Chain lube?

[LardEmbargo]

So I thought it was about time I learned about lubricating the chain on my bike. You know, before it gets utterly rooted instead of afterwards. I had a careful search through all the posts about chain lubes and stuff but have not succeeded in reaching the zen state of clarity I was hoping for.

Things I am still confused about and hoping someone can help with...

O-ring chains and non-O-ring chains, and which kind I probably have. The chain on my girlfriend's Kawasaki GPX says EK520 SRO, whereas the one on the trusty VTR250 is stamped DID 520V. Quick googling suggests these are both O-ring chains, but I'm unwilling to just trust things I read on the Intarweb, I hear they let just about anyone on these days.

(the important bit) what having an O-ring chain means for the lubes and/or solvents I shouldn't use. Carefully cleaning or lubing my chain with something that eats O-rings, frinstance, would suck a big dog's danglies. In the parlance of the times.

So, to summarise

what's safe to use to lubricate my chain? (also maybe not too messy, mostly stays where I put it, etc.)
what's safe to use as as degreaser or solvent to get crud off it first? (I read posts about paraffin and stuff, but was worried about the O-ring thing again)
are there any things I definitely shouldn't use?


cheers for your help/advice and things :)

[boomer]

1. any lube that says safe for o & x ring
2. kero
3. don't clean it with the bike on a stand, in gear with ya fingers in teh fuckin sprocket like some MUPPETS on here have and bob will be ya unkle


i use, good racing lube, a flash toothbrush from chemist ( big chunky dental tooth brush ) with kero... wash wash and wash.. rinse.. spin and dry. cover surrounding areas with towel and apply lube generously.. read copious amounts.

leave to dry.

Done.


alternatively do a search.. theres loads of stickies ya slack ass :p

[XP@]

I've heard it is best to oil after a ride when the chain is nice and warm.

But what would I know? I am too lazy to oil my chain, cos that is what scottoilers were invented for. Once every couple of months I pour some more chainsaw oil in to the resevoir and as if my magic my chain is constantly oiled (along with my swingarm and under my seat). Oh, and the a chain lasts about 2-3 times longer than normal :-)