DIY Chain Care: The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning, Lubing, and Adjusting Your Motorbike Chain

Riding Verse
Nov 26
3 min read

The motorcycle chain is arguably the most neglected, yet most critical, component for both performance and safety. A poorly maintained chain can lead to premature wear of your sprockets, poor mileage, uncomfortable jerking during shifts, and—in extreme cases—a dangerous chain snap.

While it might seem intimidating, maintaining your chain is a simple, DIY process that saves you time and money. This guide covers the essential steps for cleaning, lubricating, and adjusting your bike's chain, keeping your ride smooth and reliable on the Indian roads.

1. 🧼 The Cleaning Process: Removing Grime and Gunk

Cleaning should be done every 500-700 km, or immediately after a ride in heavy rain or dirt (e.g., after a monsoon ride).

What You'll Need:

Chain Cleaner (Specialized product, or Kerosene/Diesel—used sparingly and carefully).
Chain Brush (or a firm bristle toothbrush).
Cleaning rags or towels.

Step-by-Step:

Elevate the Bike: Use the center stand or a paddock stand to lift the rear wheel, allowing it to spin freely.
Apply Cleaner: Spray the chain cleaner liberally onto the chain. Allow it to soak for a minute. If using Kerosene/Diesel, apply with a brush, avoiding contact with tire rubber and seals.
Scrub Thoroughly: Use your chain brush to scrub the top, bottom, and sides of the chain, focusing on removing all embedded dirt and grime from the rollers and side plates.
Wipe Dry: Use a clean rag to wipe off all the loosened dirt and cleaning residue until the chain is visibly clean and silver.

2. 🧴 Lubrication: The Lifeblood of Your Chain

Lubrication must be done after every wash, every cleaning session, and every 500 km (or after riding in the rain).

What You'll Need:

High-quality Chain Lube (Wax or synthetic spray).

Step-by-Step:

Apply Evenly: Slowly rotate the rear wheel by hand. Apply the chain lube to the inner side of the chain, focusing on the rollers and the O/X-rings.
Spin and Apply: Apply the lube in a thin, continuous stream while rotating the wheel 2-3 times. This ensures lube reaches all critical parts.
Let It Set: Wait 15-20 minutes before riding. This allows the solvent to evaporate and the lube to thicken and adhere properly, preventing it from immediately flying off onto your swingarm and rear wheel.
Wipe Excess: After setting, a quick wipe of any excess lube from the side plates reduces dirt attraction.

3. ⚙️ Checking Tension: The Critical Adjustment

Chain slack (tension) is vital for smooth power delivery and safety. Check it every 1,000 km.

What You'll Need:

Owner's Manual (to find the required slack measurement).
Measuring tape or scale.
Spanner set (for axle nut and adjustment bolts).

Step-by-Step:

Find the Slack: Push the chain up and down midway between the front and rear sprockets. The amount of free movement is the chain slack.
Measure and Compare: Consult your bike's manual. Most bikes require 20mm to 35mm (or 0.8 to 1.4 inches) of total vertical free play.
Adjust (If Needed):
- Slightly loosen the rear axle nut.
- Use the adjuster bolts (at the swingarm end) to push the wheel backward (to tighten the chain) or forward (to loosen the chain).
- Crucial: Ensure the alignment marks on both sides of the swingarm are identical to keep the wheel straight.
Tighten & Recheck: Re-tighten the axle nut to the manufacturer's specified torque. Recheck the slack.

4. 🛠️ Riding Verse & Your Maintenance Schedule (Coming Soon!)

While knowing the steps is great, remembering when to perform them can be tough, especially if you have an erratic riding schedule across different cities like Mumbai or Hyderabad.

Riding Verse is coming soon to simplify your maintenance life:

Integrated Maintenance Tracker: Log your rides and get automated reminders when your bike is due for a chain lube, oil change, or air filter inspection based on your actual mileage.
Community DIY Guides: Access verified, bike-specific tutorials and troubleshooting tips shared by fellow experienced DIY mechanics.
Find Trusted Mechanics: If the job is too big, instantly locate trusted, community-vetted mechanics in your area for major chain/sprocket replacement, ensuring quality service every time.