Triumphrat

02-22-2006

I read an article today on the internet that basically said the need to lube our chains is basically non eixstent and that all that is really needed is to keep the chain clean and as free of dirt and grit as practicable to ensure a long life.

The writer suggested using WD-40 periodically to clean but suggested strongly that the lube that is recommended just flies off and gets all over the bike and can do,more harm than good

What say all the gurus here?

William Shakespeare Speedmaster 04.

Redmaster · 02-22-2006

..... LoobMan says they've put 100,000 miles on a chain with their system with NO significant sign of wear.....

That said... the DID X Ring chain found on the Speedmaster is top of the line stuff....
DID X ring technology

I've put 15,000 miles on mine with little or zero stretching apparent.... I've always use a block of parafin wax to clean my links and sprockets and then lubed with a product call "ChainWax" I think the approach fills the gaps in the links to where they are virtually sealed from exposure to grit that may migrate towards the seals.... The other obvious factor that demands attention is 'heat build-up' from lack of lubrication at metal to metal contact points like sprocket teeth and chain rollers...

Using wax IMO minimizes the loss of lubricant as it tends to flow when HOT and solidify when COOLED as it moves along the sprocket and chain contact surfaces building up in the areas where a more liquid material would be thrown of by centrifical force, thereby creating little barriers that prevent grit from entering into these exposed areas... Not completely but to a large extent. You need to start with a clean chain.

IF you can afford to buy a new chain after the warranty period is over and/or replace worn sprockets, then I don't see a need to ever lube unless a link or two have sticky plates.

--Clark

[ This message was edited by: Redmaster on 2006-02-22 20:45 ]

ssjones · 02-22-2006

WD-40 has been mentioned many times as a poor choice for cleaning an x or o ring chain, because it is a pentrating fluid and could remove the lube inside the sealed x-ring.

I believe chain lube should be used sparingly on X-ring chains, but to eliminate it might result in shorter chain/sprocket life or possibly a failure if the chain is exposed to the elements long enough.

Why risk it?

dazco · 02-22-2006

I doubt anyone really knows the best way to do it. We all have our opinions tho. Mine is that chain wax is a good thing. It doesn't fly off at all and as someone said i think it helps fill the gaps keeping grit out and helping lubricate not only the chain but to help reduce sprocket wear. That said, it's only an opinion. But i'm pretty convinced chain wax is really good stuff. the best i've used IMO.

Diego · 02-22-2006

> I read an article today on the internet...

Stop it. You'll go blind.

But seriously, both of the previous responses make good points. Quite a number of people smarter than I have expressed well-founded doubts about the safety of WD40 on different ring materials. And even though you're not really trying to lubricate the inside of the chain rollers any more, you do want to minimize both wear and rust on the outer roller surfaces and the sprockets. This takes a lubricant with significantly more film strength than WD40.

ChuckofTahoe · 02-23-2006

Does'nt the manual say to clean and lube the chain every 500 miles?

Liontari · 02-23-2006

I'm in the habit of checking the chain for trouble and excess slack at regular intervals. If it looks dry, I'll put a little lube on it but avoid drowning the poor thing.

Copper · 02-23-2006

I also am a fan of wax. Seems like it doesn't fling off like oil, and it doesn't garb as much dirt. Of course, I've got absolutely nothing to back this up!!! :-D :razz: :-D

ohiorider · 02-23-2006

Here's the rationale presented to me by a small all-brand motorcycle repair and tune up shop for keeping my chain clean and lubed with chain lube designed for o and x ring chains:

- In addition to providing lubrication between the chain and sprockets, a primary purpose of chain lubricant is to help maintain the condition of x and o rings.

- x and o ring chains are pre-lubed from the factory. The lube is kept from leaking outside the rollers and pins by neoprene x or o rings that act as seals. That is the purpose of these rings .... to seal the lubricating material inside each roller-pin on the chain.

- one of the main reasons chain lube is recommended on x and o ring chains is to keep these rings (seals) pliable and 'slick' so that the rings themselves don't wear out prematurely. When an x or o ring wears out, rips, etc, factory lubrication is free to run out, dry up, get contaminated, etc, etc.

IMHO - With 525-size x ring chains from DID costing approx $100, plus another $35 - 50 for front and rear sprockets, going through a $5 can of chain wax every now and then is cheap insurance.

My preference - PJ1.

Bryan · 02-23-2006

I lube! I don't like the look of rust on moving parts. Gives me the creeks... I mean the creeps. :-D