hi guys new to the dual sport motorcycling. any advice or recommendations on chain and sprocket cleaning?
I don't do it like this but it looks logical- http://www.reginachain.it/eng/use_and_maintenance/how_to03.shtml I just spray it with WD-40 and brush it before washing the bike. and spray it again afterward. I know, WD-40 is not a great lubricant but it seems to work fine for me.
I use WD40 for cleaning, I remove the sprocket cover, and with the straw equipped can aim at leading edge of the counter shaft sprocket ....Hose it down and let it drip off, got a grundge brush I just leave on my lift for the heavier stuff and then wipe down the chain with shop towel, then my fav lube....
I just wipe the chain off with a kerosene soaked rag, and wipe of any extra with a clean dry rag afterwards. After the kerosene evaporates off, I lube the chain with Amsoil HD Metal Protector.
Grunge brush, WD-40. Once clean & dry, I re-lube with the Grease Ninja. Awesome little tool: http://www.greaseninja.com/
I know it's worked for a lot of people in the past but consider that WD-40 is not an actual lubricant. It's original intention and the reason it was created was an anti-rust agent and "water displacement." Just so happens to be that a good water displacement is oil but it's doesn't have near the staying power of actual chain lubricants.
I have found, if I use the right lube and we are talking about an o-ring chain, Bel Ray Super Clean is my choice. The benefits are it keeps the chain clean. Downsides are that it should be used more frequently. I use Dawn to wash the bike, chain and everything. It's a great cleaner and degreaser. The chain gets brushed with a particular brush to get any debris off. I let it air dry while I spray electrical contacts, parts of the engine and areas around the FI with Boeshield since it is what I prefer for bicycle chain lubing, and gear cleaning. It dries to a thin wax film. I spray down the plastics with Lexol Vinylex as it's my go to vinyl cleaner upper for my vehicles. Spray it under fenders and on anything painted or plastic. After buffing and the chain is dry I spray it with Bel Ray Super Clean. It dries quickly and not tacky and leaves a white film. That's my methodology and less hassle than cleaning my mtb. Sprockets just don't gather much dirt and clean up easily.
You're so right. As a matter of fact I used to give prople crap for using it on their bicycle chains. I'm quite fastidious about cleaning my bike after a ride so it's basically only doing its job for a few hours at a time.
Here is the before ;-) Hasn't rained much this year so just dust and it pretty much rinses off. And it's been a regular at the dealer so keep it clean to make it easier for them which I know is appreciated. About 700 miles so far... 90% dust.
