Advisor
To keep the drive chain functioning properly and for a long time, it needs to be cleaned and greased regularly. Neglecting to maintain the motorcycle chain shortens its lifespan and damages the gears. To keep the motorcycle running smoothly, it's not enough to occasionally spray some lubricant haphazardly into the chain. It pays off to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and become more familiar with the maintenance of motorcycle chains. In this article, Midland reveals how often a motorcycle chain should be greased and provides important information and tips.
What is the function of the motorcycle chain?
The motorcycle chain, also known as the drive chain, is one of the most important components of a motorcycle as it moves the motorcycle. It transfers the power from the engine to the rear wheel, providing the drive. On the other hand, the motorcycle chain delivers power to the engine and thus uses the engine's braking power.
Why is greasing the motorcycle chain so important?
Lubricants for motorcycle chains are a blessing and a curse at the same time. Why? Because on one hand, they maintain the chain and ensure perfect mobility of the individual chain links, but on the other hand, they also attract dirt. Dust, tire abrasion, or stones - a lot stays stuck to the motorcycle chain on the road. The longer a motorcycle chain has not been cleaned and re-greased, the more different layers of chain oil and dirt accumulate. This mixture is comparable to sandpaper, as it removes the upper layers of the chain, sprocket, and cog over time, increasing the rate of wear and tear. At the same time, the "dirt paste" causes the individual chain links to be unable to move properly. A fresh layer of oil around a cleaned chain acts as a shield and prevents rust from forming on the chain.
To emphasize the importance of thorough and regular maintenance of motorcycle chains, here are some numbers: On average, motorcycle chains are designed for a mileage of approximately 20,000 km. If the motorcycle chain is regularly greased and cleaned, the mileage can be extended up to 50,000 km. On the other hand, a poorly or not at all maintained drive chain does not even reach 10,000 km.
How do I grease the motorcycle chain correctly?
The motorcycle chain should be cleaned about every 2,000 kilometers. The manufacturer's specifications should be taken as a reference, and the condition of the roads to be traveled should be considered. If the motorcycle is frequently on gravel roads or off-road, the motorcycle chain must be serviced more often.
Once a thorough cleaning has taken place and the motorcycle chain is dry, a suitable lubricant can be applied. Here are some practical tips:
- A motorcycle chain should not only be lubricated after each cleaning, but a small amount of lubricating grease should be applied every 300-500 km.
- Thorough application of lubricating oil or grease is important: If the chain oil is simply sprayed in the direction of the chainring, the motorcycle chain will not be sufficiently lubricated. Make absolutely sure that especially the inside of the chain and all gaps are covered with the lubricating grease.
- The outside of the chain only needs a thin layer of lubricant.
- Rotate the rear wheel slowly while greasing to achieve an even distribution of the lubricant.
- When spraying or smearing with grease, avoid contact with tires and rims (a piece of cardboard can be used for this purpose).
Midland: Wide Selection of Lubricating Oil and Grease
Are you looking for high-quality lubricating oil or grease? Midland is the right place for you! Our online shop offers a wide range of quality lubricants, from engine oils and transmission oils, hydraulic oils and additives, to greases, coolant protection, and add-on products. We have everything your heart and motorcycle desires!
Whether for motorcycles or ATVs, Midland offers the right grease for every need with these products:
Multi Complex NLGI 2 Lithium Complex Grease
The Lithium Complex Grease Multi Complex NLGI 2 is characterized by its high stability and pressure resistance thanks to EP additives and excellent thermal stability. Additionally, it provides reliable protection against corrosion.
Applications
- universal application range
- especially suitable for chassis lubrication and wheel bearings
- Continuous operation from -30°C to +140°C; Short-term operation up to +220°C
K7 Chain Spray
The K7 Chain Spray makes lubricating the motorcycle chain child's play. It is temperature-stable, water-resistant, wear-reducing, O-ring tested, and provides high corrosion protection and protection against sticking.
Applications
- Motorcycle chains
- Drive chains of aggregates
Dentax EP NLGI 00 Lithium Fluid Grease
The Lithium Fluid Grease EP NLGI 00 forms a particularly stable lubricant film and therefore reliably protects against wear and corrosion. In addition, this fluid grease is characterized by its high stability and pressure resistance thanks to EP additives.
Applications
- suitable for central chassis lubrication and as a transmission fluid grease
- Continuous operation from -30°C to +100°C; Short-term operation up to +120°C
On our website, you will find all Midland lubricating greases for various applications:
Discover all Midland greases here.
To the productsStay in Motion Smoothly - Lubricants from Midland
With Midland's lubricants, everything runs smoothly! Whether for passenger cars, trucks & buses, motorcycles & ATVs, marine, construction machines, industry, agriculture & forestry or classic cars - we offer you the full range of quality lubricants for all areas of application. This includes engine oils, transmission oils, hydraulic oils, additives, coolant protection and supplementary products. Since 2017, we have had the most modern fully automated lubricant production plant in Switzerland to constantly provide you with consistent and constantly carefully controlled quality. That's what our company slogan "Swiss Quality Oil" stands for.
Midland: A Brand of the Swiss Traditional Company Oel-Brack AG
The Midland brand was launched by Oel-Brack AG in 2004, which has been producing and importing products of American oil companies under license as a family business since 1880. Under the Midland brand, the Swiss family business trades in heating oil and fuels domestically and produces quality lubricants for domestic and foreign markets in Aargau (Hunzenschwil). In Switzerland alone, Midland lubricants are delivered to over 3000 passenger car and truck garages, motorcycle dealers, workshops, yards, forest offices and industrial companies, while almost half of the total production is exported.
Find the right lubricant with just a few clicks - Midland's Oil Finder
What engine oil should I use for my classic car? What hydraulic oil is best suited for my motorcycle? What should I look for when buying additives? Finding the right lubricants is not easy due to the large selection of different products. But now that's a thing of the past. Midland provides you with a convenient online Oil Finder, with which you can now reach the right lubricant with just a few clicks. Simply select the vehicle or machine and browse through the individually compiled product selection. You will receive product recommendations for each application area, including important interval hints for changing. Try it now!
Buy lubricants at Midland and get good advice
Midland offers quality lubricants and provides expert advice. If you have any questions about their products or would like to purchase motor oil, their specialists are available to assist you via phone +41 62 889 10 30, email info@oelbrack.ch, or their contact form. They are dedicated to providing personalized advice and are happy to answer your questions with their years of experience in the field of lubricants and fats.
Contact Midland for expert advice and support.
More questions about Grease
Whether truck & buses, motorcycles & ATVs, marine, construction, industry, agriculture and forestry or classic cars - to keep wear to a minimum, most machines require regular maintenance and greasing with lubricating grease. But what exactly is this and how do I choose the best grease? Midland reveals the most important information in this article.
For the best possible results in lubricating agricultural machinery, a suitable lubricating grease should be used. Midland reveals which lubricating grease is recommended in this article.
When lubricating mechanical systems or machine parts, an appropriate lubricant should be used for the best possible result. Midland reveals in this article which lubricant is best recommended for which situation.
When lubricating mechanical systems or machine parts, an appropriate lubricant should be used for the best result. Midland reveals in this article which lubricant is best recommended for which purpose.