Chain Lube

[AP]

I just finished a bottle of PJ1 Blue label for O-ring chains.  Any other recommended ones to try out or where to get the best deals on some more?

[aprilmaybe]

On a recommendation from one of the techs at my Ducati dealer I've been using Pro Honda HP Chain Lube in a red can. I like it much better than the PJ1, its way less messy.

[Tony]

Motorcycle Consumer News tested 22 different brands of chain lubes (including WD-40) for "initial rolling resistance, post rolling resistance, sling off, corrosion resistance, grit resistance and value.

The top 6 recommended products were (in order of scoring):

1. PJ1 Chain Lube Black
2. Kawasaki K-Kare Foaming Chain Lube
3. Yamaha Performance Chain Lubrication
4. Pro Honda HP Lube
5. PJ1 Chain Lube Blue
6. Torco Power Slide Titanium


I use PJ1 Blue because it's an o-ring specific lube but I think I'm going to switch to PJ1 Black.

I try to lube every 500 miles but I have never cleaned my chain. After Chad, the service manager at 2 Wheel Tuning, finished my 3000 mile service, he commented on the sand and grit stuck in my chain. Chad said my chain would last longer if I cleaned it more often. The chain was nice and shiny after the servicing.

[30-30]

I keep hearing different opinions about when you should lube your chain.

I hear as often as after every ride, (though that seems like you would build up lots of chain cruft) and then the 500 mile interval. Though that seems like it's a bit long to me.

I wonder if I am lubing my chain too often? I do it usually every 150 to 200 miles.

[flstc2003]

30-30~ I am pretty sure you can't lube a chain too much as long as its not flying everywhere.
When I was riding a dual sport in the dirt alot a would clean and lube every sunday. I would run the bike with the rear tire off the ground and hold a parts brush soaked in gas on the chain for a while, hose it of and lube the same way. Worked great, never had any crude build up. I did have the parts brush riped out of my hands and lodged in the wall of the garage when my helper got a little throttle happy one time,

Bob

[zerog]

30-30~ I am pretty sure you can't lube a chain too much as long as its not flying everywhere.
When I was riding a dual sport in the dirt alot a would clean and lube every sunday. I would run the bike with the rear tire off the ground and hold a parts brush soaked in gas on the chain for a while, hose it of and lube the same way. Worked great, never had any crude build up. I did have the parts brush riped out of my hands and lodged in the wall of the garage when my helper got a little throttle happy one time,

Bob

And for those of us who have a little more patience and value our finger a lot more, we keep the engine off, and turn the back wheel with one hand

[JC]

I'm really bad at this.....  as in never lubing my chain.

Chain wax is on my list of things to buy next weekend

[Tony]

I'm really bad at this.....  as in never lubing my chain.

Chain wax is on my list of things to buy next weekend

Any reason you prefer chain wax? The few times chain wax was used on my bike (not by my choice), I found thes stuff messy. It flung all over the place. Also, more road crap and grit sticks to your chain.

[AP]

Supposedly, lubing an O-ring chain is mostly to reduce sprocket wear/increase sprocket life. I believe all chains benefit from extra lubraction to prevent premature failure though. I wouldn't like my chain to go stiff or rusty.

O-ring chains already have lubraction trapped between the o-rings. Lubing too much can cause dirt to accumulate around the rubber o-rings possibly causing damage and reducing internal lubraction of chain.  I like lubing to prevent rust and for increase in sprocket and chain life.  But I might have been spraying on too much. I am going to try some WD40 and maybe some honda lube and see how each go.

[30-30]

 I don't think WD should be used.

I forget the exact reason, but a few folks in the know stressed that it should not be used for automotive care at all.

I think it indirectly promotes rust.

[JC]

nope, no reason for wax vs lube.  I've never used either

[Tony]

I don't think WD should be used.

I forget the exact reason, but a few folks in the know stressed that it should not be used for automotive care at all.

I think it indirectly promotes rust.

From my understanding, WD 40 can be used to clean your chain. However, it should be sprayed on a rag because the propellant can damage the O-rings.

[Gixer]

Do NOT use WD-40 on an O-Ring (X-Ring, whatever buzz word they are using) chain. WD-40 is AWESOME on a NON O-Ring chain. As far as lube, I have used quite a few personally, and I recommend the PJ1 Black or Blue. They are NOT messy when used correctly. Remember the purpose of an O-Ring chain, is to hold the lube for the bushings INSIDE the bushings, you are mearly cleaning/lubricating the OUTER surface of an o-ring. On a non-oring chain, you are lubing and cleaning the outside AND the inside, which is why WD-40 works so well. The CORRECT, factory-approved way of cleaning a NON oring is to take it off the bike, wash it in kerosine, dry it, and THEN lube it...... F THAT! LOL! I'll stick with WD-40 for those.

While we are on the subject, allow me to recommend a chain.... RK.. I have used just about every brand out there (except Regina, and I have heard from EVERYONE they are crap, so I skipped it) RK lasts EASILY three times longer than a DID.

Anyways, my 2 cents

-Allan

[angipants]

Just get a belt drive, almost zero mantainence.

[AP]

Just get a belt drive, almost zero mantainence.

...but chain looks nicer and are less expensive. I don't mind getting my hands a little dirt...