cleaning the chain

[s.ga.rider]

The 03 300ex I bought about a month ago I believe has never had the chain cleaned. I think it still has the factory grease on it. I have tried wd40, carb cleaner and heavy duty degreaser. I got some of it off but its so caked on you almost have to scrape it off. I can bend the chain and the bend stays in it, its that bad. Im not sure what else to try.

[300exOH]

Sounds like it's time for a new one to me. You may be able to soak it in kerosene and revive it for a bit but I wouldn't count on it or trust it not too break. I'd recommend getting a new one and not risk getting a broken side case.

[alexmx22]

once and a while i take my chain off and soak it in whayever oil i have lying around last time i cleaned it with a wire brush then soaked it.

[woodsman250r]

I agree with just getting a new chain. This way you can keep it clean from the begining and it will last you for a long time as long as you grease or lube it after rides. Plus its nice to know that you have a new chain that you don't have to worry about breaking while you are out riding.

[alexmx22]

thats true

[DaleJrFan]

kerosense is the way to go if you are taking it off but I use wd-40 before and after everytime I ride.

[Johnny H]

I just picked up a 400ex last week and I've never had a 4 wheeler before. I've heard that WD-40 isn't that good for the chain and I was advised to get the chain lube. Is WD-40 ok and did I just waste $15 on a can of lube?

[300exOH]

Originally posted by Johnny H
I just picked up a 400ex last week and I've never had a 4 wheeler before. I've heard that WD-40 isn't that good for the chain and I was advised to get the chain lube. Is WD-40 ok and did I just waste $15 on a can of lube?

WD-40 is safe on an o-ring chain. Although I do prefer to use chain lube myself I've known quite a few folks that have used WD-40 with no problems at all. I use PJ1 chain lube and it's well under $15.

BTW- Welcome to the site:devil:

[s.ga.rider]

I have always used wd40 to clean chains on mine and my wifes street bikes. Let it dry and apply some chain lube.

[400ex28]

i use kerosene to clean my chain:o

[300ex13]

i use kerosene also and i also have some kind of special cleaner to put on afterwards

[wboy62417]

they make a chain cleaner tool or a wire brush and wd but i would go with the new chain because the 300ex's are bad about the case getting busted by the chains flying off

[DaleJrFan]

the reason i dont use chain lube is cause it tells you to apply while the chain is hot so it melts on, i ride alot of dunes and the trails are really dusty here so the chain lube justs attracts crap that sticks to the chain to eat away at the o-rings. now if i am in the mud(which is rare), i use chain lube.

this has been posted 1000 times and it just ends up to user preference. try them both and you decide.

[MoToX199]

is it ok to use bell-ray motorcycle chain lube? its white and very sticky is what the dealer says to use,is this ok?