Probably the most discussed aspect of motorcycle maintenance – The Chain Lube! I can’t even believe what I have decided to write about!

Honestly, I think we all have been brainwashed! Ok, not brainwashed perhaps, but definitely upsold. All those products promise to extend the life of the chain and all cost a small fortune for a half filled can of mystery fluid, and all they give – a promise… Much like politicians…

The Best Motorcycle chain lube! www.trailknights (3) (BG)(1920x1200)

Here is a thing, modern chains have seals between links, and they seal the grease inside and for as long as seals are in place and healthy – chains will function just fine without extra lubricants on the outside. So… I believe there is no such thing as the best product for your chain, only bad and totally unsuitable ones that will ruin seals between the links. Ruined or missing seals will let factory sealed grease out, let water and debris in and eventually that link will wear out and fail… I suppose we all know the saying – “Chain is as strong as the weakest link”..

I’m not saying that the chain should be kept untouched though! What I’m saying is that there is no need to splash on expensive products for it to function properly. Since chains have outer rollers, they do tend to squeak when dry, as well as rust can start to form on the links. None of that helps to keep the chain in good condition so once in a while there is a need for a bit of lubrication to protect it.

The Best Motorcycle chain lube! www.trailknights (2) (BG)(1920x1200) — **Picture:** *It says right on the packaging what to use!*

And the best product to use is what chain manufacturers suggest! And manufacturers suggest plain and simple gear oil – SAE 80W-90 every 300 miles or 500km! Personally I use Chain Saw oil (made by companyu called “Handy”, here in uk, but im sure any chain saw oil would do the trick). Its viscosity is similar to gear oil, it’s just a bit stickier and has a funny price – some £5 per Litre.

Motorcycle chains Lifespan vs Chain lube cost – Let’s crunch some numbers for a laugh!

My last chain and sprocket set came with a 15k miles warranty, but obviously I have to maintain it… Manufacturer suggests oiling it every 300 miles, which means before it will run out of warranty, I will have to oil it at least (15000 divided by 300) 50 times! Let’s say using around 50ml of spray-on product each time (if not more), and buying 4-500ml cans of chain lube that costs on average £10 per can, I would use (50times 50ml) 2500ml (2.5 L) of fluid and will be wasting (2.5L divided by 0.5L cans, and times £10 a can) £50!

Here we go, a ridiculous fifty pounds to maintain the chain and sprocket set that I paid for only £89! Chances are that the chain will last more than 15k and that would mean spending more on maintenance but the question would be: is it worth spending a similar amount on chain maintenance lube, if it will not make the chain last double the mileage?

So yeah, here are my 2 cents and thank you but no thank you to all expensive chain lubes – I’ll stick with the gear / ChainSaw oil that cost me £5. It’s Cheap as chips, stops the chain from rusting, does not hurt the seals, keeps rollers happy, and most importantly 1 small bottle lasts forever, at least it feels like it! Started 1L bottle several chains ago, brushing it on with a small paintbrush / old toothbrush after each wash and I still have plenty left for another couple of chains! Small amount goes a long way!

Explore More!

A list of posts about Bike Maintenance and General Modifications that might be Interesting to know!

Best Motorcycle Chain Lube Out There!

Motorcycle chains Lifespan vs Chain lube cost – Let’s crunch some numbers for a laugh!

Explore More!

General Modifications:

Bike Maintenance:

Best Motorcycle Chain Lube Out There!

Motorcycle chains Lifespan vs Chain lube cost – Let’s crunch some numbers for a laugh!

Explore More!

General Modifications:

Bike Maintenance:

Recommend this article on:

Related Posts