Chain Oil vs Wax

[MotoF150]

Amsoil doesn't make a chain lube.

[Skier]

Amsoil doesn't make a chain lube.

It's hard to claim zero wear on an item that's so visible. Your engine's internals, on the other hand...

[flynrider]

What brand is that stuff your using, John?

I just did my chain and sprockets last fall and have been using Bel-Ray, but wouldn't mind trying something like your doing.

I've been using DuPont Teflon/Silicone lubricant (in the orange can). It's safe for O-Rings and water resistant as well. I generally put the bike up on the centerstand and give it a spray every 300 miles or so. If I forget, my chain lets me know when it's time to lube it. The link plates get noisy and it has a very distinctive sound and feel.

Here's a link to the stuff I'm using :

http://www.amazon.com/DuPont-Silicone-K ... B00030BXGC

[The Grinch]

There are no bearings in a chain. And chain wax isn't really a solid, it gets in there and stays in there. The biggest issue is that if anything is already in the roller surfaces it will be trapped in there and cause more damage.

I didn't say there are bearings as in "ball bearings" in a chain. I said there are bearing surfaces. Big difference.

And you're wrong about wax "staying there". It gets displaced almost immediately and is worthless for lubrication. I'm a mechanical engineer who's designed many chain-driven systems and have studied lubrication of these systems in detail. Bottom line: wax lubricants don't work despite whatever anecdotal evidence you may have heard. Stick with something like gear oil and you'll be fine.

[noid]

So, how's the best way to clean an O ring chain before lubing?

[Gummiente]

And you're wrong about wax "staying there". It gets displaced almost immediately and is worthless for lubrication. I'm a mechanical engineer

I'm a Millwright... and I'll second your comments, based on my personal experience with chain driven bikes and my professional occupation. Wax works fine for bandsaw blades, but it doesn't do much for chains - be they industrial or motorcycle applications.

[flw]

My bike has no center stand (Vulcan 500), any idea's for one person to lube the whole chain?

[Skier]

Mr Gummiente cleans his motorcycle chain by pouring pitchers of beer on it

I wonder if American beer would work...

My bike has no center stand (Vulcan 500), any idea's for one person to lube the whole chain?

Cleaning and lubing will require a lot of space. The procedure is: clean accessible part of chain. Roll bike backwards or forwards a foot and clean accessible part. Repeat until the entire chain is clean.

For lubing, same deal.

[flynrider]

My bike has no center stand (Vulcan 500), any idea's for one person to lube the whole chain?

I had a couple of chain drive bikes without center stands and there's really no good way around this. For years I used Skier's "roll and lube" method. I finally got fed up and bought a small floor jack and a short 2x6. I got pretty good at jacking up the bikes to spin the rear wheel for lubing.

[Jthmeffy]

Check out Bel-Ray SuperClean Lube.
This stuff is great.. long lasting, and it does not fling up everywhere!

http://www.mxdeals.com/lube-chain-clean ... y-bel.html

+1

thats what i use