How do I clean the chain on my motorcycle? (newbie here)?

Question

I have a Suzuki Katana. The manual says to only clean using Kerosene because the chain does not have a master link, and it has it's own grease in it's links. WD-40, for example would actually cause damage and break down these links.

My question is how do I clean the chain using Karosene? Do I soak it (for how long), or can I use a brush. After that what kind of chain lube do you recommend and where can I buy it?

Answer 1

Karosene on Rag. Wipe. If you are having trouble, let it sit for a few minutes +/-5. Toothbrush/similar should be fine; metal wire brish may cause damage.

Contact the dealer for optimal lube choice(s), but here's an option: PJ1 Blue Label

Answer 2

I don't clean my chain.

I put my bike on a stand, and put it in neutral. I hold a rag under the chain, and then I grab my spray can of white graphite chain lube. I spray the lube through the top of the links above the rag --- allowing it to foam up a bit, and spread to all the parts of the link. Then with the rag hand, I grasp the chain and rotate it about six inches, and then repeat the process. After the entire chain has been lubed. I wipe off the excess so that it doesn't sling off all over the bike. I do this every 500 miles, and my chains have always lasted me a long time. I used to use 90 weight gear oil in the past. It works, but it tends to sling off and make the rear wheel and the entire chain path pretty grimy.

Answer 3

Soak it for a while in the kerosene. Flex the chain good while in the kerosene to loosen all the grime

You can use a paintbrush to help this along. A soft brush like a paintbrush is ok, but a stiff one may damage the rubber o-rings.

Then use a rag to clean the kerosene off it.

As for chain lube. I haven't noticed any difference in them. I use the Champion spray can type that Walmart sells.

Answer 4

i do no longer. I purely use my Scottoiler and clean the back wheel/chain guard, exhaust, pant leg, boot, tail piece, underside of topbox each and every Saturday morning. they're all much less puzzling to bathe than a chain, regardless of the undeniable fact that. And Scottoilers relatively do artwork - mine's have been given the twin dribbler to feed the two facets of the chain yet i do no longer think of it relatively is all that mandatory. the two way, my chain's constantly sparkly fantastically and lasts continuously. back interior the day, I used to heat it in a panful of kerosene, and scrub it and dry it and lube it with large care and satisfaction and not holiday my bike for 2 days...and then I have been given the vehicle-oiler and forgot approximately that edge of motorcycling. good riddance, too. Edit: Typo

Answer 5

it rubber o-rings apperent keep dry cloth about.. and always lube after riding it while..nor before sometimes lube is thown all over you..use center stand to jack up rear wheel when lubin or drying off...spin slowly to clean, i don't know about kerosen for cleanin i'd use shop tools recommended by ludbe service company..like Bel-ray?