Oiling chain

[flynrider]

Like Ferret, I'm trying something new these days. My previous practice was a) use a light silicone/teflon lube to minimize dirt accumulation (every 3-400 mi.) and b) keep the chain at the loose end of the spec to minimize wear.

The above resulted in chain life just over 21K miles on my last two DID O-ring chains. Both of those chains had to be replaced before the chains had stretched beyond the limits. The real problem was deterioration of the O-rings, which led to uneven slack when inspected. After removal and inspection, it was clear that a number of the O-rings had worn and the sealed lube had departed the link pins. The primary cause of the wear seemed to be accumulated dirt trapped between the plates acting as an abrasive, which eroded the O-rings.

My new approach will be to give the chains a good cleaning with some WD-40 and a chain brush every 5K miles or so (about once a year for each bike). While the lube I'm using attracts less dirt, it seems that the cumulative accumulation of grunge over the years was still an issue.

I have high hopes for this, as I have a few anal retentive friends who insist on spotlessly clean chains and they have been getting better than 30K miles per chain.

[Mr Jangles_imp]

I've always used foamy engine degreaser, soak 5 min, brush and hose off, works like a charm.

[TINK_imp]

I use the [url=http://prohondaoils.com/maintenance/chain-lubes/]Honda chain lub with Moly every 500 miles.

I clean my chain and sprockets completely with kerosene every other oil change.

In the past I use WD40 for cleaning but switched to kerosene a few years ago as it seems to do a better job than WD40, IMHO.

TINK
To address Flynride's point on chain life.

The lub and clean method mentioned above has resulted in over 80K miles out of a DID chain.

The key to long chain life in the age of o-ring chain technology is to keep the o-rings alive and happy and the chain will live a good long life.

On the extreme end; I have a friend (ex-Marine aircraft engine mechanic) who cleans and lubs his chain after every ride with high quality gun oil and get's an amazing number of miles out of a chain.

TINK

Like Ferret, I'm trying something new these days. My previous practice was a) use a light silicone/teflon lube to minimize dirt accumulation (every 3-400 mi.) and b) keep the chain at the loose end of the spec to minimize wear.

The above resulted in chain life just over 21K miles on my last two DID O-ring chains. Both of those chains had to be replaced before the chains had stretched beyond the limits. The real problem was deterioration of the O-rings, which led to uneven slack when inspected. After removal and inspection, it was clear that a number of the O-rings had worn and the sealed lube had departed the link pins. The primary cause of the wear seemed to be accumulated dirt trapped between the plates acting as an abrasive, which eroded the O-rings.

My new approach will be to give the chains a good cleaning with some WD-40 and a chain brush every 5K miles or so (about once a year for each bike). While the lube I'm using attracts less dirt, it seems that the cumulative accumulation of grunge over the years was still an issue.

I have high hopes for this, as I have a few anal retentive friends who insist on spotlessly clean chains and they have been getting better than 30K miles per chain.

[Elipten_imp]

I think the key is frequency as the dirt is the issue. I would be leery of WD40 due to penetration of the o rings. But I am no expert so I read all this with great interest.

[ClassicVW_imp]

Pardon the newbie question but I ask this because I bought a used 2013 and don't know if the P/O lubed the chain or it's as is from Honda. The bike only has 575 miles on it.

My chain certainly looks good. It has a quite thick coating of a light color waxy looking grease, and certainly doesn't need to be oiled/greased. Is this what it looks like from new or with using the Honda product? And what type of degreaser cleaner do you recommend to safely clean the rear wheel that's been splattered? Any household cleaner?

[the Ferret]

The white greasy stuff is how it comes from the factory.

I use WD 40 on a rag on the wheels.

[ClassicVW_imp]

Great , that's what I wanted to hear, thanks ferret!
The chain looks fantastic, apparently still as new. It looks like it'll be many more miles before it needs attention.
It's still well within spec for any slack too.

[Inline4_imp]

Check out this thread, and my contribution to it, just for future reference.
Just good stuff...
[url=http://www.cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=2694&page=3]http://www.cb1100forum.com/forum/showthr...694&page=3

[OldF7Guy_imp]

Check out this thread, and my contribution to it, just for future reference.
Just good stuff...
[url=http://www.cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=2694&page=3]http://www.cb1100forum.com/forum/showthr...694&page=3

I am going to get some of that cleaner since I am about to get a new chain and at least try it. Opinions seem to be all over the board on chain maintenance. Its almost as bad as an oil thread. I read a giant thread over at AVD rider about this and never did draw a firm conclusion on anything.

[the Ferret]

Guys used to get their advice from their dad, older brother, a close friend or the head mechanic down at the shop. Now they get their advice from 25,000 strangers. Al Gore kinda complicated things didn't he? Lol