Thread: Stupid question about chains...

Do it because you are supposed to.

Really there are still metal parts of the chain that need lubrication as well as the o-rings.

Bingo, and that is why you use WD40 on your chain and F all that other crap. Just enough to keep the plates clean and a bit lubed and be done with it. On X-ring and O-ring chains that's what I've always done and been fine.

Always made me wonder when the chain lube says "o ring safe" ...if it were intended that you needed to somehow lube these o-rings - isn't that a given?

Originally Posted by SomeStrangeGuy

if it were intended that you needed to somehow lube these o-rings

Don't go there...

Nevermind. Hammer answered it. I'm typing too slow.

Originally Posted by SomeStrangeGuy

Bingo, and that is why you use WD40 on your chain and F all that other crap. Just enough to keep the plates clean and a bit lubed and be done with it. On X-ring and O-ring chains that's what I've always done and been fine.

Always made me wonder when the chain lube says "o ring safe" ...if it were intended that you needed to somehow lube these o-rings - isn't that a given?

O-ring safe may mean that it has been tested and is safe for o-rings, meaning it will not deteriorate the rubber.

Originally Posted by SomeStrangeGuy

Don't go there...

Dammit!

I use wd through the year and then I break the chain and soak it in kerosene for a while in the winter, works really well.

Originally Posted by NorthernRR

I use wd through the year and then I break the chain and soak it in kerosene for a while in the winter, works really well.

Rivet link or clip style link?

Originally Posted by Hammer

Rivet link or clip style link?

Rivet link, I bought a chain breaker last year and it has more than paid for itself.

Originally Posted by NorthernRR

Rivet link, I bought a chain breaker last year and it has more than paid for itself.

Cool, by the sound of it I thought you had the clip style. I hate those things.

I don't go the kerosene route, as I am told immersion of an o-ring chain in that stuff will actually allow seepage into the sealed ring area and emulsification of the grease. I dunno...Im just not a big fan of kero in general?

Originally Posted by Hammer

O-ring safe may mean that it has been tested and is safe for o-rings, meaning it will not deteriorate the rubber.

But that's like of like saying "this rubbing compound is also safe for clearcoats" - clearcoats aren't intended to get buffed out, but they can be...Much is the same to chain lube


I just find putting "chain lube" on my already lubed chain just means more time cleaning the shit off.

If you must apply chain lube, my best recommendation is wipe it down with WD (spray in a controlled area with a backdrop other then the swingarm or TIRE) first, then run a tshirt or microfiber cloth over the whole thing to get rid of the excess (make a loop with your fingers around the chain with the rag/etc. in it). Go take a 15-20 minute ride to get the chain good and warm - then come hope and apply a quick spin's worth of chain lube and keep spinning. Or apply liberally when warm and do the t-shirt/microfiber cloth trick immediately after application.

I only go the WD route because those that I ride with have been doing it for years and ride faster and harder then I do and still get 25k out of an OE chain on an R1, not bad IMO.

Originally Posted by Hammer

Do it because you are supposed to.

Well, you're also supposed to wear pants in public, but I deem that to be optional...

I usually do clean the chain with WD-40 and then lube it up with Honda lube, I was just wondering why it was necessary with the lube inside. I wasn't going to stop lubing, I just wanted to assuage my curiosity. Wow, that's a lot of "lube" in one paragraph...Lube.

The outside of the chain will still rust if you don't lubricate it properly.