Chain Lube... What Do You Use and Why??

[Ichiro]

If you can't find Dupont Teflon locally, you can get it(multi purpose or chain lube) from Amazon.com for about $12 shipped in the U.S.
I get mine from Lowe's..

[coondog]

Originally Posted by highpsiguy

WD40------- can of worms offically opened---------

Does your chain rust up at all? Or do you spray it on real regular due to need of more.

[Soujyu]

I've used both the Maxima Chain Wax and Castrol Chain Wax. It's whatever is on sale at the local Cycle Gear whenever I go in and pick stuff up.

[2fiddy]

Hey guys. Just bought my bike stands to be able to work on my own bike and looking for the best chain lube to buy/use. What do you guys recommend?

[wtfh4xx]

So if I'm correct every 300-500 miles you should use a cleaner such as WD-40 with a rag to wipe down and clean your chain and then use Teflon spray to lube it?

[kkim]

yes, clean and lube chain every 400 miles... check adjustment every 600.

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=10577

[Alex]

That's not the only option, but that would certainly work fine.

(edit: my response was to secret ninja man, not kkim. but i fully agree with kkim's advice as well)

[wtfh4xx]

Thanks, Kkim and Alex you guys are on top of it.

[DaBlue1]

So I decided a while back that the next time I cleaned the chain I would use a different lube. DuPont is known for making good products so when they get good reviews it must be good. The first thing about the DuPont lube is that it's a multi use spray, not a motorcycle specific lube, however this same stuff also comes in a can with the label for motorcycles. Later for that one. The label says that it is a patented blend of "wax based lubricant",goes on wet to penetrate and then to dries leaving a lubricating film. DuPont also claims that it will not attract dirt and grime or fling. Maxima Chain Wax also makes the same claim as not to attract dirt and grime or fling.
Both claim to be resistant to water.

Before I applied it, I shook the can well (there's a rattle ball inside). It did not have a strong smell like the Maxima Chain Wax, came out the can quick and it was runny, however it dried quickly. It did leave a waxy feel on the chain, unlike the slightly tacky feel from the Maxima Chain Wax. While the Maxima Chain Wax leaves a slight yellowish brown coat on the chain, the DuPont is almost invisible. Now is where the difference between the two comes in to play for me. If you look at my bike you might say I'm borderline OCD. However I just like my Ninja to be clean. People used to ask me, "why do you keep your cars so clean?, you're always wiping on them." My response would be, "God has blessed me with this car and the means to have one, the least I can do is keep it clean so when he looks down he can see himself in it." Anyway.....back to the lube...

After a few minutes, I notice white dots, residue and overspray everywhere, despite the fact that I used a barrier for that very purpose. Not something I was looking for. So I did a little comparison test to see the difference in adhesion between the two. One short spray of the DuPont saturated the piece of paper I sprayed it on and immediately began to run. The Maxima even after a few sprays barely moved. I should also mention that as long as I been using Maxima Chain Wax, I've had little overspray flaking or fling.

So here is how they stack up so far.

DuPont Teflon Multi-use Dry Wax Lubricant- $5.97 for a 11 oz. can
Maxima Chain Wax- $4.95 for a 5.5 oz. can

DuPont Teflon Multi-use Dry Wax Lubricant- Semi clear, runny and wet to dry application
Maxima Chain Wax- slight yellow, wet to slightly tacky application.
Both are easy to clean

After some miles on this application of DuPont Teflon Multi-use Dry Wax Lubricant, I'll see how it holds up to Maxima. Until then I got a few squeaky door hinges. I think I know which one I will use.

[wtfh4xx]

I believe the "runny-ness" of the du pont is so that is can penetrate the chain and get into all the small nooks and crannies.
Also, did you let it dry before riding and also did you notice any fling off?

great write up, I think ill be looking for the Teflon Chain Saver.

[kkim]

Blue,

Like you, I was very skeptical when this came on the market and was a Maxima Chain Wax convert for many years prior. Now I stock up on the Dupont stuff whenever I run across it at a store. Seems a hit or miss thing if they have it on the shelves, over here.

Hope your testing results favorably for the Dupont stuff on your chain, but if not, I've used it in the house on sliding door rails and wheels and the doors opened great after spraying them w/ the Dupont. It's been over a year now and the door is still very easy to open. Good stuff to keep around the house, even if you decide not to use it on your chain.

[Bigballsofpaint]

No one uses the bel-ray wax? I saw it had good reviews so i picked that up, it leaves the white residue. Ive only cleaned and lubed the chain once so far, so i cant really say much.

[DaBlue1]

Originally Posted by wtfh4xx

I believe the "runny-ness" of the du pont is so that is can penetrate the chain and get into all the small nooks and crannies.
Also, did you let it dry before riding and also did you notice any fling off?

great write up, I think ill be looking for the Teflon Chain Saver.

Oh yeah, it set up for a whole day before I rode it. It got a good work out on the Diamondback last weekend. It did not fling and seems to be holding up well. I'll probably flip flop between the two.

[wtfh4xx]

Awesome, due to lack of availability I had to pick up the Maxima Chain Wax.
Really wanted the Du-Pont Chain Saver

Ill let you guys know how it works out.

[highpsiguy]

Originally Posted by coondog

Does your chain rust up at all? Or do you spray it on real regular due to need of more.

I just spray it every now and then. Probably average about every 4 to 500 miles. No rust at all. I am OCD about my rides and my maintenance. Chains and sprockets are not that expensive anyway. But, fact of the matter is I expect to get just as many miles as a waxed chain.

[gfloyd2002]

Originally Posted by highpsiguy

I just spray it every now and then. Probably average about every 4 to 500 miles. No rust at all. I am OCD about my rides and my maintenance. Chains and sprockets are not that expensive anyway. But, fact of the matter is I expect to get just as many miles as a waxed chain.

Four reasons not to use WD-40 as a chain lubricant:

1. The lube in WD-40 doesn't work for this application. WD-40 is only 15% lube, and the type of lube in WD-40, light mineral oil, is meant for light duty only. It works fine on hinges, etc., but it is highly viscous and lacks the compression strength to work to provide protection in heavy duty work between a sprocket and a chain. Because it is highly viscous it won't stay on at high speed either. You won't have any lube left on after even a few miles, let alone 400. Purpose built chain lubes are specifically engineered for the job they do, they are thicker and have more compression strength so they stay on better and provide a better barrier between chain and sprocket.

2. The solvent in WD-40 is going to hurt your sprocket long term. WD-40 is 50% solvent. Solvent takes stuff off chains, including lube. WD-40 makes a good cleaner, but what you are doing by using WD-40 as a lube is actually taking stuff off the chain. This makes your chain look nice - its probably super clean. But you are essetially ensuring that you will have a metal on metal contact - this is going to wear your sprocket faster in the long term. And while this is better than running a dirty chain, it is worse than running a clean, lubed chain. Go ahead and keep using WD-40 to clean, just add one more step -- add some real lube afterward, too.

3. The solvent will also hurt your chain long term. WD-40 will, on long term exposure, eat the o-rings in your chain. This makes sense as it is 1/2 solvent, and mineral oil itself tends to disolve things, too. In one study, WD-40 decreased o-ring strength by 20% on just 15 days of exposure. Use it to clean if you have to (but kerosene is better), but don't repeatedly apply and leave it on your chain. I've attached the study results below, along with a picture of the o-rings in your chain.

4. Real chain lube is cheaper than WD-40. A can of actual, engineered for the actual purpose you want to use it for, chain lube or wax is about the same price as WD-40, give or take a buck or two. Why would you use something that isn't made for chains, and for which there is some good evidence may be harmful to your bike, when it isn't saving you money? Cost of 13.5 oz. can of Maxima Chain Wax at Rocky Mountain ATV = $6.99. Cost of 12 oz. can of WD-40 at Amazon.com = $7.75. Add in the cost of reduced life on your sprocket and chain, and the cost savings of using wax/lube are even better.

[ducducgooseit]

PJ1 Chain Lube. For decades. Black for non-o/x ring. Blue for o/x-ring.

[ratlab]

PJ1 blue label as well-it doesn,t fling off if you let it dry-what is that white crap the dealers put on-i have to clean my chain every i get my bike back from a service

[dubojr1]

Originally Posted by ratlab

PJ1 blue label as well-it doesn,t fling off if you let it dry-what is that white crap the dealers put on-i have to clean my chain every i get my bike back from a service

That's probably Bell-ray Super Clean and IMHO it is some of the best chain lube made. Although it is white, I preferred it over PJ1 Blue because it resisted sling so well. Most have learned to overlook the color because it has so many other great qualities. I used it for years. Using an Amsoil product now that I love.

[Bols]

Used Mobil chain spray, which utterly sucked.. everything was just flinged off onto the rear wheel. Then i got several recommendations for Royal Purple Max-Chain, which seems really awesome! Lubricates well, dries fast to a sort of protective film, and keeps dirt away. Will definitely buy again

[backinthesaddleagain]

Anyone try the new Spectro Z chain lube? I used their foaming green one in the 80's on dirtbikes, but like the maxima wax these days.

[gfloyd2002]

Just been reading up a bit more on the Dupont Multi Use and learned that Dupont has now made its Teflon "Chain-Saver" (previously only available to industry and not public) widely available. A few bucks a can more expensive than the multi-use, but they say it will last longer, that they developed it specifically for motorcycles in response to less than ideal use of Multi Use. Dupont recommends the Chain-Saver now for motorcycles.

Here is a nice write-up on it from webbikeworld. Essentially, if Dupont felt like they needed a speciality product that lasted longer and admit potential need to reapply the multiuse after 70 miles, I think I'm going to move to the new, motorcycle specific, product.



And here is a video comparing the old and new formulations:

Link to original page on YouTube.

[dubojr1]

Let me first say that I don't have any experience using either of these Dupont lubes but the "new" formula looks like it defeats one of the quality's most people like about the Multi-use. The thicker Chain Saver formulation looks to me like it would be a good candidate for excessive sling and dirt attraction. Even though if may be an excellent chain lube... To me it would not be a good choice for an overall quality product.

[backinthesaddleagain]

time for a new can of maxima wax as mine just went empty

[Tankball]

Hey what brand of chain lube do you guys recommend? Also how often should I ve lubing thechain?

Thanks to all who reply

[Trash Can Man]

I use PJ1, and lube up every 500 miles.

[Zola]

DuPont Teflon Multi-Purpose Lubricant is a favorite.
Every 600 miles or more often if...

Learn to use the wiki.

Download an owner's manual if you don't have one. Read it.

Consider purchasing a maintenance manual. Read it even if you never perform your own maintenance. You'll enjoy it and be better iinformed.

Read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pursig. You'll be better for it.

Ride and enjoy.

[outasight20]

Having used PJ1 and other chain lubes in the past, I can honestly say they are all crap compared to Bel Ray Super Clean chain lube. It is just so much better than any other chain lube I've ever used. It doesn't fling off at all, makes the chain much quieter and the ride smoother, and lasts a good 500 miles before the chain even starts to look dirty. I highly recommend it.

[geeker]

I use Maxima chain wax every 400 miles.

[Francis]

Maxima.

It's the only one I've tried.

[Jiggles]

Originally Posted by Zola

DuPont Teflon Multi-Purpose Lubricant is a favorite.

Fail

[Momaru]

+1 more for PJ1 Blue label every 5-600mi. Tried the Black label @ the track, did not like. It is kinda tacky though and definitely picks up dirt, but I give the chain a deep-clean every few months with kerosene, so it doesn't get bad.

Smells like dumpster offal though, so don't inhale

Edit: after reading the rest of the merged thread, I'm considering switching, perhaps back to Royal Purple Max-Chain (if I can find it) or to BelRay

[Alex]

/merged

Some updated information on Dupont's Teflon chain lube in this thread:

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=104972

[geeker]

Originally Posted by Alex

/merged

Some updated information on Dupont's Teflon chain lube in this thread:

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=104972

And I almost bought a can of that at work the other day. Glad I didn't. I don't think we have the chain lube version on the shelf at my store.

[toua70]

i use Motul chain cleaner to clean my chain and then i use the motul factory line chain lube. I love it because it gives it the nice factory look and its white, so you can see if you miss any spot. I usually just let it sit over night.. works great.

[Whiskey]

This

in


I top up the oiler every 1000 or so miles & let it do it's job