What is the best chain lube?

bigef4i · 12-15-2007, 5:21 PM

PJ1 blue label.......it doesnt fly all over the place, stays on the chain

marius · 12-16-2007, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blade31

Castrol Chain Wax

Tottally agree as long as you put it on while the chain is hot.

sospelotudo · 12-24-2007, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmlavigne

On the subject of chains- does it pay to remove the chain now and then and give it a real good soaking and cleaning? Is it a big deal to remove the chain?

On dirt bikes or bikes with non o-ring chains, it makes sense to do so. Since most sport bikes have o/x/whatever-rings nowadays and they have riveted master links, it is, imho, not very practical for most people.

At our shop we use PJ1 or Maxima (I prefer Maxima) chain waxes. This may sound like a joke, but the PJ1 lately has a leaky nozzle that lubes my hand as well as the chain. Quite annoying really. And I am not talking about just one can, but probably the last few cases we've had. Personally, I use Honda-Pro.

kjohnson · 12-24-2007, 3:54 PM

Most of these listed here are really good.I started with the HP1 and it works really well.Motul is excellent,and so is their entire product line,as are Yamaha chemicals.I just happened to start off with HP1 and it works well.

There are better ways of cleaning a chain than removing it.Here's what I do:

1.Go to a bicycle shop and get a sprocket brush.They're cheaper there.
2.Place rags underneath the chain and swingarm.Keep a few more handy.
3.Raise the rear wheel.Pitbull stands rule all others.
4.Spin the rear wheel and WD40 the chain.Hose the chain down.You want WD40 to drip off the chain.This loosens the dirt from your chain.Careful,try not to get any on the wheel.If you do,wipe it off immediately.
5.Start scrubbing the chain with the brush,chasing the brush with a rag,wiping off the excess.Do this at one foot intervals.
6.Repeat step 4 until that section of chain no longer flows dirt when being sprayed.
7. Start next section and repeat steps 4&5 until entire chain is clean.
8.Wipe down the entire chain.Make sure the chain is nice,clean and dry.
9.Wipe off the rear sprocket,swingarm and anywhere else WD40 run-off has occurred.
10.Apply your choice of chain lube.
11.Smile,and go for a ride.

slickwill · 12-24-2007, 4:28 PM

The above post is pretty good. I'd add a couple points though. If you cut a big piece of cardboard you can slide it right behind the sprocket and it really helps keep your rim and tire clean. Also in between 9 and 10 I'd take it for a ride to get the chain heated so that your lube penetrates and sticks better.

I use WD-40 also (a subject of great debate) but I do think that kerosene is better, just less convenient, and is usually what is recommended by the chain manufacturer's.

95Roguem3 · 05-26-2008, 2:48 AM

Im not one to generally bump old threads, but when this is the EXACT thread I was looking for, it seemed better to just post my question here.

I recently picked up an '01 F4i and will be changing the oil/filter and lubing up the chain ASAP. Ive read good things on WebBikeWorld about "Dupont Teflon Chain Lube" and was wondering if anyone had used it or could recommend it?

I dont want the super-messy swingarm and am looking for ways to avoid that while getting maximum lubrication and longevity out of the chain. Im thinking the factory spec 80w or 90w oil is going to sling around pretty heavily.

Ive read this post and wrote down a few suggestions, but thought I might also ask about the Dupon product while Im here.

dan.slabbert@gm · 05-26-2008, 3:41 AM

Dunno the Dupont product but its bound to be good.

Forget what the factory/owners manual sez bout lubing with gear oil unless u r unable 2 get anything else or or like your bike liberally sprayed with gunk!

bulldog12 · 05-26-2008, 12:00 PM

when you get the fling off, i just use WD-40 to clean up, it comes off super easy. Also, for those who havne't, you may want to remove front sprocket cover and clean around there. i hadn't done this on my 07CBR1000, it only had 10,xxx miles on it and i didn't think it needed it. when i'd get back from a track day, or a hard day of riding, there would be stuff all over the gear shifter and all around that area. i finally took the cover off and WOW was it dirty, even found a 1" piece of hose clamp in there, that apparently couldn't work it's way out. (on my old katana750 i found a rock in there, i kept hearing a noise while riding, but when off the bike and rotating chain i didn't hear anything) the WD-40 cleaned the area nicely and to my surprise at the track I could turn quicker times, get up to speed quicker, shifting seemed to be even more smooth. definately worth the extra effort to clean, and relube. i won't wait 10,xxx miles next time.

Maxima synthetic is what i use, pretty messy though.

LoopyLee · 05-26-2008, 1:14 PM

Just fitted a Scottoiler to my baby blade.. OH swears by them.. Chain is lubricated all the time and only have to remember to top up the reservoir every so often..

BALDGONZO · 05-26-2008, 1:57 PM

Bulldog, when you took the cover off did you have to mess with the clutch slave cylinder or replace the gasket under the cover?

djer73 · 05-26-2008, 2:30 PM

Castrol Chain Wax. theres nothing better.

95Roguem3 · 05-26-2008, 5:06 PM

Thanks guys!

The problem with the Dupont stuff is that I cant find it locally and instead would need to pay $7 shipping on a $6 can of lube.

Ill either end up ordering 2 or 3 cans to offset the shipping cost or go with either Maxima or Castrol.

Thanks again.

Grover130 · 05-26-2008, 7:52 PM

Lowe's carries the dupont lube.

95Roguem3 · 05-26-2008, 8:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grover130

Lowe's carries the dupont lube.

No WAY! Thats awesome. I practically live there (

) and hadnt even though to look for chain lube.

I noticed today that atleast 1 of the rear sprocket teeth is missing (well, its there but has been broken down quite a bit). Im having the CCTL replaced, and Im also going to have the chain and sprockets replaced this week.

Thanks again!

bulldog12 · 05-26-2008, 9:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BALDGONZO

Bulldog, when you took the cover off did you have to mess with the clutch slave cylinder or replace the gasket under the cover?

nope, i had to realign the clutch slave, wasn't different at all. the gasket was just a little metal thing that slid inbetween the cover and the bike. if you havn't taken it off before, leave the rear wheel on. the cover is pretty difficult to get off, but when i'd pull back on the chain it finally came off.

dan.slabbert@gm · 05-27-2008, 2:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoopyLee

Just fitted a Scottoiler to my baby blade.. OH swears by them.. Chain is lubricated all the time and only have to remember to top up the reservoir every so often..

Great! A couple of questions:

Does it come filled with lubricant
If so what lubricant
Is it refillable or throw away & replace with new
If refillable, what do u use; is there a choice of products & r they easily available
how long u been using it - sounds recent so maybe u dont yet no how well it works
& most importantly for me, does it fling shyte all over the rear of the bike (notably the tyre!) oops sorry - tire in USA speak

Personally i use Castrol Chain Wax when i can get it here or i import it. i use the bike for work but mostly track - done 12,000 km in 2 years on the same 520 chain & sprockets (CBR600RR). Its clean & stays put & has obviously worked

Twincam · 05-27-2008, 8:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dan.slabbert@gm

Great! A couple of questions:

Does it come filled with lubricant
If so what lubricant
Is it refillable or throw away & replace with new
If refillable, what do u use; is there a choice of products & r they easily available
how long u been using it - sounds recent so maybe u dont yet no how well it works
& most importantly for me, does it fling shyte all over the rear of the bike (notably the tyre!) oops sorry - tire in USA speak

Personally i use Castrol Chain Wax when i can get it here or i import it. i use the bike for work but mostly track - done 12,000 km in 2 years on the same 520 chain & sprockets (CBR600RR). Its clean & stays put & has obviously worked

I can't give you all of the details as personally I do not own one, but the Scottoiler is a very good piece of kit to have.

Scottoiler - Automatic Chain Lubrication System

It is refillable for sure and I believe you can buy original Scottoiler Oil but am not too sure if you can use any others - Maybe LoopyLee can fill in the gaps... Well once the rain stops.

dan.slabbert@gm · 06-02-2008, 3:03 AM

Ta. Slipperblock type looks good.

I live in Bahrain & encounter problems having stuff shipped here - seems u need to have an Aramex account. I normally use one of my mates in the US 5th fleet which means that the stuff comes from the US. I've noticed its generally cheaper than UK, also these guys get free shipping!

I'll contact one of my Brit mates to find out the drill.

tlstreak · 06-02-2008, 11:00 AM

I started using silkolene Race years ago. I bought a big can and am still using the same can. I think I might actually have to buy another one soon. It has lasted like 8 years.

Its very thin, clear and does not fling like the white lithum, maxium, PJ1. I tried it and wont go back to anything else. I clean and lube my chain before I ride each weekend.

DuPontLube · 06-22-2009, 5:31 PM

I represent DuPont Performance Lubricants and if anyone has a specific question about our products, I can answer it publicly on this forum (provided the administrator allows it). The riding community has really rallied behind our chain lubes so we want to support them on this forum.

NorthSide · 06-22-2009, 6:30 PM

WD-40 is a de-greaser. It strips the grease out of your O rings/ X rings or whatever you got. I use it to clean the side plates, but would never spray it on the O rings. Castrol chain cleaner/good scrub/quick blast to get it warm/then castrol chain wax. Job done.
Everyone seems to have their own personal favourites though, so I guess go with what you like.
Keep that WD-40 away from you bearings/brakes etc, its nasty if it gets into the wrong place!!!