Riding a motorcycle is all about freedom, adventure, and that incomparable feeling you get when the wind flows over your body. But like any vehicle, proper maintenance is crucial for optimal performance and safety. One key maintenance task for motorcycles is lubricating the drive chain. Here’s a quick overview of chain lube frequency recommendations:
Chain Type | Miles Between Lubrication |
O-ring or sealed chains | 300-600 miles |
Non-sealed chains | 100-300 miles |
Table of Contents
Below we’ll discuss in more detail how motorcycle chain lube helps preserve your chain, factors that impact lubing frequency, tips for effective chain lubrication, and answers to common chain lube questions. Let’s ride on into the details!
Why Proper Motorcycle Chain Lubrication Matters
The drive chain is what transfers power from the motorcycle’s engine to the rear wheel. Without proper lubrication, the chain is subject to increased friction and wear. Here are some of the benefits of keeping your motorcycle chain lubricated:
- Reduces friction: Lubricant decreases friction between the chain’s metal components as they move against each other. This prevents excess wear and tear.
- Prevents rust: Lubricant forms a protective barrier between the chain and elements like water, dirt, and road grime. This prevents corrosion and rust.
- Cleans the chain: Quality chain lubricants have detergent additives that help displace dirt and debris stuck on and around the chain.
- Reduces noise: A well-lubricated chain will operate quieter and with less vibration.
- Improves performance: With less friction and drag, the engine’s power can transfer more efficiently to accelerate you down the road.
- Extends chain life: Overall, proper lubrication helps prevent premature chain failure or the need for replacement.
So don’t skip this crucial maintenance step if you want your chain operating smoothly for miles to come!
What Factors Impact How Often You Should Lube Your Motorcycle Chain?
While the general rule of thumb is to lube your chain every 300-600 miles, several factors can influence the ideal frequency:
Type of Motorcycle Chain
- O-ring/sealed chains: These modern chains have rubber o-rings or seals between the moving parts. This keeps lubricant in and debris out. O-ring chains allow you to safely go up to 600 miles between lubrication.
- Non-sealed chains: Older style chains lack internal seals, so lubricant can escape and contaminants infiltrate more easily. These chains typically need lubing more often, around every 100-300 miles.
Riding Conditions
- Dirty vs clean roads: Riding on dusty roads or those with excess gravel or debris will contaminate and wash away lubricant more quickly. Opt for more frequent lubrication after dirty rides.
- Wet vs dry weather: Chains will need more frequent lubrication in rainy conditions when moisture can wash away chain lube.
- High speeds vs low speeds: The chain sees more wear at sustained high speeds. Lube more frequently if you regularly ride above 50 mph.
Chain Maintenance Habits
- Quality of lubricant: Low quality lubricants may have lower viscosity and poorer adhering properties, requiring greater reapplication rates. Stick with a high quality motorcycle chain lubricant.
- Proper application: Applying lube properly so it penetrates fully into the chain’s moving parts will extend its effectiveness. Sloppy application leads to quicker wear off.
- Regular cleaning: Allowing excessive exterior dirt and grime buildup prevents the lubricant from penetrating effectively. Regular chain cleaning extends the chain lube’s lifespan.
Tips for Effective Motorcycle Chain Lubrication
Lubricating your chain is easy, but doing it properly ensures you get the full benefits. Follow these tips:
- Clean the chain first with a degreaser to remove grime and old lubricant. Grit stuck in the existing lubricant just grinds away at the chain’s parts.
- Rotate the wheel backward while applying a steady stream of chain lubricant to the chain links top and bottom. This allows the lubricant to penetrate fully inside.
- Let the lubricant soak in for a few minutes before riding. Some like to let it sit overnight. This gives the lubricant time to adhere properly.
- Wipe off any excess lubricant, especially from the outer side plates. Excess lube can just fling off while riding and attract more dirt.
- Check that the lubricant reached the o-rings. Inspect a few links and confirm you can see lubricant at the o-rings inside.
- Consider using a chain lube applicator tool for cleaner application. Many mount to the swingarm for easy access.
And that’s it! With just a few minutes and the right technique, you can keep your chain protected and performing well for many more miles.
Frequently Asked Questions
To keep your bike’s chain gliding smoothly for miles to come, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about motorcycle chain lube intervals and best practices:
How often should you lube a new motorcycle chain?
For a brand new chain, wait about 100 miles before initial lubrication. This allows the tight factory tolerances to wear in slightly first. After this break-in period, follow the standard intervals based on chain type and riding conditions.
Can you over-lubricate your motorcycle chain?
Yes, it is possible to over-lubricate a chain. Excess lubricant will just sling off from chain forces, attracting dirt without providing extra protection. Stick to the recommended application amounts and reapply frequencies.
When should you replace vs lubricate your motorcycle chain?
As long as the chain is in good condition, stays adjusted properly, and reaches proper lubricant penetration, then just continue routine lubrication. But if links are stiff, elongated, or worn, then replacement is required as lubrication will no longer suffice.
Is wet lube or dry lube best for motorcycle chains?
Wet lubricants with higher viscosity provide the best protection for motorcycle chains. They resist being flung off and have anti-corrosion additives. Dry lubes are best suited for bicycle chains only.
Should you lubricate a motorcycle chain before or after riding?
It’s generally best to lubricate your chain after riding, when the metal has expanded slightly from use. This allows the lubricant to penetrate deepest into the inner clearances.
How do you lubricate a sealed motorcycle chain?
Lubricating sealed o-ring or x-ring chains is essentially the same as non-sealed chains. Rotate the wheel while spraying on the lubricant thoroughly so it penetrates fully inside the chain’s joints and plates. The internal o-rings will keep the lubricant in place longer.
Keep Your Bike’s Chain Rolling Smoothly for Miles
Your motorcycle’s chain is a crucial component that links your riding excitement to the open road. With proper lubrication technique and regularly applying a high-quality chain lubricant, you’ll keep your chain running smoothly for many miles of carefree riding ahead. Check that chain often and lube as needed, so your two-wheel adventures never have to stop!