What is your go to chain lube and cleaning regime?

haaammit · 19 Feb 2023 at 23:56

Time to change the chain and sprockets on the GPZ500. I'm getting a DID VX3 chain and JT sprocket set from WeMoto and want to keep it in decent condition. I ride in all weather. What are your chain maintenance tips and what chain lube do you all recommend? I have an almost empty can of Yamalube platinum a mate gave me. I've also got a can of the MucOff chain cleaner and a u brush for cleaning I bought a little while ago.
Ta!

BUDFORCE · 20 Feb 2023 at 09:27

Hmmmm, I generally only clean my chain once a year I just use a toothbrush and fairy liquid.

For lube I use gear oil and an old paintbrush.

However, I'm one of those fair weather guys these days, and apparently gear oil isn't so great in wet conditions. So unfortunately what I do, may not work for you.

iron_monkey · 20 Feb 2023 at 09:53

If you riding through winter I recommend an auto oiler, I also use paraffin to clean the chain, pretty cheap for a 5 l bottle and loads cheaper than the branded stuff.
I used to have a gpz500, nice bikes there was a couple of mods that made it run a lot better I think one was drilling a 1 inch hole in the air box but I can't remember the others.

iron_monkey · 20 Feb 2023 at 09:55

I forgot to say if you want to oil it manually just get some chainsaw chain oil or gear oil works just as good as the branded stuff but loads cheaper

PieEater · 20 Feb 2023 at 11:38

I use Halfords 80/90 Gear oil. It does get flung off much easier than specialist chain lubes so you need to keep on top of it. I generally lube it after every 3 or 4 rides. It's best done when you've come home after a ride and the chain is warm, I use a rag to get the accumulated dirt off the chain and oil the inside and outside of the plates.

I've never got on with auto oilers I've bought 2 bikes in the past with them fitted and they never worked properly so I took them off. A mate bought one for his bike and had nothing but grief with it and gave up in the end. If you're considering one I'd get it fitted by a decent workshop that will deal with any issues that crop up after fitting.

tom_e · 20 Feb 2023 at 11:43

Gear oil here as well. Generally a quick squirt of WD40 chain cleaner when it needs a clean but to be honest as gear oil isn't horrible and sticky like most chain lubes it doesn't really hold a lot of muck so a quick wipe with some blue roll does the job most of the time.

Yaayuh! · 20 Feb 2023 at 14:08

Muc-Off All-Weather Motorcycle Chain Lube - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00LPNRK8G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Muc-Off Chain Cleaner - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00STEOYDS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

PieEater · 20 Feb 2023 at 15:57

Worth watching.

Scort · 20 Feb 2023 at 16:00

I've pretty much always used paraffin to clean, then Wurth High Performance Dry Lube - never had any issues on any bikes.

JonRGV250 · 20 Feb 2023 at 16:57

Use paraffin as well, then Plutoline tech chain as it's the best I've used for not flinging the stuff everywhere.
I always lube when the chain is hot and leave overnight to set.

Diddums · 20 Feb 2023 at 18:09

Some more food for thought:

killsta · 20 Feb 2023 at 20:06

My new bike has a shaft. None of this nonsense

haaammit · 20 Feb 2023 at 22:21

Mmmmmm, shaft........
Some helpful ideas and tips here, many thanks to all. I think I'll probably go with the gear oil idea for the new sprockets and chain, little and often. I tried applying with a toothbrush on the existing chain and it doesn't really take long at all!
Cheers all