Hi guys,

I have this stiff hard muddy material all over the kickstand and the bottom of the clutch cover. Can you tell me if this is just the grease from the chain or is this possibly an oil leak?

FYI: I just bought this bike used last week. I have ridden it 3 times without any issues. The previous owner replaced the front & rear sprockets and put in a new 520 o-ring chain (according to service records).

Thanks in advance!

 

Road gunk + chain grease.

My bike gets it and I know I'm not leaking oil. Pisses me off cause I wash my bike every 2 weeks and that's the spot that usually ruins my sponge. So I save it for last :P

 

sweet! this gives me some peace of mind.

 

Ya I noticed that gunk when I first got my bike as well. Its primarily from the chain and countersproket housing..When I initially took off my countersproket housing it was CAKED with chain grease. The chain had probably never been cleaned. Took me 2 hours to get 70% of it out of there!

Question for anyone: Whats the best and safe cleaner for grease/buildup/film on the plastic fairings? Also, whats the best/safest stuff to clean the tank? Ive been using windex on the tank. But not sure what will cut grease and clean the fairings well without damaging them or leaving a film. Maybe something like simple green then wash with water?

 

Motul "Shine & Go" silicone cleaner is something I have used in the past. I'll be buying this again soon. Works great!.. you simply spray on, it foams, and then you wipe it down. It cleans and waxes at the same time. I love it.

 

actually, now that i was looking at the bottle online, I believe I used the "wash and wax" by Motul not the one mentioned above.

 

I use Brake Cleaner to easily blow off the gunk and it leaves that kickstand area looking brand new. The kickstand spring stays nice and shiney and the plastic tube stays spotless. no wiping required. JUST DONT SPRAY IT ON YOUR CHAIN.

advanced auto parts has generic cans of the stuff for $2.99 a piece.

 

You might want to change the master link on the chain.

 

Good eye! Didn't notice that myself

 

I've used simple green to clean my bike plenty of times. However, for stubborn grease buildup, I LOVE WD40. I also use WD for sticker residue, etc. It's safe on plastics, plus it slows buildup and displaces water on metal.

With brake cleaner, it cleans like a **** on hard parts, but I don't like to get it on plastic, rubber, etc. I just don't like the thought of putting it on my bike after what I've seen it do. lol..