 chain maintenance
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 51
Member
|
OP
Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 51 |
A friend who rides sport bikes (Suzuki) said chains are internally lubed and all he does to his chain is spray it with WD40 every few hundred miles. He keeps is clean with Simple Green and then uses the WD40 to get out the water(?) and keep it from rusting. His chain sure looks great and no grit and grime from wax spray.
|
|
|
Re: chain maintenance
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,320
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,320 |
You're better off lubricating with chain oil or wax, that will keep the exterior of the seals lubricated, just wipe the excess off and let it sit overnight, and you won't have any problems with the chain flinging lube.
Michael D. Rodriguez
|
|
|
Re: chain maintenance
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4 |
Quote:
You're better off lubricating with chain oil or wax, that will keep the exterior of the seals lubricated, just wipe the excess off and let it sit overnight, and you won't have any problems with the chain flinging lube.
You should apply chain wax to a warm chain as well. Then let it sit for a bit to cool and solidify. This helps it stay on the chain and seal it longer so you don't have to wax it so often. The Maxim is the stuff I use on Jane's Magna. Stays on the chain really well too if you do it like the destructions tell you. Of course I just use a damp rag to clean my belt. And I don't have to clean my wheels anymore either.  But that's another thread....
A word to the wise is not necessary. It is the stupid ones who need the advice.
Pat
|
|
|
Re: chain maintenance
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
|
|
Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
WD40 would be an OK way to clean the chain and sprocket, but you should use real chain lube. While Triumph use a sealed chain, there is still friction between the ends of the side plates, and that needs proper lubrication.
If you do a serch for chail oiler in these forums, you will find a few threads about automatic chain oilers. There is an automatic one available called the Scott Oiler, and a much less expensive one that is similar in operation except that you have to reach down and give the oil bottle a squeeze once in a while.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
|
|
|
Re: chain maintenance
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,152
Oil Expert
|
|
Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,152 |
chain maintenance is a pain. the chain oil attracts crud. i may try the wd 40 route.
|
|
|
Re: chain maintenance
|
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12
Complete Newb
|
|
Complete Newb
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12 |
Does anyone have any expierence with the belt conversion kit? It's about $ 900 for the kit. I was wondering if it was worth it to convert to avoid the extra maintnence. this is the companies website http://www.quietpowerdrive.com/index.htm
Risk surrounds everything worth having.
|
|
|
Re: chain maintenance
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4 |
Yes, got one, love it. Belt Drive Installation
A word to the wise is not necessary. It is the stupid ones who need the advice.
Pat
|
|
|
Re: chain maintenance
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,320
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,320 |
Inquiring minds want to see your cam timing specs, get on it Behotch  (just razzing you, BTW )
Michael D. Rodriguez
|
|
|
Re: chain maintenance
|
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12
Complete Newb
|
|
Complete Newb
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 12 |
Nice site Dinqua, lots of good information!
Risk surrounds everything worth having.
|
|
|
Re: chain maintenance
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,362
Oil Expert
|
|
Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,362 |
External lube is still required on a sealed chain to keep the rubber X/O rings in condition, to replace internal lube that's lost through normal use, and to lubricate the rubbing surfaces of the chain.
WD40 is not recommended by either chain manufacturers or motorcycle manufacturers, as it disolves the internal lubricant and encourages it's escape from the chain, and the WD40 is so thin that it flings off a moving chain far too easilly making it ineffective as a lubricant.
Check the chain & bike manufacturers websites/owners manuals for more information.
Matt
|
|
|
Re: chain maintenance
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877
Should be Riding
|
|
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877 |
I'm with Matt. I seem to remember the WD40 thing brought up before and that it is NOT a good idea.
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
|
|
|
Re: chain maintenance
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726 |
Kerosene is probably the best cleaner that won't harm the seals that I've used. The main problem is that it's getting very hard to find. Seems like nobody sells it anymore. I've been looking around in my area for a month and haven't found anyone that sells it.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
|
|
|
Re: chain maintenance
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,072 Likes: 82
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,072 Likes: 82 |
There's couple of good links over in the Tech Vault about chains..
|
|
|
Re: chain maintenance
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877
Should be Riding
|
|
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877 |
I took Ron's suggestion and got some of that orange cleaner from walmart. Works pretty well.
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
|
|
|
Re: chain maintenance
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
|
|
Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Quote:
Kerosene is probably the best cleaner that won't harm the seals that I've used. The main problem is that it's getting very hard to find. Seems like nobody sells it anymore. I've been looking around in my area for a month and haven't found anyone that sells it.
I use tiki torch fuel oil, get it at Home Depot, Lowes, Target, K-Mart, Wallyworld etc.. 
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
|
|
|
Re: chain maintenance
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726 |
Quote:
I use tiki torch fuel oil, get it at Home Depot, Lowes, Target, K-Mart, Wallyworld etc..
Is that about the same thing as kerosene?
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
|
|
|
Re: chain maintenance
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,540
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,540 |
I clean with 3in1 oil and a toothbrush, works great and doesn't destroy the seals. Then lube with spray wax, let sit overnight and ride the next day. The rear wheel stays relatively clean, not that I clean the bike that often.
|
|
|
Re: chain maintenance
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,320
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,320 |
Brent's grunge brush works extremely well in cleaning the chain, with the help of a little kerosene. Shines the chain up nice and purty like.
Michael D. Rodriguez
|
|
|
Re: chain maintenance
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,525
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,525 |
Quote:
Of course I just use a damp rag to clean my belt.
Any idea on the life expectancy on a belt
Erwin
05 America
|
|
|
Re: chain maintenance
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
|
|
Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Quote:
Quote:
I use tiki torch fuel oil, get it at Home Depot, Lowes, Target, K-Mart, Wallyworld etc..
Is that about the same thing as kerosene?
Same thing, with a little citronella oil thrown in. Keeps the skeeters away too  .
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
|
|
|
Re: chain maintenance
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726 |
Thanks Bill, I'll pick some up. Still can't believe you can't buy kerosene anywhere. I guess the days of Kero-Suns and other kerosene appliances are gone and LP took over. If people don't use it, people aren't going to sell it. The grunge brush/kerosene has worked better than anything I tried. I guess a little citronella can't hurt.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
|
|
|
|
|
