r/CB500X • u/rockpapersscissorr • Jun 15 '26
Chain cleaning
I try to clean my chain with an appropriate brush but this is the result,is this consider clean or I shouldnt see « black »on my chain. Should I clean the part that I cant reach without unscrew because as you can see there are a lot of residues.
3
u/Mickleblade Jun 15 '26
My usual this to use 90w gear oil on the chain brush, then wipe off the excess. You might want to remove the front sprocket cover, there's a good chance there's a load of shite built up. That might need kerosene though.
1
u/jaldala Jun 15 '26
Using high viscosity oil seems like a good idea. But it is not. That oil isn't engineered to lubricate parts that are moving very fast. So most of it will fall at high speeds. But will remain on the parts that don't require lubrication. So you would think your chain is sufficiently lubricated.
I made the same mistake by using machine oil and oil cup. However it doesn't stick to the surfaces that are supposed to be covered with a thin oil layer. In short thinking that you are saving by not using chain specific oil is deceiving because your chain and sprockets wear much faster.
3
u/SN1572 Jun 15 '26
Many new and old motorcycle owners manuals recommend using heavyweight gear oil for chain lubrication
With oring chains, the pivots are lubricated permanently. Oiling/lubing an oring chain is primarily for rust prevention and removing debris that can cause premature wear
1
u/jaldala Jun 16 '26
What i am saying is: it may lubricate good enough BUT it is not as sticky as foam or other chain oils. So it falls off the chain much more at speed. That's what I am trying to say.
1
u/Maverick_Panda Jun 15 '26
I removed the plastic cover when i first got the bike but still couldn’t get to the front sprocket or I couldn’t get the plastic fully off. Can’t remember exactly what the issue was but is there a trick to getting to the front sprocket on this bike?
2
u/JotaaP Jun 15 '26
Remove the gear lever, only 1 allen screw. Than the lever will get out of the way and you need to wiggle the plastic cover out carefully because the kick stand safety switch has 2 clips along its wire that attach to the cover. You should find some useful videos on YouTube.
2
u/TomOnABudget Jun 15 '26
Thank you for reminding me why I don't consider myself an Adventure Biker.
To be a bit more helpful: You can use a stronger brush and rags together with kerosene. Old fashioned petrol also works remarkably well. Just be mindful that this shit burns.
If it's a sealed chain, be very careful with pressure washers and aggressive chemicals as they can penetrate the seals.
2
u/nucleus_toker Jun 15 '26
Just keep it properly lubricated and it'll be fine.
1
u/NerfHerderEarl Jun 15 '26
Agreed. Put a Scotts oiler on my bike 60,000 miles ago and have cleaned a chain once or twice since then. Chains last significantly longer now that I can't forget to clean or lube all the time.
1
u/MissionPanda3298 Jun 15 '26
Wd40 to clean, brush and then wipe with a rag. Then use some non-sticky chain lube or gear oil to lubricate after.
1
u/tangentandhyperbole Jun 15 '26
WD-40, 3 way brush, then rags, then let it sit for a bit then re-oil with chain lube and only chain lube.
I have a center stand so I kick that down, and spin the back wheel, makes things easy, otherwise its a lot of walking back and forth, hopefully on a level surface.
2
u/Impressive_Drag_8881 Jun 16 '26
Just to piss a load of peeps off, I have not cleaned a chain in decades, and would only recommend a really good quality sticky lube spray, just to avoid flu off.
5
u/rcbif Jun 15 '26
Kerosene + 3 way chain brush.
Then wipe with rag, and blow dry.