March 6th, 2011, 07:53 PM | #1 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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Chain Lube... What Do You Use and Why??
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? Last futzed with by kkim; March 7th, 2011 at 10:09 AM. |
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March 6th, 2011, 07:57 PM | #2 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Cindy
Location: tulsa
Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250r Special Edition Posts: 31
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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.
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March 6th, 2011, 07:57 PM | #3 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Pat
Location: Barrie, Ontario
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 SE Posts: 338
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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
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March 6th, 2011, 08:04 PM | #4 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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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. |
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March 6th, 2011, 08:26 PM | #5 |
So, where's the reverse?
Name: Anson
Location: Ontario, Canada
Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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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.
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March 6th, 2011, 08:29 PM | #6 |
Ride Smart, Ride Safe
Name: Chuck
Location: Herriman, UT
Join Date: Mar 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250, 2006 Yamati 150cc Scooter Posts: 71
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Dupont Teflon Multi Use. Love it for all the reasons mentioned above.
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March 6th, 2011, 08:35 PM | #7 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Brian
Location: Detroit, MI
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+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.
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March 6th, 2011, 08:39 PM | #8 |
Go Pack Go!
Name: Jim
Location: houston-ish
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 09 250R, 07 XL1200L Posts: 39
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+1 been using it for MANY years.
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March 6th, 2011, 09:54 PM | #9 |
ninjee two-fiddie
Name: Chance
Location: Ohio
Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r Posts: 61
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Another fan of DuPont Teflon for the same reasons as stated in the OP. I also use it on my mountain bike.
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March 7th, 2011, 04:06 AM | #10 |
User Title Free Since '12
Name: Floyd
Location: Barbados
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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.
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March 7th, 2011, 06:04 AM | #11 |
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Name: Jason
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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.
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March 7th, 2011, 06:46 AM | #12 |
Long Time Rider
Name: Blue
Location: Charlotte, NC
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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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. |
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March 7th, 2011, 06:54 AM | #13 |
Livin' the Minimoto Life
Name: Mark
Location: Riding around in TX
Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2022 Honda Navi, 2018 Z-125 Pro Posts: A lot.
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I always used Maxima Chain wax...
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March 7th, 2011, 06:58 AM | #14 |
Mid Life Crisis
Name: Ken
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250r (Passion Red); 1999 BMW K1200RS (Marrakesh Red) Posts: 81
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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.
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March 7th, 2011, 07:11 AM | #15 |
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Name: Greg
Location: Rhode Island
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Maxima wax. Seems to last pretty good, though I probably lube more frequently than I need to, and not messy.
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March 7th, 2011, 07:45 AM | #16 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Karl
Location: Ireland the Hawaii of Europe!
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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
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March 7th, 2011, 08:06 AM | #17 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: lux
Location: NY
Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R Posts: 306
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I use Dupont Teflon Multi-Use too.
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March 7th, 2011, 10:26 AM | #18 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jeff
Location: california
Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Daytona 675 SE Posts: 30
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another fan of the DuPont Teflon Multi Use
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March 7th, 2011, 10:31 AM | #19 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: john
Location: Palm Beach County, Fl Sligo County, Eire
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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).
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March 7th, 2011, 10:35 AM | #20 |
vampire
Name: A
Location: IT
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2 many 2 list Posts: A lot.
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I use whatever is on sale, keep chain clean and lubricated, seems to work well no matter which brand of lube.
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March 7th, 2011, 11:37 AM | #21 |
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Name: Kevin
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WD40------- can of worms offically opened---------
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March 7th, 2011, 11:53 AM | #22 |
vampire
Name: A
Location: IT
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2 many 2 list Posts: A lot.
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March 7th, 2011, 11:53 AM | #23 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Chris
Location: N. Central Ill.
Join Date: Apr 2010 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250R (hers), '06 Buell XB12Ss (mine) Posts: 28
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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. |
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March 7th, 2011, 12:15 PM | #24 |
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I never knew you were supposed to lube the chain! What a great idea.
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March 7th, 2011, 12:18 PM | #25 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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March 7th, 2011, 12:40 PM | #26 |
Professional belly dancer
Name: James
Location: Toronto
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 1992 GSX-R 750 Posts: A lot.
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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....
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March 7th, 2011, 12:49 PM | #27 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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I usually can find it at Ace Hardware.
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March 7th, 2011, 01:04 PM | #28 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Greg
Location: Rhode Island
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ZX6R 636 Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
You could lube every other link on odd numbered months, and the links in between on even numbered months. |
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March 7th, 2011, 01:05 PM | #29 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Greg
Location: Rhode Island
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Quote:
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March 7th, 2011, 01:12 PM | #30 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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March 7th, 2011, 01:15 PM | #31 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Greg
Location: Rhode Island
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ZX6R 636 Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
Will have to give it a try as my can of Maxima Wax is running low. |
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March 7th, 2011, 01:20 PM | #32 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
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Pretty sure I've seen it at Lowes and Walmart too...
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March 7th, 2011, 03:31 PM | #33 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: T
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March 7th, 2011, 09:24 PM | #34 |
ninjette.org member
Name: AL
Location: west new york
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Chain Lube
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 |
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March 7th, 2011, 10:14 PM | #35 | |
Long Time Rider
Name: Blue
Location: Charlotte, NC
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
"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 |
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March 7th, 2011, 10:27 PM | #36 | |
Humble Observer
Name: Truong
Location: Augusta, Maine
Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Yamaha XT250 Posts: 612
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Quote:
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)
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March 7th, 2011, 11:00 PM | #37 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Josh
Location: Richmond VA
Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Triumph Bonneville Black Posts: 627
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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.
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March 8th, 2011, 12:08 AM | #38 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Ichiro
Location: So.Cal. Long Beach.
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DuPont Teflon
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March 8th, 2011, 03:57 AM | #39 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Aditya
Location: Bangalore, India
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R (for the weekend's) and the Suzuki Fiero for office commute. Posts: 80
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Quote:
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. |
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March 8th, 2011, 04:02 AM | #40 |
User Title Free Since '12
Name: Floyd
Location: Barbados
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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."
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"Improvement makes straight roads, but the crooked roads without improvement, are roads of genius." — William Blake Last futzed with by gfloyd2002; March 21st, 2011 at 06:44 PM. Reason: added italics for emphasis to correct impression I agreed with WD40 as a lube. |
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