This is mainly for the newer riders but others may be interested. This is the spray lube method,so this does not apply to those of you that prefer to soak a chain in motor oil. Motor oil is cheap but does not protect against rust very long,it makes a mess and is not good for o-rings.
First, if the chain is too dirty,take it off and clean it with KEROSENE. It works very well,especially if you let it soak about a 1/2 hour or so and it is safe for o-rings. Use a "softer" bristle brush,especially on o-rings. Hang it out to dry. When you re-install the chain,make sure the CLOSED end of the master clip is pointing in the direction of travel.When sitting on the bike, you should have about 3/4-1'' of slack at the mid-point between sprockets. If you don't need to clean the chain,lets lube it.
Go for a quick ride,enough to warm up the chain. The chain MUST be warm to do the best job. Put the bike on the centerstand and lay out some newspapers. Shake the lube up good and insert the spray tube. From the rear of the bike,place the tip of the tube on the left side of the sprocket (about 5:00.) It should be touching right between the sprocket and chain. This is the best angle to try to get the lube down inside the rollers,which is where the lube is most needed. Turn the wheel backwards so the master link is at the bottom of the sprocket. This is just for a reference point when you spin the wheel. Slowly spin the wheel backwards as you apply the lube. Let the spray tip drag along between the sprocket and chain. Watch the master link come around 3 times. Now do the same on the right side of the sprocket. This side can be a little more trouble because the wheel can get in the way of your hand. Now spray each side of the chain,pointing the tube directly at its side and a few inches away. Try to pick a spot where you will have the least chance of getting the spray where you don't want it,such as brake parts or hard to clean up areas. To get the right amount of lube on will take a little practice depending on how fast you turn the wheel and how much you press the spray valve. After about 1 minute,rotate the chain 1/2 way around,this will help the lube to stay on the chain and not drip off as it is setting up and thickening. After 1 more minute do the same thing. Wipe off any over spray with a paper towel or rag. You may want to use a little mild cleaner. LET THE LUBE SET UP for about 20-30 minutes. Go riding! Depending on your driving conditions,you may want to re-lube every 400-600 miles or so? I don't ride in the rain and I don't apply it as often as some people say you should, but the way I do it has worked well for me. No rust,no unusual chain stretch.
PS:I have found the newer "Chain Waxes"(I use Maxima's brand) are much better than regular lubes such as "PJ". The chain wax is not as sticky so it attracts less dirt. It also protects o-rings MUCH better than regular lubes. It is about $7.95 for a 13 oz. can and if applied correctly, will give you many applications(I have'nt counted.) Hope this helps!
First, if the chain is too dirty,take it off and clean it with KEROSENE. It works very well,especially if you let it soak about a 1/2 hour or so and it is safe for o-rings. Use a "softer" bristle brush,especially on o-rings. Hang it out to dry. When you re-install the chain,make sure the CLOSED end of the master clip is pointing in the direction of travel.When sitting on the bike, you should have about 3/4-1'' of slack at the mid-point between sprockets. If you don't need to clean the chain,lets lube it.
Go for a quick ride,enough to warm up the chain. The chain MUST be warm to do the best job. Put the bike on the centerstand and lay out some newspapers. Shake the lube up good and insert the spray tube. From the rear of the bike,place the tip of the tube on the left side of the sprocket (about 5:00.) It should be touching right between the sprocket and chain. This is the best angle to try to get the lube down inside the rollers,which is where the lube is most needed. Turn the wheel backwards so the master link is at the bottom of the sprocket. This is just for a reference point when you spin the wheel. Slowly spin the wheel backwards as you apply the lube. Let the spray tip drag along between the sprocket and chain. Watch the master link come around 3 times. Now do the same on the right side of the sprocket. This side can be a little more trouble because the wheel can get in the way of your hand. Now spray each side of the chain,pointing the tube directly at its side and a few inches away. Try to pick a spot where you will have the least chance of getting the spray where you don't want it,such as brake parts or hard to clean up areas. To get the right amount of lube on will take a little practice depending on how fast you turn the wheel and how much you press the spray valve. After about 1 minute,rotate the chain 1/2 way around,this will help the lube to stay on the chain and not drip off as it is setting up and thickening. After 1 more minute do the same thing. Wipe off any over spray with a paper towel or rag. You may want to use a little mild cleaner. LET THE LUBE SET UP for about 20-30 minutes. Go riding! Depending on your driving conditions,you may want to re-lube every 400-600 miles or so? I don't ride in the rain and I don't apply it as often as some people say you should, but the way I do it has worked well for me. No rust,no unusual chain stretch.
PS:I have found the newer "Chain Waxes"(I use Maxima's brand) are much better than regular lubes such as "PJ". The chain wax is not as sticky so it attracts less dirt. It also protects o-rings MUCH better than regular lubes. It is about $7.95 for a 13 oz. can and if applied correctly, will give you many applications(I have'nt counted.) Hope this helps!
