How often should i lube my motorcycle chain

1. motorcycle chain lubrication cycle-inconclusive, but there are principles.

As the 1 senior motorcycle technician, I can make it clear that there is no “standard answer” to chain lubrication frequency “. This is not perfunctory, but based on the actual wear and working conditions of the inevitable conclusion. However, some core principles are available for reference.

regular recommendations:

Generally speaking, every 300-500 miles (about 500-800 kilometers) can be lubricated once. But this is only a benchmark, not a dogma. The following conditions must be immediately lubricated:

After washing the car: clean water and detergent will take away the original lubricating layer.

Rainy days or after wading: moisture accelerates corrosion and washes out lubricants.

Long ride before and after: high load operation, lubricant consumption is significant.

Influencing factors:

I usually adjust my maintenance schedule based on the following factors:

Riding environment: dust, mud, wet environment will greatly increase the demand for lubrication. Sand is the abrasive and moisture is the source of corrosion.

Riding style: Aggressive, high-speed riding increases chain wear and lubricant loss.

Lubricant type: dry lubricant is not easily contaminated with dust, but needs to be replenished more frequently; wet lubricant has long-lasting protection, but may splash.

Chain type: O-type/X-type oil seal There is sealing grease inside the chain, and external lubrication still needs to be carried out to reduce the wear of the oil seal and the sprocket. Non-oil-sealed chains require more frequent lubrication.

Observation method:

This is the most direct basis for judgment. The chain shall be lubricated immediately when it is visually dry and has abnormal noise or slight rust. This is the “distress signal” of the chain “.

2. determine the chain lubrication requirements:

Over the years, I have developed my own “diagnostic” approach, which is not about odometers, but more based on experience and intuition.

Vision: If the surface of the chain is dry, lose the original metallic luster or oily feeling, it is insufficient lubrication.

Hearing: When the engine is idling or driving at low speed, if there is an abnormal friction sound, metal “squeak” sound, or rough sandpaper friction sound, it indicates that the chain is short of oil. Normal chains shall run smoothly and quietly.

Tactile: Touch the surface of the chain after stopping the engine. If the feel is rough, sticky rather than smooth, the lubricant has failed.

In short, meticulous chain maintenance not only prolongs life, but also concerns the safety and smoothness of riding. These are my experience in practice.

Of course, to better illustrate these points, we can generate a picture for you showing a scene where a motorcycle technician is checking the chain.

3. Key operations for motorcycle chain lubrication:

According to many years of practical experience, I will be the core process of chain lubrication is summarized as follows, this is not only a step, but also to ensure that the motorcycle performance and safety of the necessary action.

Preparation:

When the vehicle is stopped, the rear wheel bracket is preferred to ensure that the rear wheels can rotate freely. Prepare chain cleaner, chain brush, clean cloth, chain lubricant and gloves.

Cleaning:

This is the basis. Use the chain cleaner with the chain brush, be sure to thoroughly clean the chain, especially the gap between the chain plate and the roller, which is where the dirt hides. After cleaning, dry the surface of the chain with a rag to ensure that there is no residue, which directly affects the lubrication effect.

Lubrication:

Lubricant should be applied precisely to the inside of the chain to ensure that it can fully penetrate the joint between the roller and the oil seal. Turn the rear wheel slowly so that each link is evenly covered. Pay attention to the amount, excessive not only waste, more likely to splash to the tire or brake, constitute a safety hazard.

Standing and handling:

After lubrication, let stand for 10-15 minutes. Refer to the product description for the specific time to ensure that the lubricant fully penetrates and adheres. After that, gently wipe the excess lubricant on the outside of the chain with a clean cloth. This can effectively reduce the phenomenon of oil throwing during riding and slow down the adhesion of dust.

4. Chain Lubricant Selection: Professional Considerations

Choosing the right chain lubricant is crucial, not a random move, but based on the actual riding environment and chain type.

Dry lubricant: suitable for dry, less dust environment. Its advantage is that it is not easy to absorb dust and the chain is relatively clean. However, it is not durable enough and requires frequent replenishment.

Wet lubricant: preferred for wet or rainy road conditions. Strong adhesion and long-lasting protection. But easy to adhere to dust, chain cleanliness will be affected.

Foam type lubricant: convenient construction. The foam can clearly indicate the covering range, ensure uniform lubrication, and have good permeability.

OILY LUBRICANTS (NON-SPRAY): For older, non-oil-sealed chains only. Modern oil seal chains are not recommended and may damage the oil seal.

Important note: Be sure to use special lubricants for motorcycles, especially for oil seal chains. WD-40 penetrants must not replace the long-term use of chain lubricants, its function is to penetrate clean, rather than lasting lubrication.

5. Chain Lubrication: Common Misunderstandings and Technician’s Suggestions

In practice, some misunderstandings of chain lubrication are widespread.

Myth 1: excessive lubrication.

Excess lubricant will only attract dust, increase wear, and lead to oil throwing. Appropriate amount, uniform penetration can be.

Misunderstanding 2: only lubrication is not clean.

Spraying new lubricant directly on the old oil and dust is tantamount to introducing abrasive and accelerating chain wear. Cleaning is the premise of lubrication.

Misunderstanding 3:WD-40 and other multifunctional penetrants replace chain lubricants.

The main function of the WD-40 is rust removal, penetration and drainage, and it does not have the long-term lubrication and anti-wear characteristics required by the motorcycle chain. Some solvents may corrode the oil seal.

Professional advice:

Choose high quality brand lubricants.

When lubricating, check the tightness and wear of the chain synchronously.

Lubricate the chain in the cold state. High temperatures can affect lubricant adhesion.

Take a short ride after lubrication to ensure that the lubricant is evenly distributed.