chain maintenance

[roadking]

Can anyone tell me, do I have to clean the chain before every oiling? If so what products do you use? Thanks

 

[va_rider]

it boils down to personal preference... the preferred method, and the method in the owner's manual is to use Kerosene.... I use WD-40 to clean, and then spray on the Bel Ray chain wax.

 

[Lonerider59]

The cleaner the plates and rollers are when you apply any lubrication will extend the amount of time until you have to lube again and lessen the amount of wear the chain has which ultimately determines how long the chain will last. Good chains aren't cheap and the less wear the chain has, the less wear the sprockets get as well. I clean and lube every 600 miles or more if I have to ride in a lot of rain. I also use a Ketten Max cleaner with either kerosene or mineral spirits. I have the process down to about a fifteen minute job. The lube I use is Maxima chain wax. But there are quite a few good chain lubes that don't "fling off".