Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I saw a utube video on maintaining a bike and the guy used a can of something that looked just like WD40. I thought on current motorcycle chains, WD40 was not to be used unless cleaning and then using the correct chain oil or wax.

Is WD40 ok to use and if so do you need to reapply it more often?

Thanks for clarifying this, they guy never said what he used but it sure looked like WD40.

WD-40 is fine for a cleaner. It's not a lubricant, though, so hit the chain with some manufacturer-recommend chain lube after cleaning.

gear lube (which can be used as an o-ring chain lubrication) comes in a can.

Gear oil (typically 80 or 90 weight oil) is suitable for standard chains, but is waaay to heavy for O-ring chains (unless you just enjoy cleaning them). Light oil or chain wax is ideal for O-ring chains.

I wouldn't use WD-40 as it is primarily a solvent. You want a lube instead. I've been using DuPont Silicone/Teflon lube for several years. Available at most hardware stores for a lot less than chain lube.

flynrider wrote:Gear oil (typically 80 or 90 weight oil) is suitable for standard chains, but is waaay to heavy for O-ring chains (unless you just enjoy cleaning them). Light oil or chain wax is ideal for O-ring chains.

I wouldn't use WD-40 as it is primarily a solvent. You want a lube instead. I've been using DuPont Silicone/Teflon lube for several years. Available at most hardware stores for a lot less than chain lube.

My Honda's owner's manual says to use 80W-90 for its O-ring chain.

Skier wrote: My Honda's owner's manual says to use 80W-90 for its O-ring chain.

So does mine. Over the years I've found it to be overkill. The lighter O-ring specific lubes and chain waxes were developed to keep the O-rings pliable and the links free of rust, without the sticky mess associated with the heavier lubes.

WD40 will dry out the o-rings. I'd keep the stuff off the chain completely. Clean with high flashpoint solvent (kerosine).

Lubricate with a good spray on chain wax or lube. They're better formulated to stick to the chain then gear oil.

Second year with a chain drive.

After reading postings and talking to a few ATV-ers, I've made the switch to WD40 for cleaning my chain and I have to say that I'm very satisfied with the results. It takes me less time to clean the chain and I only use a single shop rag followed up with a shop towel to wipe it down.

Now, I've also switched lube products as well. I didn't like the wax type and now use Del-Rey. We were at the beach this weekend and riding in some very windy conditions and sandy road surfaces. I didn't see one bit of sand on my chain when we got home. I haven't gotten back into the daily routine of commuting yet, but I'm hoping that this new lube will be less apt to collect those small particles of sand that I picked up last year.

flynrider wrote:

Skier wrote: My Honda's owner's manual says to use 80W-90 for its O-ring chain.

So does mine. Over the years I've found it to be overkill. The lighter O-ring specific lubes and chain waxes were developed to keep the O-rings pliable and the links free of rust, without the sticky mess associated with the heavier lubes.

I used gear lube briefly on my VFR800 as that is what the owner's manual said as well. I stopped as it just made a horrible mess on the swigarm and the bike.

My bike and swingarm gets dirty from riding so I don't worry about a little more dirt.