Good types of CHAIN LUBE?

[v8s&2wheels]

Last 2 bikes ive had have had scott oilers so all ive done is keep on top of them and they have done the job for me.

Getting a new bike next week and wont have a scott oiler. What sort of lube have you personally used and found to be the best?

I know theres a lot out there and a lot of people have different experiences of lubes so wanting to know the best couple of cans i can choose from for good oil cover etc and more importantly stuff that wont flick everywhere.

Cheers guys

[Usarka]

more importantly stuff that wont flick everywhere.


Apply it when chain is warm....

Don't use olive oil.

[v8s&2wheels]

Apply it when chain is warm....

Don't use olive oil.

Lol cheers. Yeah my boss tells me he takes his bike for a ride and gets all upto temps and then puts his lube on.

He said something about white oil (does that make any sense) flicked everywhere on his bike. He said he might have used a bit much but he didnt like it anyway.

[Usarka]

Lol cheers. Yeah my boss tells me he takes his bike for a ride and gets all upto temps and then puts his lube on.

He said something about white oil (does that make any sense) flicked everywhere on his bike. He said he might have used a bit much but he didnt like it anyway.

I'm no expert (someone will be along soon) but check out this thread for some opinion goodness http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=90189&highlight=chain+lube

Chain lubing is a contentious topic! But many a complaint about fling is probably due to over-application....

[Macros]

I just use castrol stuff... seems to work fine..

[NZsarge]

Maxima chain wax is good.

[MSTRS]

I've used all sorts and brands. The one/s I like the best are Paraffin-based wax aerosols. Ensure the can is marked 'O-ring safe'.

[v8s&2wheels]

I've used all sorts and brands. The one/s I like the best are Paraffin-based wax aerosols. Ensure the can is marked 'O-ring safe'.

Cheers guys.

Why the preference for the Paraffin-based wax aerosols? What are you using at the moment?

Is this really all a good big deal or could I go into a bike shop ask for some good chain lube and be happy with what they sell me?

[YellowDog]

Maxima chain wax is good.
Yep, the synthetic stuff is best. No mess and doesn't cover everything else.

Most riders I know over oil their chains.

[MSTRS]

Why the preference for the Paraffin-based wax aerosols? What are you using at the moment?


This type goes on wet, then dries to the point where it resists fling-off. It seems to last real well between applications. And because it doesn't stay wet, it also resists build-up of splooge sticking to it...you know, road dust etc...that eventually makes a really good grinding paste on your chain links.
I'm currently using Maxima, like NZ Sarge says

[Usarka]

Is this really all a good big deal or could I go into a bike shop ask for some good chain lube and be happy with what they sell me?

I'd suggest that even if you got an "average" motorcyle chain lube as a result of that approach it would be shedloads times better than not regularly cleaning and lubing your chain.

That made sense when i wrote it, but now i'm not so sure....

[MSTRS]

I'd suggest that even if you got an "average" motorcyle chain lube as a result of that approach it would be shedloads times better than not regularly cleaning and lubing your chain.



A chain that is lubed and cleaned regularly will last way better than a chain that is ignored. HOWEVER, not all lubes are equal. Unless you are using a constant-feed type* (Scott etc), most people find the wax based ones are user-friendly and save on the frequency of cleaning etc.

* The problem with some of these ones is that it is easy to over/under oil and unless they have 2 nozzles, one side of the chain doesn't get (enough) lube. The nozzles need to be directed onto the area where the plates overlap.

[p.dath]

Apply it when chain is warm....

Don't use olive oil.

Ahh, just learned something. I tend to lube my chain on a day I'm not riding, so it has plenty of time to 'set'. Will have to change this to doing it after I have been for a ride.

[SPP]

I'm fussy, kero and lube every Sat morning. If the chain is relatively clean to begin with its not too much of a hassle, but an oiler would be a hell of a lot easier.

Dupont Multi-purpose Teflon Wax (chain saver). I've only started using this. Dries super fast to a dry wax. The chain needs to be warm otherwise the excess doesn't drip off and the wax builds up. If anybody has had a bung chain from this sing out.

Silkolene Titanium Chain Gel: Great, clean, no fling but easy to over apply. Needs to be left overnight.

[crazyhorse]

Silkolene Chain Gel - get it from the bike shops - best to apply when the chain is warm - but I tend to do it after I've washed the bike, or before rides, as I often get home about dark

[Usarka]

but I tend to do it after I've washed the bike,

Then you need to start using the 1-tonne chamois!

[Owl]

I used to like chain wax, but found it a pain having to warm up the chain or set it up directly after a ride. Also a shit to clean off.

I've since changed to synthetic lube after seeing the results from my mechanic and it works warm or cold. Repsol was awesome lube, but poor value for money, so I'm now using Motul synthetic lube (Road) and it works well. Over oiling will see it collect in the front sprocket cover and eventually drip on the ground, however it won't fling everywhere once set.

[Kendog]

Maxima chain wax is good.

+2, this is good stuff.

And always apply to a warm chain.

[pritch]

[QUOTE=p.dath;1129279528 Will have to change this to doing it after I have been for a ride.[/QUOTE]

Always a good plan.


I've tried three types of lube:

Castrol - I don't like, it's very dark in colour and very messy. The can sits unused on the bench, fading in the sun. I may find something else that needs lube, like my wheelbarrow, but that shit ain't going anywhere near my bike.

Motul - I like. It goes on almost clear and very runny but sets in seconds to a sticky finish. Might almost obviate the need to oil the chain while warm.

Silkolene Chain Gel - I use Silkolene two stroke oil in the moped, so thought I'd try this. It goes on as a grey foamy gel. It's supposed to keep a new chain looking new. I've only used it twice so the jury is still out.

At this stage though I'm still trying to adapt to not having a centre stand and I need to work on my application technique. I didn't miss the Scott Oiler when I had a centre stand, but now...

Unless the Silkolene turns out be be really wonderful I'd probably be looking at buying Motul again next time

[Usarka]

I'm using one of those "white" ones - Fuchs. I pronounce it fu-ks

I like it because I can say my chain is fuched.....

[dipshit]

Silkolene Chain Gel

This stuff has been my favourite for a while too. Hardly flings off at all.

[TimeOut]

I used to us the Motul synthetic really good.

Now using Inox no chukka chain lube, I like it a bit more dries to a wax but thins out when warm to give good lube, doesn't fling off.

[Ascott]

I have tried those "wax type" lubes, and they all flick off and build up a big lump of glugy crap infront of the engine sprocket. I now use electrical grade silicone spray when the chain is warm and run a paper towel around the outside of the chain to finish, it is as clean as a clean thing, and I believe it is the way and the light!:clap:
Al

[Donor]

...what's a chain? :rofl:

[davebullet]

Can't afford a scottoiler? - try a loobman (www.loobman.co.uk). Cost me about NZD $47. It has a dual feed system (either side of rear sprocket). Give her a squeeze before you head off. I tend to do mine every 200kms (more or less) - just when the orings start to dry.

I get less fling than with the castrol can and more even coverage (since it oils as you ride).

Good thing is you can use any oil you like. I use chainsaw bar oil (doesn't seem to fly off) but needs to be applied more often. No big deal. A coulpe of seconds to squeeze the bottle and you are away.

I've had it on for about 1 month and it's been pretty good so far.

[CookMySock]

I use either some chain lube in a spray can - doesn't work very well and it smells like shit, or grab the grease gun with Amsoil grease and add a little bit of oil - works damn good but goes everywhere. Yuk.

Using grease/oil mix definitely makes the chain much smoother.

edit: chainsaw bar oil is also bloody good.

Steve

[BigOne]

Personally, I think that spraying gunk all over the chain is a waste of time.
I clean mine with kero (won't hurt the O-rings) then I use a small squeeze bottle with a thin tube to run light oil around the O-rings. Light oil wicks around the ring and into the space inside the roller bush easily.
Modern chains with O-rings (or better, X-rings) are designed to keep the lube INSIDE the chain that the manufacturer put there. When the rings fail, the chain runs dry and fails soon after. Who has experienced the "sudden" failure of an O-ring chain? This is why.
So, lubricating the O-rings extends the life of the rings and the chain.
Roller chains are designed to wrap sprockets with almost no friction except inside the chain, where the pins and bushes are permanently lubricated inside the O-rings. Therefore, covering the OUTSIDE of the chain and sprockets with gunk will only attract dust and crap, and fling off on the bike.
Expensive chain lubes are a great revenue scource for shops, and thats all.

[v8s&2wheels]

Cheers for all this guys. Given me lots to think about. looks like i might be trialing a few different types over the next few months.

[Idubbs]

[QUOTE=SPP;1129279577]
Dupont Multi-purpose Teflon Wax (chain saver). I've only started using this. Dries super fast to a dry wax. The chain needs to be warm otherwise the excess doesn't drip off and the wax builds up. If anybody has had a bung chain from this sing out.

Heard alot about this Dupont MP Teflon wax from overseas forums. Can you tell us where to buy this in NZ, SPP? Thx

[MaxCannon]

I just use chainsaw bar oil and a paintbrush to spread it over the chain.
I think it was $10 for a 1 litre bottle and thats lasted more than a year so far.

I used to go through a can of chain lube a month - anywhere from $15 - $25.

I think cleaning is more important, get the gunk off the chain so it doesn't wear out the O rings.

I've put about 10,000 kms on the Bandit since I got and the chain still looks new, was replaced roughly 3000kms before I got the bike.

[davebullet]

Can you clean a chain with something cheaper than kerosene and not damage the O-rings? (or I need to find a cheaper kero source, or I need to recycle it.... "hey kids - put your mouth under here, then spit in a bucket when full")

[SPP]

Heard alot about this Dupont MP Teflon wax from overseas forums. Can you tell us where to buy this in NZ, SPP? Thx

I get it from Repco. (Haven't looked for it elsewhere. Maybe Bunnings or Supercheap?)

[tri boy]

Motorex and Klotz chain oils FTW. MHO

[klyong82]

+1 for Maxima chain wax

[vifferman]

Can you clean a chain with something cheaper than kerosene and not damage the O-rings? (or I need to find a cheaper kero source, or I need to recycle it.... "hey kids - put your mouth under here, then spit in a bucket when full")
Crazy, huh? Aviation kerosene (highest quality?) is, I believe, less than a buck a litre, yet the stuff at service stations is around $8-$9.
I remember when service station forecourts had taps dispensing various oils, turps, kero, etc etc, and kero was very cheap. It's crazy - the BigFourRobberBarons produce cheap kero at Marsden Point, sell it to Andrews or whoever, where they put blue dye in it, bung it in 5c bottles, and put 17,345% markup on it....

It's still the best stuff to use on chains though, expensive or not. I sometimes use CRC or WD-40 between lubes instead of cleaning with kero. Just spray liberally, wipe off.

I've used the following:
Engine oil - Penetrates well, resonably cheap, lotsa fling-off (which also helps fling off road spooge. OK if your wheels are black and you like flat-tracking on the tarseal.
Shell Motorcycle Chain Lube - Absolute Crap. Like spraying red glue on. Attracts road spooge like a SuperSucky Road Spooge Magnet. Never buy it again. Trying to use up the can in the gargre for other jobs, but struggling to find anything it does well.
Motul - Is like a spray on, quick-drying grease that dries clear but turns black in the presence of Road Spooge. OK for lubing, but too sticky so is hard to clean off, and Hungry Road Spooge loves it.
Spectro Chain Wax - Very good. Stays on well, doesn't require much, not as attractive to Hungry Road Spooge as Motul. Goes further as not much is required.
WD-40 - Not very good lubing qualities, but cleans and penetrates well. Road Spooge doesn't like it. Excellent to use when On The Road for cleaning off Road Spooge and Other Assorted Shit.
CRC556 - A toss-up whether this is crapper than the Shell or not. Is absolutely useless for almost all the uses stated on the can, so I'm trying to use it up by inventing new uses.
Kero - Better than CRC, water, and Shell. Often has a fashionable blue colour, but a strange and very lingering aftertaste.
Water - Better than most of the above, except Motul and Spectro. Very cheap and easy to obtain. Dries very clear, doesn't stick to the rims, doesn't make the tyres slippery, sometimes hangs out with Road Spooge but doesn't seem to attract it.

So... where to next? I'm toying with getting a Scottoiler, but I've got enough gizmos on my bike already. I might give Maxima or one of the other waxes a go. Wax is good. :yes:
Or mebbe I'll just save myself some trouble and never lube the next chain. Or just spread it liberally with Road Spooge to save myself having to ride in all weathers to collect it. :confused:

[Swoop]

...what's a chain? :rofl:
The device that connects the wife to the stove...

[davebullet]

The device that connects the wife to the stove...

and disconnected when bedroom duties, washing or ironing are required.

[MSTRS]

and disconnected when bedroom duties, washing or ironing are required.

Diconnect? Asking for trouble there...
You just need to start with a long enough chain, then using a padlock, simply shorten/lengthen to suit by means of a loop in the main chain.

[MaxCannon]

Cheapest place I've found Kerosene is at Pak'n'Save

Don't buy it from a servo - it's more than twice the price.

[GMcC]

Maxima chain wax is good.

As per NZsarge
Lasts and is forgiving if you overspray etc
Apply after riding - warm chain thingy

[SVboy]

Yup-Maxima wax. Lube every 500kms-clean with kero every 1000kms. Not degreaser in case it removes any grease between O rings and plates/rollers. Take bike for a short ride-apply when warm. Lovely!

[MarkH]

I currently have a belt drive - no chain lubing to do.
Reading this thread makes me glad I don't have to piss around lubing a chain.

I think in the situation of getting a bike with a chain I would opt to have a Scott Oiler fitted - seems like it would be so much easier.

[Armitage Shanks]

+2, this is good stuff.

And always apply to a warm chain.


Maxima Chain wax , in the small can then it just fits under the seat