Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hi, A question about oiling the chain on my 1994 Shadow 600. How do you know when the chain need oiling, and how often should it be done. I have my bike just over one week.
Thanks.

I know it's probably too much. But I clean and lube my chain once a week, or every other if I feel lazy.

I lube it when it needs it. I clean and lube it every 500 miles. Always lube after riding in rain or washing.

Depends on how much you're riding. Mileage is more important to chain lube cycles than time. The requirements for your particular bike should be in the owners manual. There's no catch-all rule of thumb because different chain types have different requirements.

My Nighthawk has a sealed O-ring chain, so I only give it some light lube ever 3-400 miles. If it had a standard chain, I'd probably lube more often, and use a heavier lube.

The rule I've heard before, which seems reasonable is 600 miles or do it after and especially dirty ride, or after rain. That is for lube. Cleaning is a judgement call. If the chain looks pretty clean between the links, you can just lube the dude. Mainly if it is an O-ring chain, just keep the o-rings clean and safe.

What do you guys use? Regular WD-40 or chain lubricant, which is actually grease if I'm not mistaken?

I use kerosene and an old toothbrush to clean. Then I use some Dupont Teflon lube stuff. I forget the name of it but it's really good and it doesn't fling off.

Do you just lube every part of the chain? And how much lube do you use?

It's best to lube inside of the chain. Make sure the chain is warm by going for a short ride, 5 minutes or so. Then jack the back of the bike up so the wheel can spin freely. If you don't have a jack don't worry. Just put the kick stand down and lube the chain on the inside as much as you can then roll the bike forward and lube again. Repeat the process until gotten all of the chain. Wipe off excess with a rag so it don't fling all over. Be sure to wipe off the rear wheel and tire also. I usually let it set for about a half hour to an hour before riding again just to make sure it's soaked in good. It's up to you how much lube you put on. It usually don't take a lot. If you find that most of what you put on is all over the bike, try using less next time. Some fling off is expected. You'll get the hang of it.

I also use the DuPont Teflon lube on my O-ring chain. Since the O-ring has sealed lube in the rollers, that works fine to keep the outside of the rollers and the link plates sliding smoothly.

If you have a standard chain, you need a heavier lube. 90 weight gear oil used to be the standard in the days standard before they sold specialized chain lube. Gear oil will work, but the chain lube you buy at the motorcycle shop is probably more suitable. It doesn't fling off quite as easily.