How To Lubricate Your Motorcycle Chain | MC Garage

[@jimtomstimpson1477]

I can attest to lubing a chain with it running. I did lose the last digit of my right index finger many years ago. Stupid mistake , lesson learned the hard way.

[@SeViC18]

few month later, but you'r not alone bro, i lose part of my thumb that way.

[@SuperYertleTurtle]

I lost a bit of my middle and ring finger on the left. Luckily not that much. The nails grew back. Really stupid idea!

[@Gruxxan]

me too, lost the top of my right thumb. one less nail to trim i suppose.

[@SuperYertleTurtle]

Gruxxan Good for you?! My nails are so curved now and they're thick. So hard to trim those mutated nails.

[@xmoroseguyx]

I seen a German bloke on You Tube doing a knife review and he lost part of a finger through the same thing

[@raymadani270]

This gentleman is smart. His videos are short and packed with information. Can't thank him enough for all his hard work into putting together this educational material

[@GT6SuzukaTimeTrials]

I can't wait until every subject has been covered. These are excellent.

[@fidelcatsro6948]

looks like you got you degree after 2 yrs, what do you ride now amigo?

[@breaddrinker]

These are just so incredibly helpful. They are basic to some, but none of this is obvious or common knowledge to a beginner. You're genuinely doing a great service to the community. Thank you.

[@Ankit-pj5ly]

this has got to be the smallest yet useful video on you tube on chain lubrication... this is the best part of your videos... thumbs up.

[@icecreamgecko]

My CB500F is being delivered in a about a week... I am binge watching your videos right now!

[@fidelcatsro6948]

how is she doing now amigo? like the bike?

[@icecreamgecko]

Oh, I did not get any notification for the comment reply. I have had her for quite a while now haha. Great looks, handling and fuel economy. The overall package is wonderful and the power is enough for everything I do. :)

[@fidelcatsro6948]

ok ride safe!

[@icecreamgecko]

Thanks, You too!

[@GwynbleiddX1]

icecreamgecko congrats man! Treat her well and she will reciprocate. Ride safe!

[@gronkgrunk]

Another great vid for all riders. Frequently checking the chain if it's dry & lube accordingly. Clean the chain as shown in this video at least once a month, depending on ride conditions. Both chain & sprocket will work 'happy' :-)

[@jai2256]

Thank you so much for not making this video unnecessarily long!

[@Umeshumarani]

Been a year and half since I lost the tip of my middle and ring fingers. Luckily, had a great surgeon. Got a cross finger graft on the middle finger from the back of the index and the ring finger was okay as I hadn't lost much flesh, it was stitched right back. Could hold a pen and write two months later. Had my engineering semester exams and it was one hell of an experience. So, guys, no matter how easy it seems, do not keep the engine running. Also, in my case I wasn't doing it in gear. It was on neutral and I knew I shouldn't do it on a running drive train. I was just lazy to turn off the engine and thought neutral would do no harm. As I was leaning over, my left knee hit the gear lever and I'd just lubed it. Bam, into gear 1 and in no time my fingers were stuck in the sprocket.

[@markherrington4584]

Wow, amazing!!! Someone on KZbin that has the right information and gets to the point. Thanks for this type of informative short video, will look for more of your tutorials.

[@sasohribernik8806]

Motorcyclist Magazine fortnine and revzilla have the best motorcycle maintenance videos..... Just wish i would have watched your videos before my bike broke down due to poor maintenace

[@Channel-uc4nq]

Nice and short video right to the point! No memes, no 10 min dubstep intro, no subscribe and like begging. T H A N K. Y O U !

[@Slidewxyz]

Straight to the point, no filler, and easy to understand. Thank you for this! 🫡

[@fox60-m4m]

i use wd40 or kero to clean chain then lube it with chain wax and has always worked for me after having 12 bikes over 20 years and gobs of miles ridden never an issue with seals rotting or etc using wd40 but i only use it for the cleaning not the lubrication, and dont forget to stick an old mat or tarp underneath the bike for any drippage if doing the job in your nice garage.

[@Ojisan642]

You mentioned using different kinds of lube or wax depending on the environment but didn't go into detail. Can you do a video on what kind of chain lube is best for different environments?

[@teeneshverma]

Ojisan642 yes please. I need it too.

[@Tropbear]

I live in tropical climate which is dusty, rainy, and muddy. So as recommended by a dude from AMA I use blendzall chain lubricant to deal with those conditions. It's kind of more sticky than regular chainlube.. But since it's mainly used for motocross race..I think it meets my need

[@minusx31]

I would think your local shop would sell what’s good for that area...

[@TheRealUnconnected]

MiNuSx31 doubt it most local shops know jack and also sell all kinds of lubes. I personally use a paste wax on mine by Motul because it's the easiest to apply. Seems to be very effective.

[@Drunken_Hamster]

Heavyweight gear oil. Do the outer surface, inner surface, and side surface facing you, then run your finger along said surface to gather excess oil and then rub said oiled finger on the side surface facing away from you. All the while spinning the tire in neutral with the bike off and on the center stand. Alternatively, you can install an automatic chain oiler and just clean it off and dry it every service interval.

[@aGTRplayer]

Hey Ari...I know this is an older vid. However, I just pick up the Tirox 360 brush...my old grunge thingy need replaced. WoW! Tirox Roxz...this brush did indeed make quick work of cleaning my chain. Less kero, less scrubbing passes and very clean chain. Keep up the great vids. And thanks!

[@zakeh2833]

best video on chain maintenance I've seen to date

[@reformed_law_abiding]

Kb

[@gigacatkun]

My friend got 3 of his finger cut about a month ago while cleaning his chain in gear. Fortunately he received good treatment and his way to recovery.

[@Wabbit1961]

Hell yes to the Tyrox chain brush. Grunge brush is very messy. I wear o glove and cup the Tyrox in my hand and run it back and forth on the chain as you did and the spray of the chain goes in my gloves hand and not all over the bike or floor. I do or my bike on a rear stand, but I also put an old bath sheet down on the garage floor. I do spray cleaner and chain wax onto the rear sprocket/chain area with the bike in gear but I hold the cardboard behind and against the back of the wheel hub. My hands are never in danger with this method. I turn the bike off and into neutral as I put the Tyrex brush on the chain and manually turn the wheel to clean the chain. I don't wipe the chain off after applying chain wax.

[@damdammah406]

hi, first thing, thanks for the vid : ) second thing: I'm new to motorcycling and I have no other mc friends who could teach me. So here are a few questions: 1. how does a dry chain look like? How can i tell, whether it already needs lubing or not? 2. how does a dirty chain look like? when do i need to clean it? When is it still ok and i can avoid the additional work? 3. what do you do with your dirty rags? do you clean them somehow or just use a new one? I'm not asking about the extremes, i don't want to wait that long : ) thanks and cheers from poland..

[@bryaneekelder8267]

Why have i never ever thought of the clever use of cardboard, damn.

[@menom7]

It's ALSO helpful to lay a piece directly underneath your chain too!!! (to keep your garage-floor from getting "slick" too!!!)

[@ShooterMedic1818]

found that out the hard way!

[@autopediacom]

ShooterMedic hahaha I can imagine ...!!!;-))

[@kerrermanisNL]

That was the first thing I thought too

[@Robnoxious77]

if you’re clever, you can cut a piece out of an old box that fits perfectly and stands up by itself (think cut into the base and bend one side one way and the other side the other way so it stands up). If the cardboard is thick enough (or even better that waxed stuff you cant seem to get anymore), it’ll last for months maybe years.

[@BoyFromMa]

I'm lubing my chain right now 😂 I love me a clean chain.

[@yishay83]

thanks guys . i really ask this question lots of times. each time i got diffrent answer . thanks for making it clear!

[@nicenow25]

With all the subscribers of bike channels. This channel should have 3 million subscribers as your giving us good knowledge here +Motorcyclist Magazine

[@Anoldphotographer]

Short, informative, and relevant, the secret to a great KZbin video!

[@PaulieL303]

Such a brilliant video guys, so informative. 9/10, the only thing that you forgot to mention was to apply after riding so the chain is warm (apparently it sticks better) :)

[@hni4053]

He manages to give valuable info in three minutes, where many fail even in ten - and you get tired from a ****'d music background. No nonsense at Ari's.

[@PRID8R]

honestly one of the best MC channels you youtube. Awesome stuff!

[@johnvu6991]

Thanks for making a quick and easy-to-follow video on the subject!

[@busansanai]

I should have watched this video but this video wasn't around when I started chain lubing first time. that's how useful these videos are *thumbs up* I left the lubes on without wiping off the excess so my swing arm is gummy. what can I do to clean this?

[@MotorcyclistMag]

+VroomToRaftel WD-40, chain cleaner, or another solvent should take the goo right off. Just don't use anything harsh like carb cleaner or acetone!

[@lewininja250r]

great video, you reminded me I really need to clean my chain. I do it every 10,000km's which isn't really the best ;)

[@michaelkunzig3261]

I just wanted to thank you for your videos. I have found your to be simple to the point and very helpful.

[@rodjaynes7639]

excellent, really thorough and concise video, thank you!

[@MajorDrama1]

Great video once again guys. Even the basics like this should be discussed and technique shared. My personal suspicion is that cleaning the chain is really more cosmetic - Anything thats actually in between the contact points between teeth and chain is instantaneously either pulverised or flung afar.. Take a look - Always spotless - How could it be otherwise with that treatment?! But I probably overlube if anything.. say every 2 rides meaning about once every 500km at most? But I lube inside of chain as Ari showed.. And i spray more prob 2 rotations easy and then also spray from outside as well.. And adjust when required.. And with that treatment even big v-twin chains like my KTM 1190 Adv are still in what looks like good shape at well over 30,000km. As the shop said to me "well whatever you're doing keep doin it" cos we dont usually see the chains last like that

[@OnPointFirearms]

Another great video. I'm enjoying the maintenance series almost as much as Grom Khana. Gas it up and burn it down! 🔥⛽️

[@heroic318]

Dude this guy is very informative. Makes me feel like a pro even though im not haha. Thank you.

[@Aleena_McLean]

great straightforward short video!

[@karlwebb8914]

Another great video after watching your “can you use WD40 on your chain” video too 👍 thanks very much best wishes Karl in Australia 🇦🇺😃

[@jonathanmichealfacer]

Awesome commentary & super advise explained so easy for me as I’m not that hands on. 💯👏👌

[@enginerikli5895]

Would the prolongation of the chain life really offset the cost of all those specialty lubes and cleaners and time spent? Doubtful. So I long ago stopped using sprays and cleaners. I just smother some motor oil every now and then, and don't fret over it. I like to think that the chain cleans itself flinging about the dirt with all that oil : ) I cut off a piece from some shampoo bottle, somewhat heat-shaped it and screwed it at the end of the chain guard in order to reduce the splash. It works really well!

[@Cabutronize]

2:00 and that is exactly how I lost part of my thumb..... If only I saw this video before that happened hahah

[@thesighbored]

No rage comments about using WD-40 as chain lube will destroy the chain into a million pieces? That seems odd.

[@csmotoresengenharia6322]

there's another video busting the myth in the channel.

[@Lancaster604]

WD40 is mostly just hydrogenated naptha. Which is basically a heavier distillation of kerosene just a smidgen heavier. The problem is the film of addictive they've put into the oil that makes it a dirt magnet once it evaporates since the residue is sticky and over time the road grime just turns into a grinding paste on the chain. You probably should be cleaning your chain way before then but it's just....come on man....just use Kerosene. Kerosene tends to evaporate clean.

[@TheBmxHD]

Exactly if someone thinks a degreaser greases a chain they must think gloves go on feet and shoes go on hands. Let them walk backwards upside down not my problem

[@EliezeruDanieru]

I lubricate my gearset with Axle Oil. Is this a mistake?

[@briandavenport8971]

I use Astro Glide

[@remus.sebastian]

Greetings from Romania! Very useful tips! :)

[@allanlambert9333]

Always detailed and nifty explainers.

[@aleksandardimovski8589]

Today I did my first chain cleaning and I found it hard to understand how to know if I have enough lube on it. I wiped the excess lube like you did, but I am curious if i left enough (when i touch it, it doesn't leave too much on my finger). p.s. I use Motul C1+C2 (cleaning + lubing) any advice is very welcomed. thanks again for the useful advices on this channel

[@martinquinn3382]

I learn a few interresting things, thank you very much !

[@hangten111]

Great job with detailed explanation, very helpful. Short and sweet. Love it. Thanks.

[@mayuradoolwela9717]

Short & sweet. Well explained. Thanks for sharing

[@rafaellastracom6411]

I would have thought that a dry lubricant, like graphite, would be used for the links due to the danger of attracting dust and dirt with the oil. It would be a pain in the neck to do but the thought of having dust and dirt making an emulsion scares the hell out of me enough to try it. Nice video by the way.

[@mikejensen1600]

Rafael Lastra

[@JohnnyWooh]

Honestly loving this series. Looking forward to more.

[@aaronbritt2025]

There's no need to "lube" an o-ring chain. The areas that need to be lubricated are inside the o-rings. An o-ring chain just needs to be kept very clean so dirt doesn't destroy the o-rings and cause a loss of the built-in lube. Lubing a good o-ring chain is like lubing a sealed bearing. For over 25 years, I've been cleaning my chains with kerosene, then drying with a rag. If I get caught in the rain, I spray the chain with WD-40 (the "WD" stands for "water displacing"), dry, then clean with kerosene to remove the WD-40 film. I've never had a chain kink. I've only had to replace one chain and that was after 10k hard miles (including some track days).

[@amanjotsinghdua9593]

Very very nice video ! 😇👌🏻

[@Castro62]

Great video! Very thorough. Nice job!

[@bh7480]

I actually use extreme pressure outboard gear oil and Champion chain lube spray Grease seems to work very well.

[@okidoke4822]

Short and sweet. Thanks.

[@rogerwilliams2902]

Good no nonsense advice. Thanks

[@rohitchavan4001]

Important tip of not tinkering the chain while the engines on. I wish I could have this video before I had lost my pinky finger in 2013😢

[@iMr.Jetpacks]

Quick and easy video, love it

[@motochain-mate413]

Nice Video, Try the Moto Chain-Mate and Crud Brush next time you clean and lube your motorcycle chain, it works fantastic, No Overspray!

[@the400guy77]

Easy enough, thank you for your help!!! 🙌🙌🙌🔥

[@bampie1]

I find that if you lube your chain after a quick ride when it's hot the chain sucks in the lube into the hard to reach places you don't need to wipe off any excess and there's no lube spray

[@GauravSukraliya87]

Yupp...u r damn right...never get in gear to clean or touch ur chain...u can easily loose your finger, i had lost my half thumb in my chain.

[@Muilisxx]

i actually loved cleaning and lubving my chain

[@Yngbabii]

Thanks man video was very helpful

[@alexrios4064]

Nice clear, you are sharp and short 👏 congratulations 👏

[@robmitchell716]

i also turned the wheel backwards and sprayed just where the chain left the sprocket pointing in towards the rear sprocket and didn't worry about cardboard.

[@Californification]

Nicely explained. Is it okay to just lube at shorter intervals without cleaning every-time? I lube the chain every 300-400 miles and clean it on alternate cycles (600-800 miles).

[@davidclayton7483]

best explanation guys, cheers

[@Ducati_Dude]

Does nobody clean the front sproket... ???

[@StuartMcFarlane]

Another great video. Thank you sir!

[@OtaconGaming]

wow, what a video all info real quick . keep it up

[@MisterCheemf]

You know I just noticed the sponsorship with belray is pretty obvious. That being said I love their stuff

[@nigelpstreet]

Excellent vid, I learnt a lot, thanks.

[@ffyfy1]

I was so waiting to hear the sound of the chain when you had finished Lubricating it. What happened to that?

[@czondag]

Clean with kerosine, dry and lube it with 75w90. Cheap and perfect. 250km in wet, 400km in dry

[@prakrutik_vlogs]

Glosil is best chain lube it been recommended by royal enfield , yamaha, TVS , Bajaj Im using Glosil Since 2 years it good product compared to other chain lube

[@PapodeArmas]

I enjoy doing chain maintenance.

[@markbarrs5763]

Very useful as always.

[@SZ-rf7ki]

Great video (as always) but, why don't you lube the plates? If I don't, the plates on my chain get rusty?

[@arun007a]

Fantastic video.

[@MeAndMyRoyalEnfield]

Great videos! Short & just the facts.

[@Gixxer983]

What are you on about. I love making my chain mint :) I find it relaxing :)

[@Punisher3545]

Yeah his like nobody likes chain maintenance haha speak for yourself dude.

[@MrSkinnyWhale]

Zen af

[@ATMZahid]

i really like your suggestions. could you plz make video on bikes headlamp? which type of lights should we use Halogen, HID or LED...? And about bulb watt, can we use higher watt then default? and anything else about bike head lamp should we know...

[@cristiancamberos5]

So how often does one clean/lubricate the chain. I recently bought a 2017 yamaha R6. Been using it to commute to work. Been riding every day. Its been 3 weeks . Thank you

[@neongamer2268]

Awesome chanel learned a lot.Thnx guys

[@Tecnicasdeguitarra]

best channel ever

[@DanMarcelino]

call me crazy, i actually enjoy cleaning the chain on my zx14 hahah

[@jonnysmitty7538]

I enjoy taking care of my bike .

[@rafaellastracom6411]

I´m a smidge obsessive-compulsive and cleaning my toys is pure heaven for me. lol

[@HooKerzNbLo]

I love it too. A couple of beers and some TLC after every dirtbike ride.

[@kitkat-yo8ce]

#RideLife n

[@pengasus]

Nothing like cleaning a chain after a weekend ride accompanied by enough beers and some tunes. As chill as it gets

[@giodc8599]

Sorry if i come back on an early topic. I know and i understand this is the basic of bike maintenance but i was wondering. What does more damage to a chain: the lack of lubrication or the presence of sand and grit on the chain itself that slowly chews bits of metal off?

[@pengasus]

I use kerosene to clean. Much cheaper and does an excellent job. Just dont forget to wipe off good after you clean otherwise the new lube you put on won't last

[@itsjustme5022]

well im cheap so i use diesel, a spray bottle and a cheap toothbrush (a new one)... hahahaha...

[@budabead]

Would you include a link to that 360 brush you using in this video please? I've looked online but i cannot for the life of me find one like it! Dreading doing the chains, cos it's messy as all hell... that however seemed to have helped a great deal:) thanks

[@robmitchell716]

you missed something very important. lubricate your chain when the chain is warm ie when you get home and putting the bike away for the night or pull in to your overnight accommodation. This way the lub gets in well and then the thinners evaporate off before you ride. I've always got good milage from chains and i never really cleaned my chain. waxs in my experience are crap in the rain. our maybe i just used a crap brand. during my years as a motorcycle courier i found Castrol good in hot, dry and in the wet. i used to always replace both sprokets weekend replacing the chain. I would buy 2 front sprokets, 1 rear sproket and the best chain money could buy. changing the front sproket when it showed a little wear.

[@Josanpelito]

Excelent, simple and precise

[@didnthurt4077]

So how do you clean the chain-cleaningbrush afterwards? Toss it and get a new one, rinse under water or just not at all?

[@inspecktorf]

It motivates me to clean and lube my chain..

[@tooncasual]

Hi guys! First of all thank you for this channel, and for the tons of useful info in your videos. Such a priceless source for beginner bikers... and most probably for experienced ones too! I bought a Kawasaki z650 two years ago. Now, after 20,000km my chain is really worn. I took care of it (cleaning and lubing) and in my first year I was riding rather gently, but in the last 5,000km its maintenance became increasingly difficult. Which seems a little early... even for a original manufacturer’s chain. So, I try to understand what might have caused this. And avoid a similar faith for my next chain! I’ve been using a brush similar to the Grunge Brush. Is there a chance that I’ve been too rough when using it and as consequence I damaged the O-ring seals of the chain?

[@zenxen7668]

Update?

[@JJ-yq3jx]

I love the videos by MC Garage! I do have a question about the cloth used to wipe the chain. Many online articles suggest using lint-free cloth. I can't understand why. I have been using disposable cloth all along (probably not lint-free) and im not sure if it will damage/wear the chain out somehow (maybe through the built-up lint left after many washes?). Could someone shed light on this please? Thanks

[@enginerikli5895]

That level of hairsplitting kills the fun. In theory, cleaning the chain prolongs its life, but how much? I don't think it's worth all the time and effort, and the money spent on chain products.

[@mohamedsalmank]

U guys are the best 🔥🔥🔥👌🤘💓

[@graydation]

Any thing extra we should consider if our chain does not have o-rings? My stock chain that came on my bike is a standard non-o-ring chain.

[@GazVanDyk]

Thanks, very useful tips.

[@1up5down]

Love the videos, so much great advice. Any suggestions for lube for southern Ontario weather? (so... wet, cold, humid, hot) I feel more confident in cleaning my chain when it needs it on my R3, just started riding. Thank you MC Garage