Guide To Lubing & Cleaning Dirt Bike Chain

Whether you’re a seasoned bike rider or just starting in the space, dirt bike chain maintenance simply can’t be avoided. For those less experienced with the sport, the idea of tinkering around with a new machine can seem like a recipe for disaster. However, cleaning dirt bike chains is nothing complicated; it just requires a bit of patience and some regular upkeep.

As many enthusiasts can attest, using tools like a pressure washer and applying chain lube is all part of the fun – the act of slowly chiseling through the dirt and grime to reveal a hidden masterpiece, returning it to its former glory and feeling a real sense of accomplishment in the process. And after all, you’re riding in muddy, off-road conditions, so it’s paramount to keep your gears in top shape anyway.

From O ring chains to the rear wheel, we’ll be breaking down the best way to properly clean a dirt bike – including the amount of chain cleaner/mini chain lube required. Most importantly, we’ll be providing some critical pointers, insight, and general tips for avoiding a dirty chain.

Firstly, we’re going to need a few essential, easily accessible tools to make our lives easier:

5 Step Process For Dirt Bike Chain Maintenance

Let’s walk through five easy steps to get your dirt bike back in top form.

1. Gather your supplies
2. Clean the chain prior to lubrication
3. Rinse the chain with water
4. Lubricate the chain
5. Let the lubricant settle, and go for a ride

1.   Gather Your Supplies

As mentioned, we’ll need a few pieces of equipment at hand to get the job done effectively. First things first, you’ll need a chain cleaner that’s safe for use on dirt bike parts – something that can dissolve dirt and grime without damaging the chain itself.

Additionally, you’ll also want to grab a sturdy wire brush and a rag, helping to make less of a job out of scrubbing off those last stubborn dirt particles.

At this point, it’s crucial to decide which type of lubricant you’ll need for your bike. If we’re looking at dirt bikes specifically, you’ll want your chain lube to withstand all the rough and tumble of off-road riding, as that’ll give it more long-term protection. Crucially, check to see if your dirt bike has an X-ring chain or another kind of sealed chain, as this also impacts the type of lube you can use on it.

2.   Clean The Chain Prior to Lubrication

With all your cleaning supplies together, it’s time to start giving your chain some much-needed restoration! To kick things off, apply some of the chain cleaners onto your chain, giving it time to work its magic for a couple of minutes. Remember, this cleaner comes off really quickly as it’s designed explicitly for dissolving dirt and grime, so don’t be afraid to apply it liberally.

Once you’ve given it time to work, grab your wire brush and gently scrub around the chain to push dirt and any remaining debris off. Specifically, you’ll want to target the rear sprocket and sprocket teeth when cleaning your bike – these areas generally harbor the most dirt, so give them some extra attention.

You might notice that the cleaner starts to foam and turn brown as you scrub, but this is as expected and indicates that it’s doing its job correctly. Keep washing until the foam turns transparent and the chain looks clean.

3.   Rinse The Chain With Water

Now we’ve applied a bit of TLC to your chain; it’s time to rinse the whole thing with water to get rid of any leftover dirt or residue from the cleaner. Grab any kind of hose, and gently spray the chain from top to bottom, paying particular attention to the rear sprocket and sprocket teeth once again.

As the water hits the chain, you’ll start to see all the dirt and grime vanish, unearthing the beautifully clean chain you thought was long gone. Take some time here to ensure you’re hitting every nook and cranny – you never want any residual debris or dirt on your chain before we add lube, as this shortens its life span.

Once you’re satisfied that your chain is thoroughly rinsed, give it some time to dry. If you’re in a hurry, you could use a towel or cloth to pat it down here, but whatever you do, it’s paramount that the chain is completely dry before applying any lubricant. Chain lube doesn’t adhere properly to wet surfaces and will just slide right off, defeating the purpose of lubricating in the first place.

4.   Lubricate The Chain

After giving your bike ample time to dry, it’s time to provide it with the lubrication it deserves! Having a well-lubricated chain makes all the difference in your overall riding experience, letting you navigate obstacles and glide around with ease.

Kicking things off, grab your chosen lubricant, ensuring you’ve double-checked that it’s safe for your specific type of chain prior to applying. Next, you’ll want to use a generous amount of lubricant to the chain, taking care to spread it evenly to the master link. Don’t skimp out on lubing the rear sprocket, too, as this plays a fairly critical role in the chain’s function.

As touched on earlier, you’ll need a kind of lubricant specifically designed for sealed chains if your bike comes with one of these. These kinds of chains already have a lubricant sealed inside of them, so any incompatible lube used might contaminate it and cause premature wear and tear. Naturally, this can lead to costly repairs down the line, so don’t make this mistake while you have the chance.

Similarly, over-lubricating your chain can attract dirt and debris, too, so try not to cross this fine line.

5.   Let The Lubricant Settle and Go For a Ride

Almost done! Now we’ve given your chain a proper clean and have fully lubricated it, all that’s next is to let the lube settle in and work its way into every nook and cranny of the chain.

After you’re confident it’s fully settled, simply hop on your dirt bike and hit the trail! Going out for a spin actually helps your lubricant distribute evenly across your whole chain, so don’t be afraid of taking your bike back out too early.

At this point, it’s vital to give your bike a diagnostics check to see if there are any additional problem areas that might require further attention. As you’re riding around, pay close attention to how your dirt bike feels. Is the chain running smoothly and quietly? Do you feel any vibrations or hear any unusual noises? If so, it’s entirely possible that your chain might have some other issues. Our method guarantees a fully clean and lubricated chain, so any unexpected results could very much be down to the pre-existing condition of the chain, not just how clean it is.

If there’s any doubt, try to take some detailed notes of any issues and address them promptly so you’re not causing any further damage to your dirt bike parts.

Conclusion

There we have it! In general, taking care of your dirt bike chain is all part of being a rider, so learning how to clean it effectively is a great life skill to have. By following all the steps we’ve outlined in this article, you can give your bike some love and save on any professional chain replacement fees. Just remember to always use high-quality cleaning and lubrication products when cleaning to ensure more long-term protection!

Furthermore, proper maintenance of your chain benefits not only your bike but also the environment! By using biodegradable cleaning products and lubricants, you can minimize your impact on the environment while still enjoying the thrill of off-road riding.