How do you feel about using WD40 to clean the chain? Seems like it would be safer/healthier.

[@TokyoOffroad]

Yes, I think WD40 is OK for cleaning. WD40 is actually a kerosene based product so not really any difference in safety to using kerosene. The advantage of using straight kerosene is it's cheap and works well for this application.

[@danpluso]

@@TokyoOffroad Oh, I didn't even know WD40 was kerosene based. Thanks for the quick reply! You are an awesome dude and I love your channel!

[@jayteddy7270]

I was told to use the chain lube sparingly and this vid appears to be a little more than what I would call sparingly. Any advise for a beginner on how much chain lube is the right amount? Should I just follow your video?

[@TokyoOffroad]

Jason Tedesco - I aim to coat the whole chain in lube, mainly to prevent corrosion. I then wipe off any excess so it doesn’t create a big mess while riding. So what I end up with is no more than a film of oil on the chain...

[@jayteddy7270]

That makes sense. Thanks for help.

[@simphiwemhlungu9870]

great video thanks for uploading

[@boelens2183]

Great video, but you didn't mention how often this should be done.

[@TokyoOffroad]

Frequency will depend on ride conditions. I usually do it every time I wash the bike…

[@boelens2183]

How often should this be done for dry/street conditions? Every 100 miles?

[@thcpsilocybin9978]

should the whole process be used on the RK Chain Racing?

[@TokyoOffroad]

Yes, clean, lube, chain slack check and adjust...

[@hardtrance9]

Nice video, could you give any other commercial names of products you can use instead of kerosene? I live in Mexico and where I live you cannot get kerosene. Would WD-40 work? I have no problem with the chain lube product, just the cleaning the chain product is the one I would like to clear up. Thanks for your videos!

[@TokyoOffroad]

Yes, some people use WD40 to clean their chains. Or you could use a chain cleaner spray. I always use kerosene though as it’s very cheap and available in any gasoline station in Japan

[@hardtrance9]

Excellent thanks so much for taking the time to reply! That helps! I enjoy your videos a lot, thanks for the hard work.

[@ahendley3]

sexy bike my friend!!

[@danielisava9438]

where can i find the service manual you use?

[@TokyoOffroad]

I purchased a DVD version from my local KTM dealer

[@scottchalmers4395]

Good tips, thank you. What make of chain tensioner are you running ?

[@TokyoOffroad]

They're unbranded. Similar to the Bolt.

[@scottchalmers4395]

Thanks. Enjoying your videos. Just waiting for the snow to clear, Ontario Canada. Then my son and I will be hard at it ! All the best.

[@SD-ir1vf]

I just stop at the car wash on the way home for riding and wash the bike and the chain all at once. A loose chain can’t really make the chain derail it will just slap on the swing arm.

[@TokyoOffroad]

SD5 - A loose chain is definitely better than a tight chain. But an excessively loose chain can derail and Ive seen it happen. As such I recommend keeping the chain adjusted to within spec.

[@scottjessee8751]

What kind of rear tire is that?

[@TokyoOffroad]

Shinko 525X, 120/100-18 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZTLlIiDqLWqm8U&

[@kevinherndon6963]

Thank You.

[@FourLetterGT]

That is one beautiful bike

[@madman432000]

Indeed, I wonder if it's even seen dirt. 😀

[@KooLaidblue]

Just saying but if you're gonna do a video on chain maintenance, you might as well show how to adjust the chain. All you really did was half the job in the video.

[@TokyoOffroad]

Thanks for the feedback. Yes, it's important to get the chain slack within spec. Too loose and you risk the chain derailing and too tight and you'll damage the counter shaft seal. I'll make a new video demonstrating how I do it...