Cleaning Your Chain... Or not...

[NastyEvilNinja]

In the last 13 years since getting a bike, I've always guilt-tripped myself by thinking "I WILL find the time to clean my chain properly".

300,000 miles of riding later, I still haven't found that time.

That's right - I have NEVER cleaned a chain. I lube it and adjust it as needed, and change it when I have to, and that's it. And the thing is, although maybe I do buy decent chains, the chain itself always far outlasts any sprockets I've had on bikes. So, worn sprockets = chain off and in the bin, and new C&S set on.

Do you know what's happened from me not spending hours of my life cleaning crap off my chain? Absolutely nothing. Except, maybe, more riding time.

So I'm officially never going to kid myself about chain cleaning again! Screw all you hippies - I'm liberated and have all that time spare, just for me!

How much time do you waste on it, and can you give me any sort of reason why I'm wrong? :?

 

[extreme601]

You're not alone, I've never cleaned a chain either. I lube it when I need to, but that's the lot

 

[TheDiabeticBiker]

I'm going to attempt to clean mine only because it's rusty (like most of the bike) and feels a tad dry. This might be the only time but, who knows.

 

[Premises187]

I cleaned mine two days ago.
If you've just got a side stand and no rear paddock its a ballache.
I think I'm gonna quit cleaning it as well.

 

[ToastToGo]

I clean mine when I start to feel really bad. However...I don't use a grime brush...I just clean the outside plates so my chain looks pretty. The chain I have on there now is semi rusted because of previous owner. But if I end up with a gold chain on my bike down the road, I'll probably want to keep that chain shiny as much as possible. Bling bling

 

[Trinith]

I only clean mine when I want it to look good, which is extremely rare. I think I've spent a total of an hour cleaning chains in the last 6 years, and I've never had one last less than 20,000 miles.

 

[Friz]

In the last 13 years since getting a bike, I've always guilt-tripped myself by thinking "I WILL find the time to clean my chain properly".

300,000 miles of riding later, I still haven't found that time.

That's right - I have NEVER cleaned a chain. I lube it and adjust it as needed, and change it when I have to, and that's it. And the thing is, although maybe I do buy decent chains, the chain itself always far outlasts any sprockets I've had on bikes. So, worn sprockets = chain off and in the bin, and new C&S set on.

Do you know what's happened from me not spending hours of my life cleaning crap off my chain? Absolutely nothing. Except, maybe, more riding time.

So I'm officially never going to kid myself about chain cleaning again! Screw all you hippies - I'm liberated and have all that time spare, just for me!

How much time do you waste on it, and can you give me any sort of reason why I'm wrong? :?

I'm with you there!
Never cleaned a chain and no problems yet!

 

[CurlyBlakey]

I don't think there's much to be gained mechanically, but it looks so much better!

 

[DodgeRider26]

I clean my chain regularly, though not at the recommended intervals. I clean it whenever it gets dirty which lately has been about every 2 rides because I keep going offroad. But when I ride a bunch of street mileage I keep it very well lubed and it stays clean for 500-1000 miles so it's not that big of a problem to clean it whenever needed. It only takes 5-10 minutes...

 

[thunderous71]

I just spray with a chain cleaner, then let that evaporate and lube. But thats all no real clean.

Saying that Im not that good at even cleaning the bike )

 

[Bikermole]

Never cleaned my chain. Lubed when needed (around every 700-1000 miles) Not had any problems with chains not lasting.

I'm going to attempt to clean mine only because it's rusty (like most of the bike) and feels a tad dry. This might be the only time but, who knows.

If it's rusty, then it definately needs changing.

 

[dexterbiker]

Well alot of people know ont his forum i am useless at maintenance and mechanics, however.....i weirdly always clean my chain!!

Well i say clean i normally stick the pressure washer in close proximity and slowly rotate back wheel untill it has cleaned it then just wait till it has dried a bit and back a load of chain lube into it.!!!

 

[TripleTwister]

Id think the grime and grit would wear the sprocket teeth a bit faster than wearing the chain. That said mine gets cleaned virtually never, only really when "The Guilt" gets unbearable :lol:

Gold chain going on this week so I best mend my evil ways :evil:

 

[dexterbiker]

Id think the grime and grit would wear the sprocket teeth a bit faster than wearing the chain. That said mine gets cleaned virtually never, only really when "The Guilt" gets unbearable :lol:

Gold chain going on this week so I best mend my evil ways :evil:

Gold chain, that surely makes your bike only suitable for Mr T right lol

 

[UnstableBoy]

wait.... your supposed to clean the chain? whaa... :shock:


if its caked with grime I will hose it off.. buty otherwise I just spray it down with lube (when I remember to) :?

 

[TripleTwister]

Id think the grime and grit would wear the sprocket teeth a bit faster than wearing the chain. That said mine gets cleaned virtually never, only really when "The Guilt" gets unbearable :lol:

Gold chain going on this week so I best mend my evil ways :evil:

Gold chain, that surely makes your bike only suitable for Mr T right lol

There goes that jealousy rearing its ugly head again
Tbf It wont have gold visible for long im sure

 

[ashpark208]

iv never once cleaned a chain either, a spray of lube once a week and iv always been all good

 

[dexterbiker]

Id think the grime and grit would wear the sprocket teeth a bit faster than wearing the chain. That said mine gets cleaned virtually never, only really when "The Guilt" gets unbearable :lol:

Gold chain going on this week so I best mend my evil ways :evil:

Gold chain, that surely makes your bike only suitable for Mr T right lol

There goes that jealousy rearing its ugly head again
Tbf It wont have gold visible for long im sure

Ha ha dont start with me Tiger

 

[TheDiabeticBiker]

I'm going to attempt to clean mine only because it's rusty (like most of the bike) and feels a tad dry. This might be the only time but, who knows.

If it's rusty, then it definately needs changing.

Damn. Can't afford one at the moment.

 

[tminus005]

i clean my chain every 2 months, it's 30 minute job and i enjoy doing it.