General Cycling Discussion - Chain lube

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View Full Version : Chain lube


Tweek
03-12-05, 10:02 PM
Is it ok to use Honda motorcycle chain lube on a bike chain? My dad has some he uses on the chain of his CBR600.


77Univega
03-12-05, 11:51 PM
Is it ok to use Honda motorcycle chain lube on a bike chain? My dad has some he uses on the chain of his CBR600.

- - That is a really good question to ask in the "Bicycle Mechanics" forum.

Shifty
03-13-05, 09:35 AM
I would bet that the oil you refer to is too viscous (thick) for the bicycle. Use something like Triflow, or White Lightening.


Nessism
03-13-05, 09:44 AM
Motorcycle chain lube has slovent so it penetrates the rollers when first sprayed but after the solvent flashes off, the remaining lube is super sticky so it doesn't fly off.
It will work to lube a bike chain but will quickly gather grit which is not good.

You'd be better off just using regular motor oil in my opinion. Works great for bike chains. Approximately, one drop per roller is ideal. Wipe away excess on outside of chain as it will only cause gather grit.

Good luck.

Ed

operator
03-13-05, 10:32 AM
LOL. A bottle of triflow is like $2, don't tell me you're to cheap to afford that.

Retro Grouch
03-13-05, 11:59 AM
Is it ok to use Honda motorcycle chain lube on a bike chain? My dad has some he uses on the chain of his CBR600.

I tried using motorcycle chain lube on my bike -gosh - 35 years ago. It made a terrible mess. Won't make that mistake again.

Tweek
03-13-05, 05:35 PM
LOL. A bottle of triflow is like $2, don't tell me you're to cheap to afford that.

Was that directed to me? I was just asking if I could use it cause I might as well since we have some. I guess i'll pick some of that stuff up.

HaagenDas
03-13-05, 05:49 PM
I wonder how you'd go with chainsaw lube, it sticks like whatever to a blanket. It would also be designed not to clog up the saw too.

slvoid
03-13-05, 07:11 PM
It'd be almost like a wax if you use the thick stuff...

BostonFixed
03-13-05, 07:19 PM
Was that directed to me? I was just asking if I could use it cause I might as well since we have some. I guess i'll pick some of that stuff up.
You asked the question, didn't you?

Tweek
03-13-05, 07:21 PM
Well he made it sound like I'm a cheap ass is all. I've never even heard of triflow or white lightning so how was I supposed to know?

BostonFixed
03-13-05, 07:26 PM
Sorry, If I sounded like an A55. I just seemd obvious tome that the comment was directed to you.
For lube, go to a local bike shop (LBS), and talk to them about what they reccomend. It depends on your local climate, and what type of riding you do (road or MTB).
White Lightening is a type of lube, wax based, so it keeps your chain really clean, but it washes of easily and you have to reapply it more often.

operator
03-13-05, 07:44 PM
My comment was directed to the post immediately above mine.

wildjim
03-13-05, 08:07 PM
I wonder how you'd go with chainsaw lube, it sticks like whatever to a blanket. It would also be designed not to clog up the saw too.

Chain Saw lube is what I am trying since last year. No problems and no measurable wear yet.

Initially the chain was installed with the factory applied lubrication and cleaned as necessary after a ride during intense rain.

I remove the chain and clean it by submerging it in a Pepsi bottle partially filled with solvent or diesel fuel then shaking it and allowing to settle. I remove and wipe the chain clean of solvent. Then I apply the lube to the center of the chain and wipe off any excess lube. I do this after 1500 miles or if I ride in the rain often.

This method seems to be working as I measure no wear in 3k miles. I am using a Shimano Dura Ace chain with a SRAM Power Link for this observation.

This is a similar to a method recommended by Jobst Brandt.