Quote:
Originally Posted by texas
hello again,
I'm new to motorcycles but i know keeping the chain and sprockets lubricated is crucial, especially since i just got the new chain and sprockets. What's a good brand of lube? The shop by my house only has spray lubricant, is that the only way it comes? and if not, which medium is better? also, what's a good procedure for thoroughly lubricating the chain? thanks, tex
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Hi Tex,
Chain lube in this forum is like tires - everbody has a favorite. Mine is ProHonda spray lube in the Red and Black can. Super stuff. To your question - spray is the way to go.
Also I do this at about every 500 - 700 miles, if I have been a slacker foole maybe 1200 miles. On different bikes I have owned, the chain life's have been 20k to 25k miles.
Ok Chain lube lesson--
1. Put the bike up on the center stand. Kick it into neutral so you can rotate the rear tire.
2. Youll need to clean the chain first. So sometimes I use keorsene and sometimes I just use good ol WD40.
3. Before I screw with all this most times I put up cardboard behind the chain in front of the other bike parts to keep excess spray stuff off.
4. Spray on the WD40 - I do about 6 - 8 links at a time and wipe good with a rag. Rotate tire, repeat. Keep working till the links are nice and shiny clean. If I'm real ambitious, I'll get a toothbrush and work it in to the links. Sometimes I'll take a little cup of kerosene and dip the toothbrush into it and go like that. There are specific chain cleaners out there to use if you want to go that route too.
BTW - stick to the lower links hanging down between the front and rear sprockets, it keeps things cleaner. Also another tip is to get a white paint pen from the office supply or hobby store and mark one of your links so you can see a full chain rotation.
5.Ok - after you have got the chain cleaned - wipe it good and let it dry a bit.
6. Now - its spray lube time. - Again, I usually have a piece of cardboard that I cram behind the chain to catch any over spray.
7. Spray it slowly about 5 links at time on the bottom part of the chain in the middle between your sprockets. Rotate tire, repeat. This is where your paint mark comes in handy - you will know when you have a full rotation. Lighty dab off excess with a rag or paper towel. The Honda lube stuff is a let dry type, so let it sit about 15 - 20 minutes before you ride it.
8. There you go, you did it.
Seems like a lot of work, but gets easier with practice.
Best of luck,
MD