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

[kkim]

I've tried many different lubes over the years and recently have switched to using Dupont Teflon Multi Use. It goes on easily, doesn't make a mess, dries quickly and doesn't fling like conventional petroleum based lubes.

I was a Maxima Chain Wax convert for many years, but even that left me wanting a bit better lube for not flinging lube around while riding.

When I heard about the Dupont stuff, I was very skeptical, but after using it on the Ninja and even the dirt bikes, I'm sold.

So, what chain lube do you use and why?

[cinjette10]

My husband uses it on both of our bikes, best stuff he's found it goes on very nice dries quickly and the most important thing is it doesn't fling off all over everything.

[patw]

Maxima is the only one I've used so far. I haven't had any noticeable fling issues. If the teflon based one smells better, I'll try it

[kkim]

The fling from the Maxima was not bad at all, but on occasion I would find a small black drop on the body work. No telling when you get it on your clothes and end up tracking it everywhere.

Yes, it does smell better/less than Chain Wax, which was one other thing about using it that I like, too.

[Boom King]

PJ1 Blue Label. Did some research on the internet and found that this stuff got some pretty favorable comments on various forums. It has worked well so far. Once the can runs out, I'll probably switch to the Dupont Teflon Lube as I can get a bigger sized can for a cheaper price than the PJ1 at my local hardware store.

[utahninja]

Dupont Teflon Multi Use. Love it for all the reasons mentioned above.

[setasai]

+1 Dupont's Teflon spray is wicked. I use it on both bicycle and motorcycle chains and it's just fantastic at keeping everything clean. Even after washes.

[grandelatte]

Originally Posted by Boom King

PJ1 Blue Label. Did some research on the internet and found that this stuff got some pretty favorable comments on various forums. It has worked well so far. ...

+1 been using it for MANY years.

[nexus]

Another fan of DuPont Teflon for the same reasons as stated in the OP. I also use it on my mountain bike.

[gfloyd2002]

I've used both Castrol Chain Wax and Cyclo Industrial Graphite/Moly Lube (pretty much the same as the Schaffer #227). The Castrol wax was good, but I had concerns that a wax may not be as resilient as other lubes and I'd heard that waxes degraded over time more than other lubes, compressing more and lubing less. Plus, it flung off the chain a bit. Probably no problem if you clean and lube often.

The Graphite/Moly goes on messy and looks like you've coated the chain in grease. But it has an outstanding reputation for industrial chains and farming use, and has solid science behind it. The stuff has been on now for about 350 miles and is still there lubing like a sonofagun. And it hasn't attracted dirt/sand, and is holding onto the chain like glue, though I'm not sure how because it is so goopy. Weird stuff. Of course, for me the good reputation of the Graphite/Moly in industrial circles was just good luck. I use it because it was the only lube available on the entire island.

Probably more important that what you use is that you clean and lube regularly. Any dirt that gets in, lube that comes off, etc. would be pretty much a non-issue if you clean and relube every 3 or 400 miles.

[dubojr1]

I love this stuff. I'm not sure but I think it's pretty much like the DuPont stuff but made with synthetic stocks. What ever it is made of, I absolutely love it!!!

I've also included a picture of the "waxy-like" film it leaves. The picture was also taken when the chain was ready for service. It had approx. 500 miles on the chain. Note the zero presents of dirt even though the path to my garage is 300 feet of dirt.

[DaBlue1]

Nothing but Maxima Chain Wax here. I use it on my motorcycles and bikes. I like the fact it does not fling and does not get as dirty as other petroleum lubes, makes the chain easy to clean. The smell is pretty strong though.
I've read some great reviews on the Dupont. I my buy a can and try it my next chain clean/lube session. They said it smells like a cross of WD-40 and coconut.

[Apex]

I always used Maxima Chain wax...

[KGar]

I picked up a can of Dupont chain saver last week at Walmart.I cleaned the chain which had the factory lube on it (bike has only 425mi) and applied the new stuff on and let it dry completely. I have noticed that the chain makes more noise than before. Maybe I needed more product on the chain or remove the chain and soak it in kerosene? I will try that and report back.

[backinthesaddleagain]

Maxima wax. Seems to last pretty good, though I probably lube more frequently than I need to, and not messy.

[karlosdajackal]

putoline o-ring chain lube, its readily available and seems to work ok, goes on very easy, fizzes out of the can and snakes its way along the chain as it turns from foam to liquid

[lux]

I use Dupont Teflon Multi-Use too.

[llenta]

another fan of the DuPont Teflon Multi Use

[coondog]

living in a sandy state i can't use anything that sticks, due to having to clean regularly (and re-do). Honda chain lube was the best when i got back into riding years ago and i ignore tech. stuff (real tard) so i'm still using the honda chain lube. i have seen guys with stuff they can't get off and chains that are literally white with whatever product, so i'll stick to my guns on this one. environment dictated, and a stick in the mud (me).

["A"]

I use whatever is on sale, keep chain clean and lubricated, seems to work well no matter which brand of lube.

[highpsiguy]

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

["A"]

Originally Posted by highpsiguy

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

I clean my chain with WD40, but need actual lube after cleaning.

[europachris]

Originally Posted by DaBlue1

They said it smells like a cross of WD-40 and coconut.

Sounds a lot like Tri-Flow.

I started out riding dirtbikes around 1980 and used a graphite-based chain lube until every shirt I wore had a stripe of black dots up the back.

My father, who got hooked on riding my little Yamaha GT80, went and bought an XS400 and discovered Tri-Flow.

I've been using Silkolene "Pro-Chain" by Fuchs on the wife's Ninja and it seems to work very well so far.

[CC Cowboy]

I never knew you were supposed to lube the chain! What a great idea.

[kkim]

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

I never knew you were supposed to lube the chain! What a great idea.

you young kids... you should learn something and try it at least once.

[Flashmonkey]

Wow everybody uses that DuPont stuff. I use the maxima chain wax like others here. I'm fairly happy with it, but my gripe with it is that when it dries it becomes fairly tacky and I notice that it does attract dirt particles. From what I've heard that DuPont stuff isn't sticky at all after it dries. I should probably get off my butt and look for a can....

[kkim]

I usually can find it at Ace Hardware.

[backinthesaddleagain]

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

I never knew you were supposed to lube the chain! What a great idea.

LOL - now do you lube the chain on a 2 stroke twice as often as on a 4 stroke, or vice versa, or do you just go by the number of cylinders?

You could lube every other link on odd numbered months, and the links in between on even numbered months.

[backinthesaddleagain]

Originally Posted by kkim

I've tried many different lubes over the years and recently have switched to using Dupont Teflon Multi Use. It goes on easily, doesn't make a mess, dries quickly and doesn't fling like conventional petroleum based lubes.

I was a Maxima Chain Wax convert for many years, but even that left me wanting a bit better lube for not flinging lube around while riding.

When I heard about the Dupont stuff, I was very skeptical, but after using it on the Ninja and even the dirt bikes, I'm sold.

So, what chain lube do you use and why?

now for the age old question - safe for o-ring chains?

[kkim]

Originally Posted by backinthesaddleagain

now for the age old question - safe for o-ring chains?

good question. all I can say is that I haven't had any problems that I can see/tell. no O rings falling out of the chain.

[backinthesaddleagain]

Originally Posted by kkim

good question. all I can say is that I haven't had any problems that I can see/tell. no O rings falling out of the chain.

LOL - the guy riding behind me had them all over his front fairing and helmet shield.

Will have to give it a try as my can of Maxima Wax is running low.

[dubojr1]

Originally Posted by kkim

I usually can find it at Ace Hardware.

Pretty sure I've seen it at Lowes and Walmart too...

[Xoulrath]

Originally Posted by kkim

good question. all I can say is that I haven't had any problems that I can see/tell. no O rings falling out of the chain.

It sounds very similar in function to the Royal Purple Max-Chain I use and it says it is safe for o-rings.

[Memengkamatis]

I use the Maxima Wax and clean it off every 500 miles or so. After each ride, while the chain is still hot/warm, I spray a dose of Motorex penetrant. It's like WD-40 only better.

Meng

[DaBlue1]

Originally Posted by backinthesaddleagain

now for the age old question - safe for o-ring chains?

From Webbike world's review:
"I never considered that DuPont would develop a motorcycle chain lube, but the fine print claims that the lubricant "lasts 3-5 times longer in friction testing against other leading brands" and that it's recommended for use on chains, "O-Ring Safe". When I read that, I figured we had to give it a try".
http://www.webbikeworld.com/t2/motor...chain-lube.htm

[tapdiggy]

Originally Posted by backinthesaddleagain

now for the age old question - safe for o-ring chains?

Highlights from the Dupont website:

DuPont™ Teflon™ Multi-Use Lubricant
A superior multi-use lubricant featuring proprietary self-cleaning technology. Lubricates without attracting grit and grime, eliminates squeaks, prevents rust and protects moving parts.... Goes on wet... Sets up to a clean, dry, wax film which will not absorb dirt or grime... self-cleaning technology sheds contaminants to minimize or prevent abrasive wear... Highly resistant to water wash-off, and won’t fling off...
Applications: Motorcycle, ATV and go-kart chains (o-ring safe and no fling-off)... Can withstand temperatures up to 300°F (149°C)

[Reswob]

I used the DuPont Teflon stuff. When I ran out of that I picked up a can of Motul for about the same price. Seems to do the same thing.

[Ichiro]

DuPont Teflon

[n_aditya]

Originally Posted by backinthesaddleagain

now for the age old question - safe for o-ring chains?

The product description mentions that its safe for O-Ring chains.

I use Motul Chain Clean and Motul Chain Lube (Road) for cleaning and lubing the chain on my bike.

But the lube although sticky does fly off and causes a nasty mess on the wheel.... even when i spray the lube and leave the bike to rest for a couple of days before i ride out.

So i contacted DuPont and they will be sending me some information on where I can buy this in India. Apparently its not listed on the India page and i have not seen it in any shops here too.

Costs approx. US $ 20 as mentioned by the company rep I spoke to here.

[gfloyd2002]

Originally Posted by highpsiguy

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

Okay, I'll bite. WD-40, while not ideal, makes a fine chain cleaner, but that is all. See discussion in this thread that talks about some studies on the lack of effect of WD40 on your o-rings on short term exposure, but moderate effect on your o-rings on long term exposure.

Because it has been shown to hurt o-rings on long term exposure, and because WD40 itself just isn't meant as anything other than a very light lubricant, you are better off going with one of the other products discussed in this thread. WD40 consists of 50% Stoddard Solvent (which is just desulferized kerosine with a lower flash point), 25% propellant, 15+% Mineral oil (light lubricating oil), and 10-% Inert ingredients. The solvent will act as a very good cleaner, which will leave your chain free of oils, but it is a terrible lubricant largely for the same reason. It is going to take stuff OFF your chain, and for a lube you want to put stuff ON your chain. And it will fling off your chain and not continue to protect it - and to the extent it does stay on long term, its solvent is slowly eating away at your o-rings while it is there.

Apart from the solvent issues, you are essentially just using a bit of mineral oil mix as your lube if you use WD40. And a little bit of mineral oil it just doesn't have the load bearing chemical properties to do the job needed - not enough lube for loads you put on a motorcycle chain. And if me saying so doesn't convince you, here is Motorcyclist magazine's take: "Whether it's WD-40 or LPS3, a motorcycle chain has such demands on it, and one of them is absorbing shock, whether it's between the sprockets and the chain, or whether it's between the internal parts of the chain. And WD-40 doesn't have that, it's not designed for that purpose, it's not formulated for that."