wd40 chain wax

[Matthew]

Can't recommend this stuff enough goes on like a foam sets solid and doesn't fling off  everywhere

[grumps]

Good to know. Thanks for posting

[Theflyingscot]

Same here, the chain cleaner is good as well. Look out for the gift packs (works out a lot cheaper)

[grumps]

Reading a manual for the K4 it says not to use a chain oil as it damages the o rings.

It says use heavy motor oil? I have always used a chain lube from a spray can.

I have some WD40 cleaner and want to clean the chain but what to lube with? Motor oil or Chain lube?

What's good?

[mr_diver]

I've been using used engine oil in my scottoiler for the last 30k miles. My chains last around 15k and get cleaned every 3.5k service. So not very often.

[frez]

I wonder how much good chain oil actually does on modern chains. An o ring chain (same goes for x ring and z ring and any other 'ring') has a silicon rubber ring that seals in grease next to the chains pins.

Any oil you spray onto the chain will not penetrate this o ring so it is simply helping with any friction between the side plates, rollers and the sprockets, and perhaps helping the silicon rubber rings from drying and cracking.

However, any oil you spray onto the chain is also a magnet for road dirt that turns said oil into a nice abrasive paste.

I never tried it myself, but I wonder how long a chain would last with no external oil put on it at all. Perhaps longer with no abrasive oil/dirt paste mashing at the chain.

Personally I used a chain oiler set high enough to keep the chain oiled and hopefully fling the dirt off.

[grumps]

I have just used WD40 Chain Cleaner on the chain.

It looks a bit like WD40 itself to me, but at least it has cleaned the chain and swingarm a bit.

I will wait until it has dripped dry or evaporated and the spray the chain with some decent chain lube.

Aren't chains interesting???

[greywolf]

An O or X ring chain seals lube between the bushing and pin, but the roller to bushing interface needs lubricant too. Also, the surface needs protection to prevent rust and wear between the rollers and sprocket teeth.

Chain cutaway by Greywolf, V-Strom rider, on Flickr

[Pedro41]

I used to use paraffin (kerosene)to clean chains with as most manufacturers recommend it. But its messy.

Then follow with recommended hypoid gear oil 80/90 applied by brush. Even messier!!!!

But with the Glee, I have found 'Silkolene Chain and brake cleaner' really effective. Its safe for rubber seals

and cuts through dirt easily. Then follow with 'Silkolene Titanium dri gel'- a white grease that sets.

Stops any rust on the side links and gives a factory new finish.

Repeat every 600 miles -clean then lube.

[Brockett]

An MCN Rider / Journalist told me he does not lubricate his KTM's chains.  He fits new chain and sprockets at 10 to 12 thousand mile intervals.
I have a PD mini fitted to the Glee. However, I still wish for a 'Jawa' style fully enclosed rear chain for a bike like a Strom. I'm sure it could be made with ABS or similar plastic and offered as an optional extra.
My Jawa 350 with old watsonian sidecar did  over 35k miles and I never touched the chain after 1k mile service. Just a plain chain packed in Graphite Grease with no fancy 'o' rings.

[hookie]

This MCN rider/journo. is setting a very bad example and just reinforces the absurd plunge into throw away consumerism where disinterest and apathy are becoming the norm. I bet he doesn't even know how to adjust the chain either. Unfortunately fully enclosed chains would be seen as spoiling the looks of a bike and would probably further enhance the out of sight out of mind mentality of said MCN journos. MZs used them to good effect as well...

[medic5]

Been using this for around 4 months now, as you say stays on and no mess happy chap...

[Flanners]

Was using Wurth Dry Lube on my sports bikes, thought I would give the WD40 wax a go as I have had the Vstrom out touring/wet rides (unlike the garage queen's) so needed a bit more protection on the chain, so far I am impressed little or no fling and the chain has stayed well lubed if looking a little messy.