How to Lube Your Motorcycle Chain

It's a query almost as old as the Bard himself: When it comes to lubricating your chain, what is the right stuff?

Well, is the chain an O-ring type? (For practical purposes, we will use "O-ring chains" to refer to all the various cross-sections of such seals.) Or is it just a simple roller chain, with no rubber rings of any kind? Some manufacturers recommend using a lube specifically formulated for O-ring chains; others say these lubes can still harm the O-rings and that you should use 90-weight gear oil. Some OEMs and chain manufacturers insist you clean the chain first with kerosene, gasoline or a high-flash-point solvent (one that won't easily ignite).

To try and clarify the issue, we spoke with P.J. Harvey, president, chairman, CEO and founder of PJ1 Products. He's been in the business for almost four decades, and although he did not actually invent chain lube, he has certainly influenced its formulation for both plain roller and O-ring chains.

I personally prefer to use Bel-Ray's Blue Tac Chain Lube to reduce oxidation and maintain the chain life. In a pinch, I have used chain and bar oil for chainsaws or even 80W90 gear oil.

How to Lube Your Motorcycle Chain