Here's a chore nobody looks forward to. But, like most cleaning jobs, it's easier to give it regular attention than to let it go til the drive chain is coated in a thick, sticky mess of grease and dirt. And routine cleanings are quick and easy — simply run a throwaway rag soaked in WD-40 (or similar) over the links as you rotate the chain til the metal is clear of lube and dirt. Then apply a light coating of chain lube or 80w90 gear lube (which Honda recommends), wiping any excess with a clean cloth. The secret here is light lubrication — "lubing" a chain is not really for lubrication (a modern drive chain is internally lubricated) but rather to keep the chain clean and rust free. Caking layer upon layer of sticky lube on a chain is counterproductive. Do this about every 1000 miles and your chain/sprockets will reward you with a long life. How long? 20,000 miles is my general goal. Which chain lube? Check Fortnine's YouTube channel for at least two videos on the subject.
During my recent tear-down of Project 42 I wanted to clean the drive chain before removing it from the bike, so after removing the chain guard, mufflers, center & side stands I temporarily remounted the rear wheel and sprocket to allow use of my trusted chain scrubbing tool — a plastic apparatus that I acquired years ago with the catchy name of "Zoiler," shown above. This thing is anchored to a convenient point and clamps around the chain, pressing plastic scrub brushes on all four sides of the chain. A tube affixed to the top connects to a can of WD-40 which is fed into the device while rotating the chain. The dirty fluid drains out the bottom as the gunk is scrubbed away. The chain is then wiped clean.
You can substitute a hand scrub brush or the popular Grunge Brush (or its many copies) but this tool is quick, thorough and helps contain the mess.
(click on an image to enlarge)
You can substitute a hand scrub brush or the popular Grunge Brush (or its many copies) but this tool is quick, thorough and helps contain the mess.
(click on an image to enlarge)
A Lesson In Chain Care
Back in 2010 I went to inspect what would become Project 2, located near Sparta, WI. It was a R/W/B 1986 VFR750 with twin Kerkers fitted and otherwise stock condition. I was offered a test ride and with open country nearby I quickly found myself on an empty road where I naturally ran the revs upward — until the tach slowed to a crawl around 6000 RPM, struggling to advance slowly upward. The bike otherwise ran well and looked great, so I took the chance that a carburetor cleaning might solve the issue and, deal made, trailered the Interceptor home.
My initial garage inspection showed some neglected maintenance (a story to be repeated many times in the ensuing years) including an exceptionally dirty drive chain. So, with a container of kerosene, an assortment of brushes and old rags, I set about removing years of grease and dirt, finally revealing a shiny chain which now rotated with a satisfying click-click-click as it should. After a general bike cleaning, I decided to do another test run and, to my surprise, the bike revved strong and clean to redline.
Lesson learned; a neglected drive chain is able to strangle 102 horsepower.
Back in 2010 I went to inspect what would become Project 2, located near Sparta, WI. It was a R/W/B 1986 VFR750 with twin Kerkers fitted and otherwise stock condition. I was offered a test ride and with open country nearby I quickly found myself on an empty road where I naturally ran the revs upward — until the tach slowed to a crawl around 6000 RPM, struggling to advance slowly upward. The bike otherwise ran well and looked great, so I took the chance that a carburetor cleaning might solve the issue and, deal made, trailered the Interceptor home.
My initial garage inspection showed some neglected maintenance (a story to be repeated many times in the ensuing years) including an exceptionally dirty drive chain. So, with a container of kerosene, an assortment of brushes and old rags, I set about removing years of grease and dirt, finally revealing a shiny chain which now rotated with a satisfying click-click-click as it should. After a general bike cleaning, I decided to do another test run and, to my surprise, the bike revved strong and clean to redline.
Lesson learned; a neglected drive chain is able to strangle 102 horsepower.
Project 2 (right), with Project 1 on left.
RSS Feed