It is very rare to see extra care given to the cleaning and maintenance of motorcycle parts. Especially, in the case of new riders who hardly give any attention to cleaning and lubricating a motorcycle chain, which is as important as periodically changing your motorcycle oil. However, it is very easy and simple to do and only takes about 15-20 minutes or so. But, if you do it on a regular basis, you can extend the life and performance of your motorcycle drive chain. That’s why, in this section, we will guide you in choosing the best motorcycle chain lube for your motorcycle. This article will help you to learn another important thing regarding motorcycles with this quick, easy step-by-step guide.
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How to Choose the Right Chain Lube for Your Motorcycle?
Well, there is not much to discuss in this area. But, there are certain things that I believe are worth discussing.
Like, what type of chain lube are you looking for?
Wax (Paste) or Aerosol.
The paste formula is an easy application where you apply the paste to the specific chain areas without making any mess since you have more control while applying it.
However, using the aerosol is a quick lubricant application, wherein taking only a few seconds, you can spray the chain lube over the entire motorcycle chain and let it dry. This is the easiest way to apply chain lube. But, it comes at a cost, i.e., you have to be very careful not to spray over the other parts like the tires and fabric.
The second thing you must consider is the chain type. It may seem normal but the chain lube can only work properly if it is used on the type of chain for which it was designed. So, figure out the type of motorcycle chain you have, e.g. X, Z, or O-ring, etc.
And lastly, learn about the necessary features like dirt & water-resistant and protection from rust and corrosion.
Once you figure out the above factors, then it won’t be too hard to choose the right type of chain lube for your motorcycle.
Top 5 Best Motorcycle Chain Lube Reviews 2020 – Editor’s Choice
Maxima 74920 Chain Wax
- Water Protection
- Fling Resistant
- Anti-Wear
- Extremely Flammable
This is a top-of-the-line power spray lubricant that has the quality of both spray and wax. As you have probably noticed, a wax takes more time to spread over a motorcycle chain but a spray can cover the same area quickly just by spraying all over the chain surface. With Maxima 74920 Chain Wax, you will get the advantage of Para-film formula spray that sprays as a liquid but sets up as a soft waxy film. This wax film penetrates deep and protects the chain from rust and corrosion.
You can use this Maxima’s chain wax for all types of chains for superior performance, especially, for X, Z, and O-ring chains.
Its spray-wax combination lubricates all non-accessible areas to provide maximum protection to the chain, sprockets, and cable.
Verdict |
| Whether you ride on the streets or off-road, Maxima 74920 Chain Wax will provide resistance to wear and long-term protection against humidity and water. If you’re looking for heavy-duty chain lube, then Maxima 74920 Chain Wax will be the perfect choice for your motorcycle. |
Motorex Road Chain Lube
- Perfect for X & O-ring Type Chains
- Water-Proof Solution
- White Wear-Reducing Lubricant
- Extremely Flammable
This is another motorcycle chain lube which has excellent adhesion that provides a waterproof solution and is resistant to spin and high-pressure. This adhesion is compatible with all chain types, especially X-ring and O-ring chains.
This lube is approved by 50 states and contains a white wear-reducing lubricant that highlights the area where the chain is lubricated and where it is not. If you travel quite frequently, then you must have this chain lube which instantly clings to the chain and stays on the chain without flying off.
Verdict |
| Overall, the Motorex Road Chain Lube is an excellent lube for your motorcycle chain and really gets the job done. Its waterproof feature stands out and I would highly recommend this chain lube for motorcyclists who need a hard-working lubricant. |
PJ1 Blue Label Chain Lube
- Petroleum Based Formula
- Suitable for
- Protection against Rust & Corrosion
- Not for all Chain Types
Based on a petroleum formula, this chain lube will really accomplish the job of lubricating the chain of your motorcycle. The reason that PJ1 Blue Label Chain Lube is in 3rd position is its usage for only a limited number of types of chain. PJ1 Blue Label Chain Lube is best for O-Ring chains.
So, if you have any other chain type, then I would suggest you choose another brand. But, if your motorcycle chain is an O-ring type, then no other chain lube is better than PJ1 Blue Label.
It has a water-repelling feature that will automatically provide protection against corrosion and rust. Regular use of PJ1 will increase the life of the chain and make it quieter when rolling at speed.
PJ1 Blue Label Lube also reduces chain friction and creates minimal rolling resistance. All these features put the PJ1 Chain Lube in the third position of the best motorcycle chain lubes.
Verdict |
| If you are using an O-ring type chain, then you will be completely satisfied with the PJ1 Blue Label Chain Lube. It will provide protection from numerous external elements and will not fly-off easily. The result, the life of your motorcycle will be extended with regular usage. So, I would suggest you give it a shot! |
Bel-Ray Super Clean Chain Lube
- Anti-Wear Protection
- Outer Protective Coating
- Suitable for all Chain Types
- Extremely Flammable
This is the perfect example of innovative, next-level lubricant technology. Bel-Ray designed a motorcycle chain lube that is suitable for most all chain types like O, X, and Z ring and roller chains. Whether you ride on the streets, off-road, or on racetracks, the Bel-Ray Super Clean Chain Lube is what you need for your motorcycle.
The Bel-Ray Super Clean chain lube’s white color helps to indicate the areas that have been lubricated. Many off-road riders complain that excess dirt and dust damage the chain and sprocket areas of their motorcycle. But, with Bel-Ray chain lube, you will get an outer protective coating that will not attract dirt, sand, and dust. Plus, it will not leave any residue on your motorcycle. This aerosol chain lube has unsurpassed anti-wear protection for a long chain and sprocket life and will not fling off the chain at all.
Verdict |
| I would highly recommend this motorcycle chain lube, especially if you ride off-road quite frequently. |
DuPont Teflon Chain-Saver Dry Self-Cleaning Chain Lube
- No Fling-off
- Dirt-Resistant
- Self-Cleaning Technology
- Extremely Flammable
DuPont’s Chain Lube is a wax-based chain lube and formulated for chains and cables. It is highly recommended for O-Ring type of motorcycle chains that can extend the life of a sprocket and chain by 5 times (DuPont’s Commitment).
Nevertheless, I haven’t seen many flaws in this chain lube. On the contrary, it is very inexpensive and features Teflon and molybdenum for wear protection. You will not face any fling problem while using DuPont Teflon Chain-Saver Dry Self-Cleaning Chain Lube. In fact, its water- and dirt-resistant properties make it suitable for humid and wet environments. It penetrates deep into the chain and coats frictional surfaces with a dry, Teflon fluoropolymer wax film. It is perfect for reducing chain stretching and protects against rust and corrosion.
Verdict |
| This is an inexpensive lubricant solution for your motorcycle chain. As its name implies, DuPont is a chain-saver that provides high performance and extended life to motorcycle chains and sprockets. Moreover, it suits all types of motorcycle chains. |
How to Clean and Lube a Motorcycle Chain?
For full-service cleaning and lubrication, you don’t need to read the unnecessarily long procedure over the internet. Because even I realized that many motorcycle experts made cleaning and lubricating the motorcycle chain a very complicated process, which, actually, it is not. Nevertheless, you can get info whichever way you see fit.
But, at Motorcyclist Lifestyle, we will tell you about the easiest “old-school” method of full cleaning and lubricating your motorcycle chain with the least amount of effort and moderate knowledge. So, without wasting any more time, let’s take a look at those methods.
Step 1: The first thing you must know is anything that goes on your motorcycle chain should not go on the tires. Any lubricant or oil shouldn’t come in direct contact with the tires. If any oil gets on the tires, then make sure to immediately wash with soap and water.
But, don’t worry!
You can minimize the probability of something like this happening by using needle-nose pliers to separate the chain at its master link and add a couple of feet extra chain to one end with the master link. It will give you full access at both ends when you pull the spare chain over the drive sprocket and then disconnect the drive chain. You can leave the spare chain on the sprocket and can attach the newly serviced chain and pull it over the sprocket without removing the housing.
Step 2: Now, use a brush to clean the chain with kerosene or a “Safeticlean” –type solution.
Note: Never use gasoline or any other solvent. Because it will only embed the dirt in the center of the chain instead of removing it.
Now, shake it off and wipe it dry before you put it into the heated pan of gear oil.
Step 3: It is time to lube the cleaned motorcycle chain with some good, thick lubricant and heat it up until it’s thin, then soak the chain in it for not more than 30-40 minutes until the grease penetrates the rollers. After that, you can hang the chain on a nail and let the excess solution drip back into the pan.
Just be sure to choose the right formula for the lubricant. Depending on the motorcycle, there are vast options available in the lube market, which may include molybdenum disulfide, graphite, STP, or something else. Fortunately, you can check out the best motorcycle chain lubes at Motorcyclist Lifestyle to choose the right lubricant for your motorcycle chain.
Step 4: There is not much left to do in step four. Since you’ve already lubricated the motorcycle chain all you have to do is reattach the cleaned and lubricated chain over the drive sprocket carefully, remove the spare chain, and reclip the master link ensuring the closed end is facing forward.
Final Conclusion:
There are plenty of aerosols and paste powered chain lubricants in the market. Some are expensive and some are good value. I am sure; you’ve got the general idea of “How to choose the right chain lube for a motorcycle?”
But, that’s not the point.
What you need to understand is that “Chain lube is considered to be a mandatory task and give as much importance to it as you give to engine oil or gasoline.”
Because, with just a little work, you can actually extend the life of the motorcycle chain, which automatically extends the life of your motorcycle.
So, make no mistake in choosing the chain lube for your motorcycle. And if you have any questions, then please don’t hesitate to comment in the section provided below.
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