revtothelimit - motorbike forum

…..Lubing Chains.
For quite some time , I’ve been lubing my chain when possible after a ride. Ive been lead to believe that it should be done whilst the chain is “hot”. What are peoples thoughts on this.

Yup, sounds good to me.

Depending on what you're using, and mileage it doesn't need to be every ride.

Mind you, I've not touched a chain more than once or twice in the last 20 years...

Ours is done before the trackday, usually GT-85 or a proper lube, depending on which i've remembered to bring.

Good reminder though to actually go in and look at the ZX6, it's been a while since it even moved..

Rockburner wrote: Wed Oct 02, 2024 8:29 am Yup, sounds good to me.

Depending on what you're using, and mileage it doesn't need to be every ride.

Doing it average every other day. I can be on the road for 4+ hours a day.

After every ride?

Nah.

After the bike has had a wash, or you've been riding in the rain a lot.

Also nothing but the finest leopard fanny batter for my chains.

KungFooBob wrote: Wed Oct 02, 2024 9:00 am After every ride?

Nah.

After the bike has had a wash, or you've been riding in the rain a lot.

Also nothing but the finest leopard fanny batter for my chains.

Don't think Nobby'll be getting as much rain as we've had.

More likely to have a dusty roads issue.

I often lube mine after the bike has been sat as I rarely remember/have time/can be arsed after a ride. Most recent lubes I've used are Castrol Racing which goes on like a liquid before drying to a more solid/sticky finish and XCP which is like an oil and stays oily. Both seem to penetrate well to me on a cold chain so I've not worried about it. I usually re-lube after 250-400 miles pending how the chain is looking. I tend to only clean it once every 1k miles or so.

It's funny how much I think of chain maintenance now I'm a fair weather rider who does 3k miles a year. When I only had a bike as transport and rode every day I used to lube the chain once a week and never cleaned it ever. The 18-35 year old me would have pissed himself laughing at the thought of cleaning a chain!

I use old engine oil after a wash or riding in the rain. I'm guessing the warmer the better as whatever you use will have more viscosity.

All your questions answered.

I use chainsaw oil on the zed. A rub with a rag cleans the chain,then oil after every couple of rides. 23k miles on the oe chain and sprockets. I rarely need to adjust even yet.

On the triples,they are non o ring chains,so I use the nasty sticky spray stuff and clean with either chain spray or paraffin.

All the bikes are mostly dry weather use unless I'm caught out. I'd be in favour of oiling a warm chain too.

Wurth Dry on the wife's bike, I try and have her do it when she gets home after a ride, but she doesn't bother more often than not and the chain looks like shite.

Nothing on mine, I don't need it

MrLongbeard wrote: Wed Oct 02, 2024 10:48 am Wurth Dry on the wife's bike, I try and have her do it when she gets home after a ride, but she doesn't bother more often than not and the chain looks like shite.

Nothing on mine, I don't need it

I tried that as loads of reviews rave about it. But I found I couldn't see it, even when applying at times (be easier with the Suzuki as it has a blue master link) so couldn't tell if I'd done the whole chain. Then I couldn't tell when it needed re-doing and dust still sticks to it. So I went back to Castrol as at least I know when it needs re-applying.

I say it in all these threads but I'll say it again

The main lubrication in the chain is inside it, built into teh chain and held in place by the O or X rings. Dirt and poor adjustment are what makes 'em wear out, so cleaning it is more important than which lube you use. If spray lubes etc were penetrating in a meaningful way* then the important grease would also be getting out.



*fnarr

Mr. Dazzle wrote: Wed Oct 02, 2024 12:54 pm I say it in all these threads but I'll say it again

The main lubrication in the chain is inside it, built into teh chain and held in place by the O or X rings. Dirt and poor adjustment are what makes 'em wear out, so cleaning it is more important than which lube you use. If spray lubes etc were penetrating in a meaningful way* then the important grease would also be getting out.



*fnarr

Whaterbout non O or X ring chains? Do they need lube?

Skub wrote: Wed Oct 02, 2024 1:20 pm Whaterbout non O or X ring chains? Do they need lube?

They can fuck right off.

Ask me how I know

Mr. Dazzle wrote: Wed Oct 02, 2024 1:40 pm

Skub wrote: Wed Oct 02, 2024 1:20 pm Whaterbout non O or X ring chains? Do they need lube?

They can fuck right off.

Ask me how I know

Split links too,they're a handy thing.

I use the oily finger test.

Dodgy69 wrote: Wed Oct 02, 2024 1:44 pm I use the oily finger test.

Pretty much that if I can't eyeball it.

Skub wrote: Wed Oct 02, 2024 1:43 pm

Mr. Dazzle wrote: Wed Oct 02, 2024 1:40 pm

Skub wrote: Wed Oct 02, 2024 1:20 pm Whaterbout non O or X ring chains? Do they need lube?

They can fuck right off.

Ask me how I know

Split links too,they're a handy thing.

Then you can chuck em on the stove in a tin of linklyfe

When you lube the chain, you're actually keeping the o or X rings supple and hopefully adding a layer of corrosion resistance to the metal.
Lubing a hot chain means the oil flows more easily into the gaps and crevices and the carrier will evaporate quickly to leave it in place.
Bring back the izumilube tins!!!!

Ian wrote: Sat Oct 05, 2024 3:38 pm

Skub wrote: Wed Oct 02, 2024 1:43 pm

Mr. Dazzle wrote: Wed Oct 02, 2024 1:40 pm

They can fuck right off.

Ask me how I know

Split links too,they're a handy thing.

Then you can chuck em on the stove in a tin of linklyfe

But don't forget about it.

I posted about this before but it was a long time ago. Chap I met put his bike chain in a pan on the gas hob with some thick grease gunk that needed warming. Got distracted and forgot. Burned the house down, lost everything including the contents of the garage etc.

He was working for the London Fire Brigade at the time.

(He did say that it was quite cathartic/liberating to be free of 'stuff' for a while though ).