Chain Lube - Your favorite and why

07Ninja250 · 06-24-2009

Hello fellow bikers, just wanted to get some opinions on chain lube from anyone who'd like to contribute.

Thus far, I've tried chain wax (Bel Ray, if memory serves) and DuPont's teflon spray, as well as good old gear oil. The wax / teflon didn't alleviate the worrysome (to me anyway) chain noise on my brand new Ninja 250 that I had last year. The chain was adjusted perfectly, yet I could hear the fast-paced clatter of the links rounding the sprockets while riding slowly through my neighborhood. I'd go home, spray it again and it'd be silent for a while, but the noise returns after 10 or so miles. A guy from DuPont told me that this is what is to be expected from non-oily chain lubes, and that the protection is there.

My used bikes' previous owners tended to use gear oil. I'm not sure about it's protective abilities, but I do know that it makes a helluva mess. I just took all the chain and sprocket guards off my newly acquired Ninja 650 last night and found a TON of goop caked on everything near the front sprocket. 2 cans of WD-40, half a bottle of Simple Green and and a gallon of scalding-hot water later, it was all cleaned up, along with the chain.

I tried something new (to me) last night...PJ1 Blue Label. It went on clear, and dried VERY sticky. No noise thus far, but I did notice in the heat of the day today that I'm getting a greasy drip from the front sprocket area. I guess it turns back to its liquid form when it gets heated up.

Anyway..sorry to ramble. Now give me your favorite products and your experiences. I'm still looking for that perfect product, if such a thing exists.

wildjerseyfiref · 06-25-2009

id be intrested also, I need to relube my chain since I washed the bike the other day

GeorgiaRider · 06-25-2009

My dealer only sells PJ1. My manual says to lube with 90W lube, though I've never tried it. I used regular Bel-Ray lube for a while, no mess. I recently switched to Bel-Ray SuperClean lube. It works great. It is so clean I wonder if it lubes as well as the regular grade. Any one have a comment? I have
11K miles on the chain now with no issues. Lube every 400-500 miles.

tricker · 06-25-2009

i've used dupont's teflon spray for about 10k miles and my chain looks pretty good. I have a little under 18.5k miles on the bike.

KevyzToy · 06-25-2009

I've been using Bel-Ray Super Clean lube for years. I'm sure it's not the only reason for this, but I got 34k from my stock chain, 32k from my 2nd and have bout 15k on my 3rd. I'm sure regular lubing has a lot to do with it no matter what I used, every 4-500 miles, but I also don't do wheelies or burnouts.

The Bel-Ray sticks very well. It doesn't fling off.

That is strange about the chain noise. Never heard that one. I've got chain noise but it's from having an open sprocket cover. I can hear the chain singing as is spins around the front sprocket.

07Ninja250 · 06-25-2009

I guess I shouldn't be so worried about hearing the chain, although I've yet to hear the 650's chain with gear oil (previous owner's idea) or PJ1. I would like something that doesn't sling, so maybe I'll give Bel Ray and DuPont another chance. The PJ1 is slattered all over everything and then it sets up like glue.

Thanks everyone for your input.

tricker · 06-25-2009

i used to put a heavier oil on it directly and let it soak in for a long time. But then after about 3k miles of doing that I changed to regular chain lube, and then tried out dupont and have used it since. Crazy I went through an entire can of chain lube on my 3k mile trip.

07Ninja250 · 06-25-2009

It's probably gonna require 2 cans of WD-40 to get the PJ1 off when it's time for this again. That stuff is like dried molasses.

herk · 06-25-2009

Liquid Wrench Cycle Chain Lube. It's readily available & cheap.
It goes on wet, then leaves behind a nice film. It doesn't make a gooey mess
like some of the anti-sling lubes such as PJ1 Heavy Duty (I hate that stuff).
Chain cleaning is easy - I just saturate it to dripping w the Cycle Chain Lube, then wipe off the excess w a clean cloth. simple.

CapnMetro29 · 06-25-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by herk

Liquid Wrench Cycle Chain Lube. It's readily available & cheap.
It goes on wet, then leaves behind a nice film. It doesn't make a gooey mess
like some of the anti-sling lubes such as PJ1 Heavy Duty (I hate that stuff).
Chain cleaning is easy - I just saturate it to dripping w the Cycle Chain Lube, then wipe off the excess w a clean cloth. simple.

I've been using this as well and have no complaints. As mentioned above, I also like that it doesn't "stick" to the chain. I feel that anything that sticks will eventually pick up dirt and road grit and could actually do more harm than good in the long run. Just my $0.02.

GeorgiaRider · 06-25-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by 07Ninja250

I guess I shouldn't be so worried about hearing the chain, although I've yet to hear the 650's chain with gear oil (previous owner's idea) or PJ1. I would like something that doesn't sling, so maybe I'll give Bel Ray and DuPont another chance. The PJ1 is slattered all over everything and then it sets up like glue.

Thanks everyone for your input.

Neither version of the Bel-Ray lube sling (Regular or Super Clean), so give them one of them a try. I ordered the regular version by mistake the first time, but very little if any fling. Now I have the Super Clean and will probably stay with it.

coppertales · 06-26-2009

shaft drive............................................. .......

chris

Jerrysea · 06-26-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by 07Ninja250

Hello fellow bikers, just wanted to get some opinions on chain lube from anyone who'd like to contribute.

Thus far, I've tried chain wax (Bel Ray, if memory serves) and DuPont's teflon spray, as well as good old gear oil. The wax / teflon didn't alleviate the worrysome (to me anyway) chain noise on my brand new Ninja 250 that I had last year. The chain was adjusted perfectly, yet I could hear the fast-paced clatter of the links rounding the sprockets while riding slowly through my neighborhood. I'd go home, spray it again and it'd be silent for a while, but the noise returns after 10 or so miles. A guy from DuPont told me that this is what is to be expected from non-oily chain lubes, and that the protection is there.

My used bikes' previous owners tended to use gear oil. I'm not sure about it's protective abilities, but I do know that it makes a helluva mess. I just took all the chain and sprocket guards off my newly acquired Ninja 650 last night and found a TON of goop caked on everything near the front sprocket. 2 cans of WD-40, half a bottle of Simple Green and and a gallon of scalding-hot water later, it was all cleaned up, along with the chain.

I tried something new (to me) last night...PJ1 Blue Label. It went on clear, and dried VERY sticky. No noise thus far, but I did notice in the heat of the day today that I'm getting a greasy drip from the front sprocket area. I guess it turns back to its liquid form when it gets heated up.

Anyway..sorry to ramble. Now give me your favorite products and your experiences. I'm still looking for that perfect product, if such a thing exists.

as far as the noise have you adjusted the chain recently. It may be too loose.

Hot Cruiser · 06-26-2009

I used PJ1 for years on a number of bikes and never wore out a chain or had cupped sprockets although it did fling off some and make a bit of a mess. Used to lube every 250 miles, tried to lube when chain was warm from a ride, run the chain slowly on the sprockets, and then let the bike sit preferably overnight so the solvent could evaporate and leave the lube to do its job and have less fly off. Now with my VN900 and belt drive, no more hassles.

wildjerseyfiref · 06-26-2009

how much does a can of this bel ray stuff usually run? I went to a bike shop today and they had no prices on it, ebay has it for about $18 shipped.

GeorgiaRider · 06-27-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildjerseyfiref

how much does a can of this bel ray stuff usually run? I went to a bike shop today and they had no prices on it, ebay has it for about $18 shipped.

$13.99 plus postage for the big can from motorcycle-superstore.com

Bel-Ray
Super Clean Chain Lube
$8.99 - $13.99

Lowest Price Guarantee
MSRP $9.58-14.93

Customer Rating:

Choose Size 6 Ounce - -- - $8.99 13.5 Ounce - -- - $13.99

Super Clean Chain Lube
$8.99 - $13.99

Bel-Ray Super Clean Chain Lube is a unique premium product designed exclusively for motorcycle and ATV 'O' ring chains.

herk · 06-27-2009

Liquid Wrench Cycle Chain Lube costs about $2.99 for a 12 oz can & is readily available around here. It leaves behind a nice film. I'm pretty good about lubing the chain & don't worry about chain wear. Wheel cleanup is easy - there isn't much mess & I just use a cloth dampened in denatured alcohol.

06-24-2009	#1 (permalink)
07Ninja250 Way Too Much Free Time BTK Expert Join Date: May 2008 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 1,186	Chain Lube - Your favorite and why Hello fellow bikers, just wanted to get some opinions on chain lube from anyone who'd like to contribute. Thus far, I've tried chain wax (Bel Ray, if memory serves) and DuPont's teflon spray, as well as good old gear oil. The wax / teflon didn't alleviate the worrysome (to me anyway) chain noise on my brand new Ninja 250 that I had last year. The chain was adjusted perfectly, yet I could hear the fast-paced clatter of the links rounding the sprockets while riding slowly through my neighborhood. I'd go home, spray it again and it'd be silent for a while, but the noise returns after 10 or so miles. A guy from DuPont told me that this is what is to be expected from non-oily chain lubes, and that the protection is there. My used bikes' previous owners tended to use gear oil. I'm not sure about it's protective abilities, but I do know that it makes a helluva mess. I just took all the chain and sprocket guards off my newly acquired Ninja 650 last night and found a TON of goop caked on everything near the front sprocket. 2 cans of WD-40, half a bottle of Simple Green and and a gallon of scalding-hot water later, it was all cleaned up, along with the chain. I tried something new (to me) last night...PJ1 Blue Label. It went on clear, and dried VERY sticky. No noise thus far, but I did notice in the heat of the day today that I'm getting a greasy drip from the front sprocket area. I guess it turns back to its liquid form when it gets heated up. Anyway..sorry to ramble. Now give me your favorite products and your experiences. I'm still looking for that perfect product, if such a thing exists.

06-25-2009	#2 (permalink)
wildjerseyfiref Clutch Cadet BTK Expert Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 398	id be intrested also, I need to relube my chain since I washed the bike the other day __________________ 2005 Kawasaki 800 Vulcan Classic now with no tank badges

06-25-2009	#3 (permalink)
GeorgiaRider Way Too Much Free Time BTK Expert Join Date: May 2007 Location: NW Georgia Posts: 1,041	My dealer only sells PJ1. My manual says to lube with 90W lube, though I've never tried it. I used regular Bel-Ray lube for a while, no mess. I recently switched to Bel-Ray SuperClean lube. It works great. It is so clean I wonder if it lubes as well as the regular grade. Any one have a comment? I have 11K miles on the chain now with no issues. Lube every 400-500 miles. __________________ 2006 Vulcan 500 LTD

06-25-2009	#4 (permalink)
tricker digs tinfoil hats BTK Expert Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: rochester, minnesota Posts: 1,214	i've used dupont's teflon spray for about 10k miles and my chain looks pretty good. I have a little under 18.5k miles on the bike. __________________ Are you nucking futs?

06-25-2009	#5 (permalink)
KevyzToy Bridal Boutique Manager BTK Expert Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Fort Myers, Florida Posts: 345	I've been using Bel-Ray Super Clean lube for years. I'm sure it's not the only reason for this, but I got 34k from my stock chain, 32k from my 2nd and have bout 15k on my 3rd. I'm sure regular lubing has a lot to do with it no matter what I used, every 4-500 miles, but I also don't do wheelies or burnouts. The Bel-Ray sticks very well. It doesn't fling off. That is strange about the chain noise. Never heard that one. I've got chain noise but it's from having an open sprocket cover. I can hear the chain singing as is spins around the front sprocket. __________________ Kevyz Toyz '01 ZRX 1200R '05 ZRX 1200R My name is Kevin and I'm a bikaholic.

06-25-2009	#6 (permalink)
07Ninja250 Way Too Much Free Time BTK Expert Join Date: May 2008 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 1,186	I guess I shouldn't be so worried about hearing the chain, although I've yet to hear the 650's chain with gear oil (previous owner's idea) or PJ1. I would like something that doesn't sling, so maybe I'll give Bel Ray and DuPont another chance. The PJ1 is slattered all over everything and then it sets up like glue. Thanks everyone for your input.

06-25-2009	#7 (permalink)
tricker digs tinfoil hats BTK Expert Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: rochester, minnesota Posts: 1,214	i used to put a heavier oil on it directly and let it soak in for a long time. But then after about 3k miles of doing that I changed to regular chain lube, and then tried out dupont and have used it since. Crazy I went through an entire can of chain lube on my 3k mile trip. __________________ Are you nucking futs?

06-25-2009	#8 (permalink)
07Ninja250 Way Too Much Free Time BTK Expert Join Date: May 2008 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 1,186	It's probably gonna require 2 cans of WD-40 to get the PJ1 off when it's time for this again. That stuff is like dried molasses.

06-25-2009	#9 (permalink)
herk bustedfeet BTK Expert Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,778	Liquid Wrench Cycle Chain Lube. It's readily available & cheap. It goes on wet, then leaves behind a nice film. It doesn't make a gooey mess like some of the anti-sling lubes such as PJ1 Heavy Duty (I hate that stuff). Chain cleaning is easy - I just saturate it to dripping w the Cycle Chain Lube, then wipe off the excess w a clean cloth. simple. Attached Thumbnails

06-26-2009	#12 (permalink)
coppertales Sit speling cheker BTK Expert Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 438	Nothing like.... shaft drive............................................. ....... chris

06-26-2009	#14 (permalink)
Hot Cruiser Politicians' Nightmare BTK Expert Join Date: May 2008 Location: South Coastal Oregon Posts: 977	I used PJ1 for years on a number of bikes and never wore out a chain or had cupped sprockets although it did fling off some and make a bit of a mess. Used to lube every 250 miles, tried to lube when chain was warm from a ride, run the chain slowly on the sprockets, and then let the bike sit preferably overnight so the solvent could evaporate and leave the lube to do its job and have less fly off. Now with my VN900 and belt drive, no more hassles. __________________ Jim '07 Vulcan 900 Classic LT Jesus is Lord

06-26-2009	#15 (permalink)
wildjerseyfiref Clutch Cadet BTK Expert Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 398	how much does a can of this bel ray stuff usually run? I went to a bike shop today and they had no prices on it, ebay has it for about $18 shipped. __________________ 2005 Kawasaki 800 Vulcan Classic now with no tank badges

06-27-2009	#17 (permalink)
herk bustedfeet BTK Expert Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,778	Liquid Wrench Cycle Chain Lube costs about $2.99 for a 12 oz can & is readily available around here. It leaves behind a nice film. I'm pretty good about lubing the chain & don't worry about chain wear. Wheel cleanup is easy - there isn't much mess & I just use a cloth dampened in denatured alcohol.

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