Dry Lubricant For Motorcycle Chain

A motorcycle chain is one of the most important consumables in a two-wheeled vehicle. The motorcycle chain requires proper maintenance by the owner. Like motorcycle tire size conversion, it is extremely important to lubricate the motorcycle chain with a special lubricant. How to do it? How to choose the best chain lubricant? How much does it take to lubricate a motorcycle chain?

In a motorcycle, torque is transmitted to the rear wheel. Manufacturers use three transmission technologies: chain, toothed belt, or drive shaft. It all depends on the design, purpose of the two-wheeled vehicle and the method of mounting the engine. The most common system in modern motorcycles is a system in which the engine is mounted transversely (the crankshaft of the engine is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the motorcycle), and torque is transmitted to the rear wheel using a metal chain and metal gears interacting with it.

The chain is under very heavy stress. It is exposed to sand, dust, dirt and moisture. The chain will wear out when working with sprockets. Fortunately, the designers of modern chains have succeeded in creating solutions that make chains reliable and resistant to any threat. It is not only the durable material from which they are made, but also the internal seals between the rollers of the chain. Their task is to protect the chain elements (especially the pins and rollers) from dirt penetration under them, and also to keep the lubricant around the fingers. It should be remembered that failure to service a motorcycle chain can significantly shorten its life. This exposes the rider to unnecessary expense.

1. Why do I need to lubricate the motorcycle chain?

Lubricating the motorcycle chain is one of the most important maintenance activities that every rider should keep in mind. In addition to lubrication, it is also important to choose the correct chain according to the motorcycle manufacturer’s recommendations, as well as its appropriate tension (which, for example, prevents jerking while driving and damage to the chain itself). Poor chain tension can cause the chain to fall while driving. Too much wear will accelerate the chain.

So why do you need to lubricate a motorcycle chain:

– the lubricant reduces friction between the contacting metal parts, so they wear out much more slowly;

– Lubrication reduces the operating time of the chain and associated components;

– the lubricant reduces the temperature of the working chain and associated elements, which also has a huge impact on their durability;

– many lubricants are water-repellent. This reduces the risk of corrosion.

2. How to choose a motorcycle chain lubricant?

What is the ideal chain lubricant? How to sell the chain so that the chain can be conveniently lubricated? The lubricant must pass under the so-called O-rings in the chain, so it is better to buy it in the form of a spray. Gas pressure can cause grease to get under the O-rings.

Lubrication properties (friction reduction and heat dissipation) are also important, as well as the adhesion of the lubricant to the chain elements. Otherwise, the grease will come off when the chain is running, contaminating the swingarm and wheel (remember that grease negatively affects the durability of the rubber, accelerating the wear process).

At the same time, motorcycle chain lubricant should not cause all types of dirt to accumulate on it. The best is the so-called dry lubrication. Used not only in chains. Similar products are used to lubricate sunroofs in automobiles. The grease that has accumulated on a motorcycle wheel is very unpleasant.

3. After how many kilometers should the motorcycle chain be lubricated?

The motorcycle chain should be lubricated every 500 kilometers. When driving in difficult road conditions, this should be done every 300 kilometers.

This must be borne in mind when going on long trips, you should always have a small package of grease with you.

4. How to lubricate the chain?

Everything is very simple. You only need to choose one of three methods, depending on the type of motorcycle.

To lubricate, you will need a cardboard box or rag, which should be placed under the chain to avoid splashing the lubricant on the motorcycle and the ground.

Spray the inside of the chain with lubricant. The applicator tube should be a few centimeters from the chain. Before lubricating, you must check the cleanliness of the chain, if it is dirty, clean the motorcycle chain with a suitable cleaner.

Method one:

– turn off the motorcycle engine;

– place the motorcycle on the center stand;

– rearrange the rear wheel of the motorcycle and use the chain cleaner;

– after cleaning, move the wheel and carefully spray the chain with lubricant.

The second method is for motorcycles without a B-pillar:

– turn off the motorcycle engine;

– install the motorcycle on an additional metal stand:

– move the rear wheel of the motorcycle and use the chain cleaner;

– move the rear wheel of the motorcycle and spray the chain thoroughly.

Method three:

– turn off the motorcycle engine;

– lubricate the accessible part of the chain;

– push the motorcycle one meter further;

– lubricate the other part of the chain;

– continue this procedure until the entire chain is lubricated.

In the third method, a chain cleaner should be used in advance.

After the lubrication is finished, you need to wait about 15-20 minutes before starting the motorcycle. Otherwise, some of the grease may fall out while driving. You can also wipe off excess chain lubricant with a cloth before starting the engine.

Lubrication of the motorcycle chain is a very important measure, thanks to which the chain, gears and other related elements will run much longer and quieter. Use a synthetic dry chain lubricant with a convenient applicator that allows perfect reach to the chain o-rings. It is inexpensive, efficient and will certainly extend the life of your motorcycle components.