What is the best motorcycle chain lubricant?

Question

What is the best lube for motorcycle chains for on/off road bikes? On my bicycle and snowblower, I have always used full synthetic 20w-50 motor oil from an oil drip can. Other people have told me to use silicone, white lithium spray, bearing grease, or even that special "chain lube" which comes in a spray can. Should I just keep using motor oil or should I use one of the others I mentioned on my motorcycle?

Answer 1

For the best motorcycle chain lubricant, I would recommend you
to use the 'chain lube' type which comes in a spray can. It's
easy to apply and quick to lubricate, thus you'll be on your way
in no time.
If there's no suitable lubricant around, you can still use any
motor oil of 20w/50 type which will still do the job fine, but it
may be a bit messy to apply. Remember, some form of
lubricant to the motorbike chain is better than none if you only
insist to use the best type which is not available.

Answer 2

20W50 is pretty thin.
I have had very good luck with 80W90 gear oil. Don't laugh, it's the recommended chain lube for my Honda. Says so on the sticker. Except for the mess on the rear wheel when some flings off, it works very well. Probably because it should be done every 300 miles. Bar and chain oil works well too. Basically the same stuff with high tack additive to reduce fling. ( I only used it in the summer)
Both seemed to work better than the spray can products available at the motorcycle shop. Bel-Ray seemed to be the best of those.
There is a way to use grease, but I haven't tried it yet. Too much trouble and mess.

Answer 3

Motorcycle Chain Lube

Answer 4

How To Lube Motorcycle Chain

Answer 5

The spray can lubes are NOT the best.. HERE IS WHY: The manufacturers do spend huge money to develop the spray lube to be clean, easy to apply, and not attract dirt. Actually lubricating the chain is pretty far down on their list... Which do you think would sell better, a can of spray lube that was messy, or one that was clean ???The average customer has no clue as to how well either would actually lubricate best. So you get nice clean lube, with minimal protection and lubrication.

Answer 6

20W50 motor oil as a chain lubricant is better than nothing but not by much. The oil flicks off the chain too easily. I would recommend that you clean your chain thoroughly with a toothbrush and kerosene to remove old oil, dust, and grime, then allow it to fully dry. Get some chain-lube from a bike shop and READ THE DIRECTIONS on the can to apply it properly. Hope this helps.

Answer 7

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What is the best motorcycle chain lubricant?
What is the best lube for motorcycle chains for on/off road bikes? On my bicycle and snowblower, I have always used full synthetic 20w-50 motor oil from an oil drip can. Other people have told me to use silicone, white lithium spray, bearing grease, or even that special "chain lube" which...

Answer 8

There is an option I have been using if you are in sandy conditions where you don't want things to stick to the chain. As a previous locksmith, I found that a synthetic lock lubricant that comes in an aerosol works really well. It both cleans the chain and applies a thin coat of synthetic lubrication. The best part is that it dries and does not attract sand or dirt. You can find it at http://www.clksupplies.com/shop/lock-saver-1265-fl-oz-aerosol-can-p-1080.html or other locksmith supply stores.

Answer 9

I live in the Philippines where summers are scorching hot, heavily polluted and dust everywhere 27/7. In the rainy days, the bike is always wet and muddy.
I use a Chinese brand car transmission oil in yellow bottle. A reserve I have on my car. Works well on my chain! My bike (Kawasaki Pulsar 180) goes wherever I go. On my Everyday errands. Office, market, parents house, etc. More than 50kms/day in the city traffic except on sundays. My O-ring type chain stays quiet and the bike zooms smoothly and in the long run, saves fuel. Better than nothing indeed.
I have used various types of engine oils for more than a year to be used on my chain but I noticed that heavier oil sticks to the chain longer than 20w40/50/60. The heavier the oil is, the better it sticks to the chain and lubricate. This is just my observation on my bike which may also vary based on your environment, the kind of chain or bike, and usage.

Answer 10

I prefer to use the chain lube wax that comes in a spray can. It helps to collect the dirt rather than it getting on the chain, but keeps the chain lubricated at the same time.