Triumphrat

stevent · 05-20-2004

I use wd-40 and a rag to clean the chain, then either the Pro Honda lube or 90w syn. gear oil. The Honda lube goes on clean and doesn't fling all over, while the gear lube is dirt cheap, lubes really well and smells good. I't's more labor intensive because you need to wipe off the excess and the first time you ride it'll fling and drip a little, but once the chains cleaned itself you just wipe down the swing arm and rim and your good till it next time, I've got 18k on my oem chain without an adjustment in 15k miles, no tight spots and 1.5 inches freeplay. The stock chain on my Trophy is the best I've ever seen :-D :-D

Klugman · 05-20-2004

Thanks for all the advice.

Jcatbert · 05-21-2004

I used some type of chain wax that I didn't like. I tried PJ1 blue that I also do not like. Most of the problem is the way they dispense. I just bought the Motorex chain lube 622. It's a swiss make and comes with 2 nozzles. The one with the straw seems firmly attached and give you a good aim and really goes where you want. I'd almost prefer lube you could put on with a brush. I use WD-40 to clean mine. Chains sure are a pain. Just can't afford a Scott Oiler.

jimmyj900 · 05-21-2004

I've got a Hawke oiler on my bike and use 20W-50 synthetic engine oil to lube the chain. Push the button and three or four drops drip on the chain.

It's kind of messy and flings oil pretty good if you're going too fast when you press the button, but does a good job of preventing rust.

It also makes it unnecessary to clean the chain since the relatively thin oil doesn't hold much grit and flings off if you get too much oil -- sort of like the old Harley "total loss" oiling system.

(Besides, the occasional drip of oil on the garage floor is an important "nostalgia" item.)

The thing to remember is that O- and X-ring chains are internally lubricated and you're not going to affect that with the external application of oil, so any oiling you do is to prevent rust to the chain and provide some minor lubrication for the sprocket contact areas.

Jim

sailfish · 05-21-2004

Motorcycle Consumer News compared chain lubes in 2000 or 2001. It's a good article and your local library may have it.

I was using Castrol chain and found it to build up and become gummy over time. I then tried Honda HP chain lube (it was maybe 3rd on the MCN list?). Very nice. Nice thin film, didn't fling, didn't attract much dirt, pleasant odor. Next I tried the PJ1. What a mess. It got dirty fast and was all over the back of the bike. I gave it to Dad to use on the manure spreader. I'm now back to the Honda HP. Keep in mind, we're really not lubing these o-ring chains anymore, just keeping the o-rings (x-rings) flexible and the metal rust free. I also suggest a Grunge brush and a bottle of biodegradable cleaner like Finish Line. It all cleans up with water.

[ This message was edited by: sailfish on 2004-05-21 10:02 ]

05-22-2004

I fitted a "Loobman"

and am doing 2000 mile between chain adjustments of 1/12th of a turn on the adjuster. I tried Maxima wax but was adjusting every 3-400 miles.

The loobman is very cheap (£17) and does not involve cutting into your inlet or electrical system. One squeeze when you fill up with petrol. That fills the sight chamber and that oil is evenly spread over the chain over the next few miles. I use EP90 which does not fling much but when it does it is sticky!

I think I will go back to engine oil.

On an "X" ring chain I am lubing the seal edges & the sprocket/chain surfaces. It does seem to slow down the wear.

I wont go back to spray lube

Jon

dolson · 05-23-2004

I clean with jet fuel and lube with motul waxy stuff. Almost 6000 miles now. Last adjustment necessary at 600 miles. I run it on the loose side of the specs.

Don

dolson · 05-23-2004

I clean with jet fuel and lube with motul waxy stuff. Almost 6000 miles now. Last adjustment necessary at 600 miles. I run it on the loose side of the specs.

Don

05-27-2004

here's my hard earned experience with chain maintenance; the fellow who recommended that you spray some wd-40 on a rag is on the right track; you never want to spray that stuff directly on the chain as it will dilute the lube where you need it most. Unless you really neglect the chain, you won't ever have to try a cleaner and brush, that actually just crams more gunk into the recesses than anything. Try this; everytime you lube the chain (chain should be nice and warm) spray a some chain lube (not solvent like wd40) on a rag, then wipe it down; make sure to spin the wheel in reverse direction(!) This keeps the links clean and well covered with lube for rust resistance as well as getting rid of any grime or extra lube; no flinging mess on your hard to clean wheels! I do this quick procedure every hundred miles or so and get over 40,000 miles per chain and sprocket set.