Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Chain Oil Question

I am just curious as to what types of chain oil are being used by others. I have an '05 TBA. I was using lithium chain lube but switched to PJ-1. I want to get the most wear I can from my chain and sprockets and was afraid the champion product wasn't cutting it. The first application of the PJ-1 created alot of "fling off" on my pipes and rear wheel, I suppose I over applied. I live in a beach area so I don't want sand and dirt clinging tenaciously to my chain. I've read some of the links on the site about chains, but I want real world advice.

Everyone has a favorite so you will get a bunch of replies, however.....

I use ProGold MFR Chain Lube. It is clear and doesn't build up on the chain. But what really works for me is not what I use but how I apply it. When you spray any lube it goes all over the place and quite a bit is wasted. I put the bike up on my lift, remove the chain guard, and if the chain is very dirty, I clean it first with a rag soaked with kerosene. Then I dry that off and get another rag and soak it down with lube (actually, I use old tube socks). Then I slowly rotate the wheel and use the rag to lube the chain. It makes for a much cleaner job and less mess to clean up afterwards....

Scottoiler....

I'm still working on a can of "Next Dimension" brand chain lube that I bought at an auto parts store in Shelburne, VT. It contains Moly & P T F E, and it wouldn't surprise me if the base stock is waste oil or assorted co-mingle product mixed with waste oil.

I can't say for sure if this product bothers any seals or O rings that may (or may not?) be inside the chain, but I'm not too worried about it.

My Triumph owner's manual reccomends Mobil gear lube. Some report the Mobil to fling off fairly readily, but it isn't a big deal to wipe the oil off the rim. I would probably use straight silicone as a chain lube as it should minimize dirt attraction, but I'm afraid of what it might do to the O rings if the two materials are not compatible.

I usually do what others have suggested - clean the chain, and oil it when it's warm, then leave it overnight for the excess to fall off. I don't suppose it would hurt to blow off the excess oil with compressed air either to minimize fling.


Just my two cents - if we keep the chain wet and reasonably clean, the rest will take care of itself with regard to chain life. Riding & shifting technique must surely play a role in chain life as well.

ScottOiler

LJ3000, you can use Silicon based oils, they won't affect your o-rings........Angelis

I am still on a can of PJ-1. I dont seem to have much problem with it flinging off. I have been very religious about cleaning the chain at intervals of no more than 500 miles with Kerosene and a brush and then just a fair spray of the PJ-1 ....other than a few occasions when I rode in rain and did the clean/lube at an earlier interval.

anyone tried - http://www.pro-oiler.com/ ?

For close to two years, kerosine has not touched this chain. Chain wax and a rag. This photo was taken with about 9000 miles on the chain. No cleaning, just spray wipe spray wipe finished.

500 miles lubes though, but never any need to clean the chain.

Clean with carb cleaner and lube with chainsaw oil. 4K miles and no adjustments yet

Scottoiler...

Amsoil. I think the name is: "Heavy Duty Metal Protectorant". No sling-off mess at all. 13,000 miles on chain, only adjusted twice.

I think they misprinted the PJ1 labels because it sure does sling off mine.

PJ1 Blue v PJ1 Black. Use PJ1 Black. It slings off far less than PJ1 Blue.

I'm really big on Maxium Chain Wax - originally recommended by my dealer. About every 500 miles (sooner if riding through rain) I clean the chain with a rag and kerosine and spray as directed on three sides (after riding a bit to warm it up). Wipe off excess and let it sit for awhile. It dries to a waxy like coating that doesn't sling ANY oil anywhere. The chain always looks brand new.

i also am a big fan of maxum chain wax, being that is what the head mech. for Triumph from Hinckley advised me to do when i was questioning him about this subject in Daytona the first yr i got my bike. I can only repeat what Moe said about how to take care of it, the wax acts as a cleaner and lube. spray on and wipe off excess. sort of a wax on wax off sorta thing hahahahahahha

A couple of weeks ago at VIR a vendor from Liquid Performance web page was selling their products including a premium chain lube that is clear, dries quickly and isn't sticky. I bought a couple of cans and will post later with some results. I was impressed that the lube has PTFE (teflon). Oh, it's made only fifty miles from where I live. Had to buy some to help out the home boys.
Has anyone tried this product?
Oh, by the way, I noticed on Scottoiler's instruction or fitting page that they don't recommend for the America. Why?? Lots of you swear by the Scottoiler so it must be good. The other one with the pump seems to be good also, but it is pricey.
Now I'm using the PJ1 Blue label from Brent, but molasses, honey and gun grease wouldn't be any stickier or attract any more grit. If I wasn't such a tightwad, I'd spring for the belt drive kit and chain issues would be a thing of the past.

ScottOiler

Jane uses the Maxim chain wax on her bike and so did I before the conversion. Works great and has less sling than other stuff.
But again, the Scottoiler would be the best way to go.