Originally Posted by
Tony_G
I've often wondered why motorcycle chain lube is not popular (or even mentioned) for bicycle use. Too thick? Too messy? Surely no worse than many other lubes mentioned here like ATF and chainsaw bar oil.
Motorcycle spray chain lubes are very thing when applied, then harden, once the carrier evaporates, so they stick when the chain quickly rotates. For bicycle use, the hardened state can cause gunking of RD pulleys and more dirt sticking to the chain. Although I know an experienced roadie who is very happy with Motul chain lube.
Many motorcycle manufacturers' user manuals recommend gear oil (SAE 90 viscosity) or SAE 40 engine oil for lubing chains.
For bicycles, I'm very happy with chain saw bar oil diluted with some diesel - more or less, depending on conditions and temperature.