Clean chain

[flash]

What do you guy's do to clean your chain? If you clean it at all. I have 38,000 on my chain and it still looks great, however I suspect it's nearing the end of it's life. Does anyone know how long a chain should last?

[Shaman]

I use Bel-Ray chain cleaner.  Seems to take crap off without a hassle.

[y2k1100xx]

I've always used a manual wipe with kerosene using lots of clean rags and plenty of dry wiping.  My manual recommends kerosene and cautions against using other solvents which might damage rubber o-rings.   I do this every 600-1000 km depending on how I've been riding and through what.  There are brushes available as well that grip/clean both sides of the chain. Haven't tried one, but suspect it may do a better job of penetrating all the bits around the o-rings and such.  My manual specifically cautions against using a brush, again, for fear of damaging the o-rings.  I visually inspect to make sure that each roller is undamaged and spins freely during the cleaning and subsequent lube job.

There are probably a lot of chain-cleaning techniques being used ... will be interesting to hear a few.

BTW, I've got 34K on the Bird's chain, and guess what I'm shopping for next ... new chain and sprockets (can't have one without the others) ... mine still looks pretty good with respect to the shape of the sprocket teeth, but she's stretched into the replacement zone on the indicators ...  I'm still debating about changing the sprockets (number of teeth and maybe manufacturer) from stock ... it's nice to have the top end speed, but rare to get to enjoy it ...  

Any experience/thoughts re aftermarket chain/sprockets?

cheers

p.s.  not a good idea to use gas ...

[Giv'Er]

My new bike came with a realy nice clean and new O-Ring chain. I asked about cleaning methods and lube products. Suzooki mechanic in Ottawa ( Wont even drive past Tony's) told me to never use a solvent on the chain.  A dry rag to wipe down and then re-lube when done. Chain should be warm too...  20 min ride first to get chain warm and then clean and lube.

[Yeller_Gixxer]

Kerosene, a soft plastic bristled toothbrush type brush and lots of rags is what we use. You don't need to scrub too hard on the chain, if you do you risk driving the road grit in beyond the o-rings, and that stuff will kill the chain.....Just be sure you aren't going to be doing this on your paved driveway, as any spilled kerosene will leave a mark that is really hard to get rid of........I know

[y2k1100xx]

Kerosene, a soft plastic bristled toothbrush type brush and lots of rags is what we use. You don't need to scrub too hard on the chain, if you do you risk driving the road grit in beyond the o-rings, and that stuff will kill the chain.....Just be sure you aren't going to be doing this on your paved driveway, as any spilled kerosene will leave a mark that is really hard to get rid of........I know

Kinda like the stains ... brings a smile to my face when I'm shovellin' the snow !!   

cheers