Chain Lube Test

[SaferRides]

https://youtu.be/VnPYdcbcAe0

[jim.cox]

https://youtu.be/VnPYdcbcAe0

Cheers for that - really interesting...

[Blackbird]

Not a bad video but lubricant getting "pushed out of the way" really needs qualifying. Boundary layer lubrication relies on a molecular film being retained. This is where the additive package formulation comes into its own. Tribology is effin' complicated :yes:

[AllanB]

Not saying what I have but I still like it's grey colour and that it stays on the chain ;)

Good post, thanks.

[pritch]

I used to use various sprays but over time the plates on the side nearest the wheel become dry and start to rust. The Motul spray went on brilliantly but was sticky which meant it stuck to the chain - but so did everything else.

Since I sometimes mess about with stringed instruments, the thought of putting the bike on a stand and running it in gear while holding an oil soaked rag against the chain, while very effective, can be off putting. Thus the Scott oiler.

[george formby]

Problems solved. She's a looker.:lol:

https://www.cb500x.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=3194.0;attach=1069 2

[pete-blen]

Chain saw bar oil.... cheap and to stays on...
well as much as any other oil...

I put it on with a 12mm paint brush..



..

[george formby]

Chain saw bar oil.... cheap and to stays on...
well as much as any other oil...

I put it on with a 12mm paint brush..



..

Works great in scott oilers, too.

A faithful rag soaked in EP90 still works. As recommended on the box the chain came in.

Regular maintenance is far better than any product on the market.

[SaferRides]

Chain saw bar oil.... cheap and to stays on...
well as much as any other oil...

I put it on with a 12mm paint brush..



..I've tried 140 gear oil. Needs to be brushed on at this time of year, but that didn't take long. The garage was a bit smelly for a day afterwards - it must have plenty of EP additives.

It has stayed on the chain for 700 km so far - very little fling on the rear wheel. The test will riding on wet roads.

[george formby]

I've tried 140 gear oil. Needs to be brushed on at this time of year, but that didn't take long. The garage was a bit smelly for a day afterwards - it must have plenty of EP additives.

It has stayed on the chain for 700 km so far - very little fling on the rear wheel. The test will riding on wet roads.

IMHO nothing withstands a few 100kms of sodden wet roads at a decent clip. Add in the road grime (and salt up over) and you have chain hell. It's like being water blasted with a gritty slurry.

Thinking back to my winter riding in the UK, I would lube the chain almost daily and went back to gear oil because of cost. O ring chains where canned for the same reason. They just did not last, it was more cost effective to whip a standard chain off regularly and cook it in Castrol chain grease. Admittedly a clipped chain.

Ah, the good old days of big miles, smiles and shit weather. All I wanted was my bike, a beer and possibly a shag.

[Jeff Sichoe]

These days I just slowly drip a little engine oil from a dropper onto the chain once a week.

Keeps it rust free, clean of debris / grinding paste and doesn't flick off or gunk up the front sprocket.

[SaferRides]

Very happy with the 140 weight gear oil but need to find a way to apply it that doesn't involve a paintbrush.

[F5 Dave]

I don't think a roller would be very practical, perhaps a Speedbrush?

[caseye]

Very happy with the 140 weight gear oil but need to find a way to apply it that doesn't involve a paintbrush.

I'm using 90 weight gear oil, got a small 200ml plastic squeeze bottle with a bent tube and a needle nose on the end, apply from front sprocket back to chain roller, (Africa Twin, so no main stand yet) move bike repeat, until chain is covered.
Works great, apply at least once a month regardless, not a lot of use over winter, but chain looks good and clean and oily all over still!

[husaberg]

I'm using 90 weight gear oil, got a small 200ml plastic squeeze bottle with a bent tube and a needle nose on the end, apply from front sprocket back to chain roller, (Africa Twin, so no main stand yet) move bike repeat, until chain is covered.
Works great, apply at least once a month regardless, not a lot of use over winter, but chain looks good and clean and oily all over still!

why not subsitute the gear oil for chainsaw Chain and bar lube it the same viscosity but far far tackier not too mention likely cheaper as well.

[caseye]

why not subsitute the gear oil for chainsaw Chain and bar lube it the same viscosity but far far tackier not too mention likely cheaper as well.

Ill have a look hussy, but seem to reme'mber that it was actually dearer, I did buy 4 litres last time.
Centre stand (but not a $500.00 one ) would make life easier.

[husaberg]

Ill have a look hussy, but seem to reme'mber that it was actually dearer, I did buy 4 litres last time.
Centre stand (but not a $500.00 one ) would make life easier.

https://nzsafetyblackwoods.co.nz/en/fuchs-chain-bar-oil-20l-each--00698147
$102.35 incl. GST 20 liters

20l 99 plus gst
https://www.partsdirect.farm/castrol-cutter-bar-and-chain-lube-20-ltr-3374803


https://www.supercheapauto.co.nz/p/gulf-western-supertak-chain-saw-bar-oil---4-litre/545133.html#q=CHAIN&lang=en_NZ
$28 4L

[GazzaH]

Scott Oiler pays for itself in a few thousand kms in oil alone. Add to that the reduction in hassle. It's almost fit-n-forget. Outstanding customer service too.

I'm not on commission, just a happy customer for, oooh, 30 years now.

3 decades without squeaky Scots!

[SaferRides]

Ah well, that experiment is over. The chain got dirty and noisier than usual after a ride on some damp back roads.

I've given the chain a good clean and will go back to the Du Pont stuff for everyday use. I have some Castrol spray lube if there is surface rust after riding on wet roads.

[pritch]

Scott Oiler pays for itself in a few thousand kms in oil alone. Add to that the reduction in hassle. It's almost fit-n-forget. Outstanding customer service too.


I'll second that motion.

[husaberg]

Seems a tad wasteful
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MKIBNVG6eZY/hqdefault.jpg

[Dak S83]

Years ago I used to use a solid grease type product that was in a shallow container, you put the chain in it and then chucked it on the BBQ to heat it up and melt it. Leave for a while then remove and hang up to allow excess to drain off. Worked bloody good. Involves removing the chain though mind you. And this was when to have an o-ring chain you had to be a millionaire.

[george formby]

Years ago I used to use a solid grease type product that was in a shallow container, you put the chain in it and then chucked it on the BBQ to heat it up and melt it. Leave for a while then remove and hang up to allow excess to drain off. Worked bloody good. Involves removing the chain though mind you. And this was when to have an o-ring chain you had to be a millionaire.

:laugh:I still have a tin. Castrol chain grease. Works a treat on cheap ringless dirt bike chains. I wonder what it would work like on bearings?