This is one of those answers that it is "to each his own".

Not exactly sure what a "dry" chain lube is. That's an oxymoron.

I personally use Bel-Ray's Motorcycle lube. Reviews speak for themselves. To me, it works pretty good at penetrating the chain to get to the O rings and it goes on white so you can see what areas you hit. It also does a good job at sticking to the chain so as long you let it dry, you won't get much residue flying off. Have never had any chain issues.

 

Thanks buddy, I'll try that then

 

I use DuPont Teflon Chain Saver:

Before that came out, I used DuPont Teflon Multi-Use Lubricant, which was recommended by a lot of dirt bike riders because it is a "dry" lubricant and won't hold on to dirt like other lubricants and waxes. I got ~25,000 miles out of the stock chain with it.

 

Thanks

 

I think the OP meant "Chain Wax" when he said "Dry"

OP....Like said above to each there own. I have used both and to me each had their pros/cons

With Chain Lube (PJ1 Black Label) it oiled the chain well, but you need to be careful not to apply "too much" and you are supposed to let the bike sit overnight so the lube doesn't "fling" itself right off the chain. Its a tad messier but works better IMO

With Chain wax (DuPont Chain Wax) Its alot cleaner, you only have to heat the chain up and apply it, no mess, no waiting, and "Nicer". I think Chain "lube" does a better job of maintaining your Chain, but Chain "wax" is cleaner, and nicer. I guess its preference and how often you are willing to clean/lube/wax your Chain. :O

Put it this way....either one is better then doing nothing with your chain:laugh

EDIT: Whatever you decide CLEAN your chain FIRST, buy a grunge brush ($10-15)...worth every penny (No more tooth brushes lol) and get some chain degreaser. Then do Chain Lube or Wax

 

Whatever you decide CLEAN your chain FIRST, buy a grunge brush ($10-15)...worth every penny (No more tooth brushes lol) and get some chain degreaser. Then do Chain Lube or Wax

Oh, speaking of cleaning your chain... Motorx Chain Clean is the best stuff I have found to clean mine. It basically starts to "melt" the gunk off the instant you apply it.

 

I will be using Motul chain lube this year. I just purchased it so i cant say how it works just yet. Figured id just post it so you have more options.

Motul C2 C3 C4 Chain Lube DIY

 

I've been using that stuff for a few years now. Works great. Not much more needs to be said

 

Maxima chain wax is some good stuff to use.

 

+1

 

WD40 to clean it and AMSOIL chain lube after cleaning it. It's "dry" meaning minimal fling off and doesn't attract dirt.

 

More important than what lube you use is your cleaning. You can douse the chain in grade a lube every time you look at the bike, but if you're not cleaning it regularly, the road grime is going to destroy your o rings and develop sticking links.

 

Screw all those expensive cleaners. Kerosene is where it's at. Then use whatever wax/lube you want.

 

DuPont ftmfw!

 

Maxima Chain Wax

The end

 

this for me.

 

i use Motul chain clean, and Motul C2 Chain Lube(Road).

Doesn't fling off.

 

No one using PJ-1 Blue Label? I use it on all my bikes. If you have a colored or gold chain, it really is clear and shows it off nicely. Works great even on my dirt bikes.

PJ1 Blue Label Chain Lube - Motorcycle Superstore

As for cleaners, kerosene is the way to go. You can buy a gallon of it for the price of one aerosol can of chain cleaner. Last for years and can be used to clean most anything besides chains. It's also the recommended cleaner for just about every chain manufacture out there. A rinse with Simple Green and a flush with water will get the chain to dry much quicker after you have cleaned it with kerosene though. Kerosene is some slow drying stuff.

 

The thing about chain lube is you need to apply it where it needs to go and while the chain is atleast warm/hot to aid in it penetrating the inner roller (they are not sealed).

See the attached pictures and see the real issue is no chain lube is going to penetrate behind the O-rings...they are permanently sealed with whatever the factory got in there (lithium grease usually)... This pic demonstrates about 99% of the chains I replace- they wear out behind the o-ring, even the people who never "clean" or lube their chain because OMG then I have to clean the wheel and swingarm and shock, this is where they wear out... I suspect many of these wash their bikes often and then park it and allow the water to just sit there on the chain, surface appears, it rubs on the O-rings and walla- contaminants degrading that "sealed" in lube.

If the O-rings are allowed to dry out, or too harsch of chemicals are used or forced past those O-rings it will dissolve the grease, and rust happens. Same with washing your bike with a power washer or using those solvent type cleaners to degrease the wheel or swingarm etc.... all those penetrate and break down the permanent grease (which there is pressure little of)

if you look closely at the picture with the sprockets you can see the removed link is severely worn on the leading edge, and rusty. That chain/sprocket set only had about 15k on it, but was cleaned 3-5 times a year.

The "best" chain lube, is a constant drip of engine oil or gear lube, chain/sprockets last 50k plus but it is also the messiest. Plus the systems are relatively expensive compared to the average life a rider keeps their bike.
On the other hand if you keep a bike 100k, you would save yourself 2 chain/sprocket changes or more, and that would easily pay for the oiling system.

I use motul most of the time, and if you let it stand for atleast 12 hours after lubing the (warm) chain, the propellants evaporate off and it lasts pretty well with very little fling....but this same procedure works on most of the lubes

Race bikes, engine oil and only engine oil- too lube and to clean.

Chain WAX, never- no way, hell no. sales hype and gimmick if you ask me, I have never seen a chain cared for with chain wax last as long as one with chain lube or lithium grease or oil.

 

Chain WAX, never- no way, hell no. sales hype and gimmick if you ask me, I have never seen a chain cared for with chain wax last as long as one with chain lube or lithium grease or oil.

I have put over 20k miles on chains with zero issues using wax :O

every 1000 miles I clean with kerosene, go out for a quick jaunt to get the chain warm, then hit it with the Maxima chain wax. At the middle 500 mile mark I always add some more wax to the warm chain after a ride.

Has worked well for me for years and I never have to deal with all the spray and fling of lubes.

 

Someone is pissy today

 

... That was Rivers in a tame mood.

@rivers: glad to see you venture out of your thread.

Ey3