Is it bad to clean a bike chain with soap and water?

Question

I just got my first bike about a month ago and I am going to do my first chain adjustment today. It's a 2004 ninja 250. I was wondering is it bad to use soap and water to clean the chain. I've heard things about kerosene and Wd40 but both have cons about them cuz they can actually wear down the metal or something like that. Anyway, what is my best bet to cleaning it. I've also noticed the last time I was messing with the bike, I had it on the center stand and the rear wheel wouldn't move on its own. Why is this?

Answer 1

It depends on your chain, read the manual or find out what kind of chain you have. From my experience on dirt bikes with o-ring chains you do not want to use anything like gas, wd40, kerosene etc because it will ruin the o rings and wash out all the grease.



Your safest bet is to just use water from a hose, dry it, and apply new chain wax.



BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING: Read the manual, using water is harmless but do not go adding soap or using petroleum products without first knowing what kind of chain you have.

Answer 2

No, don't use soap and water. That promotes rust.



Kerosene is probably the best chain cleaner out there. other than the fact that it's flammable and you have to be careful - don't use it inside the garage.



I use WD-40 and have for years to clean the chain. Then I wipe it clean with a rag and apply chain lube. I do that every 500 to 1000 miles. My chains last as long as anyone with the same type of bike (15K to 20K miles). At that point the sprockets are worn anyway.



I use a grunge brush to clear away some of the embedded dirt. http://www.amazon.com/Simple-Solutions-Grunge-Brush-RGB800/dp/B0012TPVC0



It's not the metal that you have to be careful of, it's the little o-rings at every link. Damage those and you promote chain wear fast

Answer 3

Never use a domestic-use soap on any part of your bike – washing up liquid or anything like that contains a considerable amount of salt – and it is that which promotes rust (not the water, although that doesn’t help).



You can get specific cleaners for chains and clever little tools to do it with – personally I don’t use them, I use an oily rag frequently to get the worst off and lube regularly.



http://www.vcustoms.co.uk/motorbike_617_muc-off-motorcycle-chain-doc-chain-care-kit-(400ml-chain-cleaner--50ml-chain-lube)_13582.html?gclid=CNzG6raC3bICFeTKtAodMgYAbQ



Assuming the bike was not in gear when you had it on the stand, and the chain is properly adjusted, I would guess that the rear brake was binding – this will sap power and is generally dangerous, a good caliper clean might help but is not a fulltime solution. Identify exactly what is causing the problem and deal with it.

Answer 4

Generally I don't clean the chain on my bike, I just lubricate it. If I clean it at all I just give it a wipe with a rag. Some people use mineral spirits or WD-40 to clean the chain but some people warn against it because inside the chain links are tiny rubber washers which can be damaged by solvents.

Answer 5

Kerosene or WD40 is better than soap & water. Oil the chain again before you ride it

Answer 6

Yes...it's bad. ? answered.



Advice: You can remove the chain and emerse it in solvent, allow to fully dry & then emerse in warm grease so it pentrates the rollers links etc.



Or just lubricate insitu periodically.



There are after market systems Scotoiler" that can be fitted to the bike that do this whilst in use and their claim is this prolongs chain lfe considerably.

Answer 7

good advice above on chains but as to your rear wheel not wanting to move while on the centerstand goes you probably had the bike in gear lol

Answer 8

Scrub the chain with a toothbrush and petrol, then oil the chain afterwards. Do not use diesel. Diesel won't evaporate if it comes in contact with your tyres.

Answer 9

Do not use soap and water.

Metal rusts when it comes in contact with water.

Use chain cleaner.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/DuPont-Motorcycle-Degreaser-11-oz/16672660



The "grunge brush" makes cleaning effortless.

http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=chain+brush+motorcycle&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=12967154755&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=231541464175318564&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&ref=pd_sl_8sxrej71ja_b

Answer 10

"cuz they can actually wear down the metal"? On what planet? Buy a repair / maintenance manual before you hurt yourself.

Answer 11

Cleaning with keresone is the best.