How often should I lube the chain?

[goldeneye_imp]

I'm still a little new here, so please correct me if I'm in the wrong sub-forum.

Like the title says, how often should I lube the chain? I don't see anything in the manual, so please help a newbie out.

ETA: What kind of lube do you use?

Thanks

[flynrider]

I give mine a spritz of light lube (Dupont silicone/teflon) about every 300-400 miles. So far the chain is wearing nicely. Just 3 adjustments in the last 12K miles.

[redbirds_imp]

I lube the chain about every three to four hundred miles. First, if it is grimy, I wipe it down with a rag and WD-40. Dry with another rag and then lube sparingly with Tirox Synthetic chain wax. Allow the chain wax about a half hour to dry before riding. On a trip I do this at days end. The chain is factory lubed with grease and sealed by O-rings. A light lube with chain wax prevents rust and protects the seals. Keeping the chain adjusted to factory spec and regular cleaning and lube will benefit in long sprocket and chain life.

[the Ferret]

I lube mine when it looks dry or gets rained on. No set routine.

[lukeduck_imp]

Like they said, and don't overtighten. No scrub brushes on O-ring chains.

[ClassicVW_imp]

I think it's best to lube it after a ride when the chain is warm.

[Brookland27_imp]

I too love chain wax it does wonders for maintaining clean wheels

[Bheezy27403_imp]

I may get flamed for this but I'm from the school of thought that less is more. I clean my chain with wd maybe once a year. Have done this on all my bikes. I feel that when lubed it gathers more grime and then grinds it into a paste that wears down the chain/sprocket.
I have 28k on my Triumph and it is time to replace the chain. Sprockets are good. Could I have gotten 30k out of my chain if I cleaned and lubed every month? Perhaps. But I'll spend that time riding. YRMV[/font]

[Southpaw50_imp]

Maxima Chainwax every 500 miles on mine. Perform a thorough cleaning of the chain with every oil change. Used to use WD40 but have switched to the factory recommended kerosene for cleaning. Less messy.

[kmoney_imp]

Tirox Synthetic Chain Wax every 1000kms and kerosene clean every oil change or sooner if required. I used to do the clean and lube every 300 miles like the manual states, but found this was way overkill for my own situation. My chain hasn't stretched a bit since I adjusted it at the 1000km first service 12k ago.