Frequency of chain oiling?

[Yata-Garasu_imp]

Are Honda chains (or others) self cleaning? where is this written, by whom?
Can one see/inspect o-rings for wear ?
Is the cost of a new chain (or whether it lasts 10k or 15k miles worth a lot of concern ?
Is there a risk of a fatal accident if a chain isn’t frequently greased?

I tend to say, oil it now and then, check tension (mine hasn’t changed in over 10k mikes), and ... ride.

Honda chains are not self cleaning. The O rings hold grease inside the chain. You can’t really see them when the chain's on the bike, but if the O rings crack and leak, eventually the chain can seize up, which could potentially cause the rear tire to lock up. Depending on when and where that happens, yes, it could potentially be fatal.

Edit... https://youtu.be/UrEpAUi_QKA?si=TMfUBxfN4sA8_Fce

Tutoro natural-fed (gravity + up/down motion) auto-chain lubricator and unused synthetic 5W40 engine oil.

Round trip to the 2023 East Coast CB1100 Rally of just under 3000 kms consumed maybe 50 mL of oil and the chain was beautifully preserved and self-cleaned (perfectly juicy, not too much, not too little).

If I feel weak, I will sometimes clean the chain quickly with a generous dose of WD40 and wipe off. Never experienced disintegrating o-rings.

O-ring will definitely disappear with a mucky or un-lubed chain, and perhaps by an aggressive use of a scrubbing brush. I never scrub my chains (they don't need it since they are self-cleaning).

I used to use chain wax regularly. Seems a very long time ago now. I think my last bit of spray can chain wax will get my hedge trimmer through perhaps one more cutting season.

So in short:

Recurring chain lube cost comes down to a liter of synthetic 5W40 engine oil every 10 years or so, perhaps 60 cents a year or less and no labour effort. Just fill 'n' ride.

Thanks for that! Found a cool YouTube of a Tutoro install...


https://youtu.be/PwNg-1qI-Bo?si=16KbrWxtu_1Md73E