How do you oil a motorcycle chain?

Question

I've never done it and recently was informed I should be doing it every 300-500 miles (oops) anyways, what should I use, where can I get it, and how do I apply it? I saw some spray stuff, do the auto parts stores (pep boys, autozone, etc) carry them? Also, do you just apply it, move it so that the chain rotates, then apply the rest (Since not all of the chain is exposed) I"d really appreciate some help. Thanks!

Answer 1

The best way is what you do when your build your own chain: heat up oil in an old pot & sit the chain in it for 20-30 mins., hang the chain over the pot over night. The heated oil gets real thin & gets into every portion of the chain.

Answer 2

Get a nice lube from a MOTORCYCE shop, one that's good for O-ring chains, and preferably one that won't turn your left leg into a freckled mess.

Without a rear stand, you warm up the chain (by riding), remove the chain guard, spray the lube where the link plates meet the rollers (to cover the O-rings), then roll the bike forward for the next section of chain.

WITH a rear stand, warm up the chain again, put it onto the rear stand, put the bike in neutral, then spin the rear wheel as you spray the lube along the O-rings.

That's about it, unless you want to get into cleaning...

Answer 3

Check this out; this is what I use to do back when I owned chain driven motorcycles. With the help of a friend and a can of chain lube I would have buddy lean the motorcycle on the kickstand side until the back tire is lifted off the ground all while the bike is running in neutral. Once the bike’s back tire is lifted the back tire will be spinning and that’s when I start applying a light coat of chain lube to the chain. The other way is apply it in sections near the rear sprocket then keep rolling the bike back until I applied it to entire chain.( you can use the buddy method when the bike is off for safety concerns but you just need to spin the tire manually).

Answer 4

> How do you oil a motorcycle chain?
My motorcycle is shaft drive, LOL, so I don't do that.

Anyways, you buy chain lube at your local motorcycle shop or dealer. There are lots of different brands. Auto parts stores do not carry this. You put your motorcycle up on its center stand. You turn the rear wheel with your hand, and wipe off the crud that's on your chain already with a rag that's been moistened with a little motor oil. You keep wiping and remove the motor oil. You turn the rear wheel with your hand, and spray the lube onto the chain on the rear sprocket. You wipe the excess glop off with the rag.

You do NOT use the engine to turn the rear wheel while you are doing this -- you would chop off your fingers that way, or get your rag caught in your engine!

What, you don't have a center stand? Oy, then yes, you apply some, push the motorcycle forward, spray some more, push the motorcycle forward, ... you get the idea. Failure to lube your chain will result in the chain stretching, then chain-sawing your swingarm (been there done that!). It will also wear your sprockets quicker, if you leave grit on the chain.

Chains suck. Get a motorcycle with shaft drive, LOL.

Edit: Don't use WD-40. It's too thin. I don't recommend 10w30 either -- unless you have an automatic oiler like a Scottoiler or a semiautomatic like a loobman. Buy real chain lube. Google around for Scottoiler and loobman.

Answer 5

Depends on what you're using.
On all, put the bike on the center stand.
Rotate the wheel in the opposite direction while applying the lubricant. This opens the rollers slightly, allowing it to penetrate better.

I use 80 W 90 gear oil on the Honda. Standard roller chain. Dribble it on slowly while rotating the wheel. Just enough to wet it is good. Let it sit and drip a few minutes, you don't want it on your tire.
I have used different brands of spray wax. Follow the directions on the can. Allow the solvent to evaporate, or it slings off.

Other than gear oil, you will not find it at Autozone, etc.
Go to a motorcycle shop. Any brand, even generic.

Answer 6

First cleaning your chain is the most important as grit causes most of the wear. You will need to spray it and use a brush to really clean the chain. This should always be done when the bike has just been ridden. Because that is when it opens up.
Then you can lube your chain. I use Dupont multi purpose Teflon, I get it at Lowes. It dries completely so It does not attract dirt.
If your bike does not have a center stand buy paddock stands for your bike. Rolling your bike around to lube the chain is a pain and you will be less likely to do proper maintenance on your motorcycle if it is tough to do.

Answer 7

First clean it. I use kerosene and a not too stiff brush. There are also sprays availible at M/C shops. Gear oil 80 to 90 weight or chain wax is good. I prefer oil since it is not as sticky as chain wax.

Answer 8

instead of clogging up forums, here is a place to learn for yourself: http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Main_Page

these things are based on the Kawasaki EX250, but the general maintenance part parries over to most other bikes.

also- what type of chain are you using? some chains like the "X-ring" chains can not be oiled because they are sealed with grease. if you are using a sealed chain, you should check with the manufacturer on care instructions.

Answer 9

I prefer "PJ1" chain lube. It doesn't sling off too bad. You've got the right idea on how to lube the chain. If you have a center stand on your motorcycle or any other kind of stand you can put it on the stand and spin the back wheel while spraying the lube on.

Answer 10

Grit Guard Autozone