Chain Oil - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

Samurai · 06-02-2006, 09:43 PM

Had been using 'white dry chain oil'. Yesterday changed to 'wet oil', since the white dry oil does not seem to be rust proof. And noticed that when turning the wheel by hand, a slight rattle noise could be heard with the while oil but this noise was gone with the wet oil.

Question:
Is the dry oil not good for lubricating the chain?

2005GZ250 · 06-03-2006, 12:17 AM

The "wet oil" sticks to the chain and makes a cushion between the rollers. I would bet that after a few trips around the block the oil will be slung off the chain and the noise will be back. I use spray on Chain Wax and it will sling off but not as fast.

**Clint** · 06-03-2006, 09:05 AM

It's Hondalube for me. It goes on wet and penetrates the relevant areas, but dries quickly and doesn't fling at all.

c50tiger · 06-11-2006, 02:01 PM

ok - - most of them came from my nephew, the dirt bike racer, but it pretty well applies to chain drives on any sort of bike:

Dry Lube: goes on wet, penetrates, then sets up in a dry state.
Pro - being able to ride through some pretty dusty, dirty conditions without the drivetrain turning into a greasy mess of abrasive paste.
Con - low water resistance and will wear quickly in rainy conditions.
The trick to dry lube is to apply the night before and allow it to set up and dry so you have minimum dirt attraction during your ride.

Wet Lube: traditional oily lube that goes on wet and stays wet.
Pro - excellent water resistance, film strength and long-lasting performance. Wet lube also performs better in muddy, off-road conditions.
Con - dirt and dust magnet. When riding in dry, dusty conditions, you should wipe down the outside of the chain to remove excess lube to minimize the accumulation of dirt in the drivetrain.

Wax - trading one sort of maintenance for another. If you hate cleaning your chain, use wax. Drier than dry - most so dry they won't even stain your pants leg if you rub against it almost immediately after application.
Pro - each time you apply you actually clean and relube in the same process. Goes on wet, but dries to a hard wax. Dirt, dust and grime won’t stick. What dirt does get in just settles on the chain and sheds as the wax lube naturally flakes off. Or you flush it out when you do the next application.
Con - does not last long in rain, wet muddy conditions. Requires more frequent application than old fashioned wet lubes.

And there you have it. Back before I got a shaft drive bike, I always used the old wet lubes. Now, I'd probably have to look real hard at the waxes, but I'd be concerned about their durability if you're prone to all day, several hundred mile rides.

Samurai · 06-19-2006, 06:09 AM

Thanks for good information on the chain oils in detail. I tried dry and now using wet. I probably will try to use the oil wax also.

GIXXER-Mike · 07-02-2006, 08:34 AM

Bel-Ray is what I'm using right now! So far, so good

!

JES883 · 07-04-2006, 09:32 AM

I've used Bel-Ray. Right now I use Maxima. It seems to stick a bit better. And it's a more natural greasy color that somehow makes me happy.

kyro2000 · 07-04-2006, 02:22 PM

Maxima Chain Wax has worked great for me for over a year now.

**Louis** · 07-04-2006, 02:30 PM

Maxima chain wax here too.

Bloody pain to clean of your chain in the Spring though when the temp is colder!

Samurai · 07-05-2006, 04:06 AM

Maxima sounds great even the statistical population is small ... I'm going to try when the current wet oil has been used up soon. Thanks.

ForbidInjustice · 07-07-2006, 07:40 PM

c50tiger, excellent post! I use Maxima Chain Wax, and very happy with it. No fling is a plus, and the fact that it's not messy at all going on.

Samurai · 08-01-2006, 10:32 PM

Maxima sounds great - minor prob is a 20 oz spray-can costs about double here

Also noticed they carried Chain Guard. Could anyone educate me how to use them - apply Chain Guard and then Wax? or just either one of them is good enough? Could not find the page how to use on their HP.

c50tiger · 08-04-2006, 07:22 PM

Hey Hama - use one or the other. The Maxima Chain Guard is just one of the dry-lube products.... goes on wet and then sets up dry so that it does not attract dirt.

Samurai · 10-20-2007, 05:56 PM

It took me a while to start using the Maxima Chain Wax, since marketability is very poor here.

I am satisfied with this lube for riding on the sideroads. Could anyone tell me as to it's durability on the highways? My hotrods are interested in the wax and questioning on how many hundred miles you can go without relube. I have no data - I don't ride on highways, as my mc's max speed is 75 mph, not comfortable to cruise at 65~.

Blade · 10-21-2007, 09:50 PM

I have used chain wax and after blowing my chain at 5K because of it, I now use PJ1 Blue. It is a bit messy, but my chains stay in better shape and last much longer.

Samurai · 10-22-2007, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blade

I have used chain wax and after blowing my chain at 5K because of it, I now use PJ1 Blue. It is a bit messy, but my chains stay in better shape and last much longer.

Yikes!

themeatmanlandry · 10-23-2007, 08:23 AM

Like Blade, I didn't think much of chain wax, and I use PJ-1 Blue.

I honestly, think that an owner with a good maintenance plan can use pretty much any lube they want, as long as they stick to the plan.

jgreth · 10-23-2007, 03:28 PM

I use ear wax.

It's free!

Samurai · 10-27-2007, 04:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samurai

It took me a while to start using the Maxima Chain Wax, since marketability is very poor here.

I am satisfied with this lube for riding on the sideroads. Could anyone tell me as to it's durability on the highways? My hotrods are interested in the wax and questioning on how many hundred miles you can go without relube. I have no data - I don't ride on highways, as my mc's max speed is 75 mph, not comfortable to cruise at 65~.

May I go back to my question?

baltimorebayside · 10-29-2007, 09:41 AM

My Honda 750 Nighthawk had chain wax on it from the previous owner. It was caked on so thick and dirty it looked like it wasn't even lubricating......I bought a new natural bristle brush and got some kersene and cleaned it up real good. Wipped it down with a soaked kerosene rag and then lubbed it up with a Racing Motorcycle chain lubricant with a Kawasaki name on the can. It comes out blue?? The chain stays cleaner with this stuff, I get some residul on the mag wheel, but that's probably more due to lubing the chain moments before I ride. I should let it sit a while after lubing it up. It seems to work ok for me.....

dan

06-02-2006, 09:43 PM	#1 (permalink)
Samurai Formerly Rice Burner Joined: Oct 2005 Bike: Royal Enfield Location: Kanagawa, Japan Posts: 641	Chain Oil Had been using 'white dry chain oil'. Yesterday changed to 'wet oil', since the white dry oil does not seem to be rust proof. And noticed that when turning the wheel by hand, a slight rattle noise could be heard with the while oil but this noise was gone with the wet oil. Question: Is the dry oil not good for lubricating the chain?

06-03-2006, 12:17 AM	#2 (permalink)
2005GZ250 Fender Buffer Joined: Sep 2005 Bike: 2005 GZ250 1973 "heavyoldandslow" GT750 Location: Roland, AR Posts: 439	The "wet oil" sticks to the chain and makes a cushion between the rollers. I would bet that after a few trips around the block the oil will be slung off the chain and the noise will be back. I use spray on Chain Wax and it will sling off but not as fast. __________________ I only ride 'em. I don't know what makes 'em work. Oddball: Donald Sutherland, Kelly's Heroes 1970

06-11-2006, 02:01 PM	#4 (permalink)
c50tiger Can Ride And Chew Gum Joined: Aug 2004 Bike: 2005 C50 Location: Selma, Alabama Posts: 2,058	ok - - most of them came from my nephew, the dirt bike racer, but it pretty well applies to chain drives on any sort of bike: Dry Lube: goes on wet, penetrates, then sets up in a dry state. Pro - being able to ride through some pretty dusty, dirty conditions without the drivetrain turning into a greasy mess of abrasive paste. Con - low water resistance and will wear quickly in rainy conditions. The trick to dry lube is to apply the night before and allow it to set up and dry so you have minimum dirt attraction during your ride. Wet Lube: traditional oily lube that goes on wet and stays wet. Pro - excellent water resistance, film strength and long-lasting performance. Wet lube also performs better in muddy, off-road conditions. Con - dirt and dust magnet. When riding in dry, dusty conditions, you should wipe down the outside of the chain to remove excess lube to minimize the accumulation of dirt in the drivetrain. Wax - trading one sort of maintenance for another. If you hate cleaning your chain, use wax. Drier than dry - most so dry they won't even stain your pants leg if you rub against it almost immediately after application. Pro - each time you apply you actually clean and relube in the same process. Goes on wet, but dries to a hard wax. Dirt, dust and grime won’t stick. What dirt does get in just settles on the chain and sheds as the wax lube naturally flakes off. Or you flush it out when you do the next application. Con - does not last long in rain, wet muddy conditions. Requires more frequent application than old fashioned wet lubes. And there you have it. Back before I got a shaft drive bike, I always used the old wet lubes. Now, I'd probably have to look real hard at the waxes, but I'd be concerned about their durability if you're prone to all day, several hundred mile rides. __________________ Let's think the unthinkable, let's do the undoable, let's prepare to grapple with the ineffable itself, and see if we may not eff it after all. - Douglas Adams COGITO EGGO SUM: I think, therefore I am... a waffle

07-02-2006, 08:34 AM	#6 (permalink)
GIXXER-Mike U.B's LoveChild Joined: Aug 2004 Bike: 2004 GSX-R600 (Blue/White) Location: ALABAMA Posts: 1,113	Bel-Ray is what I'm using right now! So far, so good ! __________________ "I'm here to fight for truth, and justice, and the American way."

07-04-2006, 09:32 AM	#7 (permalink)
JES883 TurtleWax Taster Joined: Jan 2005 Bike: K5 GSX-R600 & 2003 HD 883 Location: MI Posts: 573	I've used Bel-Ray. Right now I use Maxima. It seems to stick a bit better. And it's a more natural greasy color that somehow makes me happy. __________________ JES883

06-19-2006, 06:09 AM	#5 (permalink)
Samurai Formerly Rice Burner Joined: Oct 2005 Bike: Royal Enfield Location: Kanagawa, Japan Posts: 641	Thanks for good information on the chain oils in detail. I tried dry and now using wet. I probably will try to use the oil wax also.

07-04-2006, 02:22 PM	#8 (permalink)
kyro2000 Third gear and cruising Joined: Apr 2004 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 532	Maxima Chain Wax has worked great for me for over a year now. __________________ RIP - Arlen, Ross, and Dad. 6/22/02 --------------- --------------- Don’t tell me about disappointment! I’m a Chicago Cubs fan!

07-04-2006, 02:30 PM	#9 (permalink)
Louis Administrator Joined: Sep 2003 Bike: SV650S '05 (Blue) Location: Gatineau, QC, Canada Posts: 10,657	Maxima chain wax here too. Bloody pain to clean of your chain in the Spring though when the temp is colder! __________________ Louis

07-05-2006, 04:06 AM	#10 (permalink)
Samurai Formerly Rice Burner Joined: Oct 2005 Bike: Royal Enfield Location: Kanagawa, Japan Posts: 641	Maxima sounds great even the statistical population is small ... I'm going to try when the current wet oil has been used up soon. Thanks.

07-07-2006, 07:40 PM	#11 (permalink)
ForbidInjustice Puddle Runner Joined: May 2005 Bike: 2007 GSX-R1000 Black/orange! Location: Fort Hood, Texas Posts: 352	c50tiger, excellent post! I use Maxima Chain Wax, and very happy with it. No fling is a plus, and the fact that it's not messy at all going on. __________________ U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security www.dhs.gov .. hence strength and security

08-01-2006, 10:32 PM	#12 (permalink)
Samurai Formerly Rice Burner Joined: Oct 2005 Bike: Royal Enfield Location: Kanagawa, Japan Posts: 641	Maxima sounds great - minor prob is a 20 oz spray-can costs about double here Also noticed they carried Chain Guard. Could anyone educate me how to use them - apply Chain Guard and then Wax? or just either one of them is good enough? Could not find the page how to use on their HP.

08-04-2006, 07:22 PM	#13 (permalink)
c50tiger Can Ride And Chew Gum Joined: Aug 2004 Bike: 2005 C50 Location: Selma, Alabama Posts: 2,058	Hey Hama - use one or the other. The Maxima Chain Guard is just one of the dry-lube products.... goes on wet and then sets up dry so that it does not attract dirt. __________________ Let's think the unthinkable, let's do the undoable, let's prepare to grapple with the ineffable itself, and see if we may not eff it after all. - Douglas Adams COGITO EGGO SUM: I think, therefore I am... a waffle

10-20-2007, 05:56 PM	#14 (permalink)
Samurai Formerly Rice Burner Joined: Oct 2005 Bike: Royal Enfield Location: Kanagawa, Japan Posts: 641	Chain Wax It took me a while to start using the Maxima Chain Wax, since marketability is very poor here. I am satisfied with this lube for riding on the sideroads. Could anyone tell me as to it's durability on the highways? My hotrods are interested in the wax and questioning on how many hundred miles you can go without relube. I have no data - I don't ride on highways, as my mc's max speed is 75 mph, not comfortable to cruise at 65~. Last edited by Samurai; 10-22-2007 at 01:42 AM.

10-21-2007, 09:50 PM	#15 (permalink)
Blade Official M-J Vendor Joined: Mar 2006 Location: La Quinta, Ca Posts: 609	I have used chain wax and after blowing my chain at 5K because of it, I now use PJ1 Blue. It is a bit messy, but my chains stay in better shape and last much longer. __________________ Bill Johnson Email: bill@billsbikesnservice.com website: www.billsbikesnservice.com

10-23-2007, 08:23 AM	#17 (permalink)
themeatmanlandry Happy-ass Lunatic Joined: Dec 2003 Bike: 2002 Bandit 600S (Black); 2006 GSXR750 (Black) Location: Memphis Posts: 11,423	Like Blade, I didn't think much of chain wax, and I use PJ-1 Blue. I honestly, think that an owner with a good maintenance plan can use pretty much any lube they want, as long as they stick to the plan.

10-23-2007, 03:28 PM	#18 (permalink)
jgreth Mr. Threadjack Joined: Aug 2007 Bike: 2007 Suzuki GS500F Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 3,078	I use ear wax. It's free! __________________ What the hell am I looking at? When does this happen in the movie? You're looking at now, sir. Everything that happens now is happening now. What happened to then? We passed then. When? Just now. We're at now now. Go back to then. When? Now! Now? Now! I can't. Why? We missed it. When? Just now. When will then be now? Soon.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

10-29-2007, 09:41 AM	#20 (permalink)
baltimorebayside Puddle Runner Joined: Jun 2007 Bike: New owner of a 2008 C50T Location: Maryland Eastern Shore Posts: 362	My Honda 750 Nighthawk had chain wax on it from the previous owner. It was caked on so thick and dirty it looked like it wasn't even lubricating......I bought a new natural bristle brush and got some kersene and cleaned it up real good. Wipped it down with a soaked kerosene rag and then lubbed it up with a Racing Motorcycle chain lubricant with a Kawasaki name on the can. It comes out blue?? The chain stays cleaner with this stuff, I get some residul on the mag wheel, but that's probably more due to lubing the chain moments before I ride. I should let it sit a while after lubing it up. It seems to work ok for me..... dan

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
M Off the Chain	drgibson	Big Bike Barn	8	05-25-2006 10:15 AM
New chain?	CManT1914	Sportbikes & Sport-tourers	5	03-09-2006 12:50 PM
Chain ?	viper94bite	Marauder M50 Secret Hideaway	8	08-23-2005 10:25 AM
Chain ?	cracKness	Mechanics Corner	9	02-21-2005 12:04 AM
chain guard	icanrace	Sportbikes & Sport-tourers	8	02-16-2005 02:17 PM