[GrahamMcG]

Hey good people. Which chain lube do you recommend? I've got contradicting info about lubricant and chain cleaning. I had a Harley before so I'm not used to this, but noticed my chain looking very dry. Do you clean your chains or just lube them?
All advice appreciated.

 

[GogglesMcoy]

Depends on how much effort you're willing to put into it and your product budget.

Most important part of chain maintenance is how you clean it. Never use de-greaser, best to use something doesn't leave the chain totally dry and de-greased. Some people like to use paraffin (kerosene), don't recommend WD-40. No, it's not the same as the stuff you use for camp fuel.

Most modern lubes are fine, maybe Castrol Chain Lube Racing or Maxima Chain Wax. Neither of them should fling off. Heard of Motul factory pro too but I have no idea how well that performs.

 

[GrahamMcG]

Thanks for that. I guess some people just lube, others clean, lube, etc.

 

[kevmeers]

Hello, I always use Motul chain paste, lube the chain every 200 miles and give it a clean about every 1000 with Motul chain cleaner. Have used it for years on all my bikes. Doesn't fling or make a mess when you use it.
cheers
kev

 

[GrahamMcG]

Thanks Kev. Some mates of mine say that as long as u lube the chain regularly it'll be fine, but I must admit I like the idea of getting it cleaner too. It's gotta be better for it long term.

 

[Yaaamaha]

I always imagine a lot of dirt and dust collecting on the chain over time. Good to give it a through scrub once in a while on top of lubing the chain regularly.

 

[nikj123]

Hi guys,

Just looking for some tips / advice on cleaning. I (try!) and clean/lube every fortnight or so, but every time I do literally the next day the chain seems totally dirty again. I use WD-40 specialist chain cleaner, followed by WD-40 specialist chain lube. I'll make sure I wipe the chain down and let it dry before applying the lube, and am pretty generous with the lube. However, after one day of commuting in and out of the office I go to chain the bike up at home and my hands are filthy black from chain grease and muck when feeding my security chain through the wheel spokes. Do your bike chains usually stay cleaner for a few days?

Is it maybe time I remove the chain completely and do a proper deep clean?

I also live and work in London, so imagine city pollution has a lot to do with it!

 

[Yamaboy]

When you do clean the chain, make sure you take off the front sprocket cover and clean it out. If it's anything like my Ducati one i was amazed at how much debris/stones/grass etc had collected in a grease like paste all around the sprocket area.

 

[nikj123]

Good tip! I'll give that a go this weekend.

 

[Jeeper]

When you do clean the chain, make sure you take off the front sprocket cover and clean it out. If it's anything like my Ducati one i was amazed at how much debris/stones/grass etc had collected in a grease like paste all around the sprocket area.

How easy is it to remove that?

 

[Yamaboy]

How easy is it to remove that?

Easy, three allen key screws... you may have to disconnect the top gear lever linkage to get the cover off....again just an allen screw under the rubber hood.

 

[Jeeper]

How easy is it to remove that?

Easy, three allen key screws... you may have to disconnect the top gear lever linkage to get the cover off....again just an allen screw under the rubber hood.

I'll try that next time I clean the chain. I've done 3,000 kms now. Next service is due at 5k, but I doubt dealer would clean that area.

 

[racingkoala]

Why? I thought services were at 10k intervals. That's what the owner manual specifies, no?

Luís

 

[Jeeper]

Why? I thought services were at 10k intervals. That's what the owner manual specifies, no?

Luís

Have to follow instructions from local dealer to remain within warranty parameters. But I only get charged labor. Oils and consumables are free.

 

[GreenForest]

Does anyone washes the bike with Yamalube Cleaning Gel, and then applies Yamalube Chain Lubricant Spray?

I'm trying to find youtube videos to see how to wash an XSR700 mas I can't find any.

The local dealer said that I only need to apply the cleaning gel, leave it be for 2 minutes, and then wash it off with water with high pressure. Also to only apply the cleaning gel when the bike is totally cold and not in the direct contact with sun/heat.

Then apply the Yamalube Lubricant Spray on the chain.

 

[GulliNL]

The local dealer said that I only need to apply the cleaning gel, leave it be for 2 minutes, and then wash it off with water with high pressure.

I've always heard not to clean sealed parts with a high pressure jet because it could potentially damage those seals. I guess just rinsing it off would be too weak so I suggest something between rinsing and power jets

 

[GreenForest]

I've always heard not to clean sealed parts with a high pressure jet because it could potentially damage those seals. I guess just rinsing it off would be too weak so I suggest something between rinsing and power jets

Yes I've read it too in other places.

I would probably go with a middle solution between a buck of water and power jets! 0