I'm new to motorcycles. I've noticed my drive chain will turn a reddish color. I use WD-40 to lubricate. Does the reddish color of the chain indicate a problem, or is it from the WD-40? Sorry, if I'm ignorant.
2006-08-02 05:22:38 · 12 answers · asked by Velociraptor 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
the chain is brand new, so it wouldn't be rust
2006-08-02 11:49:46 · update #1
NEVER use wd40 for drive chain lube. Use brand name chain lube or chain wax.
wd40 is sewing machine oil (very thin). Has no adhesive properties and will fly off when the chain is moving (to the point where the chain is rolling dry). That's why it's turning red.
Blue Label Chain Lube is quality.
You can get chain lube at any motorcycle store.
http://street.parts-unlimited.com/
Street
Search for chain lube
2006-08-02 05:36:57 · answer #1 · answered by guardrailjim 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
WOW - I thought this was a silly question until i read some of the answeres......
first don't use WD-40 on your chain. It won't stick to the chain and it doesn't disapate heat well enough. I don't know what the red is however at this point i would through the chain in the trash and get a new one cause the only thing i can think of is the chain is getting hot and varnishing the oil that you have on it.
IT'S NOT RUST
the one thing that WD-40 does is ELIMINATE RUST. However you need to go to your dealership and buy some CHAIN LUBE. Don't be stupid and put gear oil like 80-90w on your chain it will through that stuff off the chain and all over you and the bike.
the bext chain lube i have found at the stor is in a brown sprey can called "CHAIN WAX" it goes on clear and sticks very well $6
Or I sell Amsoil products "synthetic oil" we have a chain wax that i use and it's the best you can't eve hear the chain when your driving it works so good. look me up and i'll ship some to you if you want...
2006-08-02 09:05:23 · answer #2 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wipe the chain and see if the red comes off on a rag. Sounds like rust to me. WD-40 isn't red, it's pretty clear. WD-40 also isn't a chain lube, it's a solvent than works well to REMOVE chain lube splatter from the swingarm etc. Using it on the chain will do the same thing, dilute and wash away whatever lube was on the chain. Get a proper lubricant dedicated for motorcycle chains. Use WD-40 for cleaning any mess the proper chain lube makes on the rest of the bike.
2006-08-02 05:32:43 · answer #3 · answered by rkfire 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It might be rust. Chains really have to be babied, tighten it regularly to keep the right amount of slack (about an inch up and down), use a chain lube ($5), and if it is rusty, replace it. You can get a new high quality chain for about $100.
It's important to take good care of it because you really don't want a chain to snap while you're on the road.
Best wishes.
2006-08-02 07:15:07 · answer #4 · answered by daisyk 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's called chain wax and you can get it in a can at any motorcycle shop .... Wax! not grease! ... I put my bike up on the paddock stand and spin the wheel while I spray the chain their is no need to clean the chain it's a waste of time just wax it and wipe off the excess and go.
Ride the bike around for about 15min to warm the chain up then use a stand or a friend to roll the bike as you spray the chain be careful not to get any on the tire if you do don't go out goosing it or you'll wish you didn't
2006-08-02 09:50:08 · answer #5 · answered by grande alacrán 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Use PJ1 to lube your chains. Pull your chain off & let it soak overnight in kerosene. Hang it up by one end, let it dry completely, remount the chain on the bike, & spray it with the PJ1 & let it dry for a few minutes. The PJ turns almost gummy & very little will fly off. Repeat every 2000-3000 miles or more if you run thru water constantly. By the way, some bikes have automatic chain oilers so you don't have to worry about this at all.
2006-08-03 08:53:45 · answer #6 · answered by preacher55 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
Motorcycle drive chain?
I'm new to motorcycles. I've noticed my drive chain will turn a reddish color. I use WD-40 to lubricate. Does the reddish color of the chain indicate a problem, or is it from the WD-40? Sorry, if I'm ignorant.
2015-08-10 03:56:24 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you follow the advice of the individuals recommending a lubricant specifically for motorcyle chains you should be OK. Learn how to inspect your chain to see if it is still in "useable" condition. Last (actually First!) be VERY careful when working on a motorcycle chain! I have seen several motorcycle mechanics with missing fingers.
2006-08-02 10:07:29 · answer #8 · answered by Malcolm 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to hook up a dispenser to automatically spray on the WD-40 as you drive. I'm thinking you mount the can near the rear sprocket and rig it so it gives a squirt whenever you get on the gas. Might get a little messy - you'll have to add a provision to change the can, it will get used up quick. Maybe it would be better to get a gallon of that stuff and set up an automatic drip system.
Either that, or get the proper lube for your chain.
Good luck with that.
Cheers!
2006-08-02 06:02:58 · answer #9 · answered by sal the dog 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Chain Wax is great for street bikes
I have developed the habit of lubing my chain AFTER I ride. The chain is hot. As I roll the bike into the garage I spray on the wax, that way it soaks in and sets up. I have found that i have less "fly off" this way then spraying it just before I ride.
2006-08-02 15:45:37 · answer #10 · answered by carol v 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋