Chain Lubrication

[mmaiden]

I happened to notice that the Honda owner site recommends 80w-90 oil as the stuff to lube the chain. I tried it and was not too happy with the way it seemed to sling off. Well, I have used spray on "Chain Wax" and noticed that the overspray on the cardboard I used to catch what missed the chain was dry, sticky, glue-like stuff. That didn't look so good. Now I am on Gunk's chain lube and like the appearance of it and it seems to stay in place fairly well, if given overnight to soak in. What do you chain lube experts have to say on the subject? Thanks, Mike

[roboto65]

Make sure the chain is warm as in go for a ride and then as soon as you get back lube the chain with the wax stuff and it will stick and penatrate if you do it while it is cold you won't get the lube you should...

                                                    anyhow hope this helps

[Greg Cothern]

I agree chain wax is the way to go.  However I feel the only portion you really lube is the chain/sprocket interface.
The stock chains are sealed O-ring chains and you will not get any lube inside them.
I had great luck with keeping my chain on the recommended adjustment leaning towards the loose side and using the wax.  
Most folks dont wear a chain out they stretch it out, I have seen this probably the majority.

[mmaiden]

So we have no votes for oiling the chain, as Honda recommends. If wax is the way to go, can anyone offer an idea why Honda does not recommend wax?

[roboto65]

hahaha  Because honda does not have to put up with the mess lolololo

[magnagregcan]

I use 80W90 gear oil, and apply it to the inside circumference of a warm chain with a tooth brush. I sometimes statr the bike (I have a center stand) and run for a bit to let centrifugal force spread the oil. Then I wipe the chain down with a paper towel. Some will fling off, the rest will lubricate. I clean the rim etc with Simple Green. I have almost 20,000 miles on my chain, and I agree with Greg that most chains get stretched out, not wore out. Mine is half way between new chain & replace. I have between 3/4" and 1 1/4" slack.
What does everyone else get for miles on a chain before replacing?
Thanks.
Greg

[mmaiden]

FINALLY! Someone who uses oil!! (Maybe it is because you are cannuck and ride in 50 degree Farenheit temp) Anyway, I have to think those crazy Japs know what they are doing. THANKS!!, Mike

[Greg Cothern]

Hey Mike, see way up in in the "Frozen Tundra" that gear oil becomes wax hehehehehe.  
You can certainly oil your chain, heck I know of a guy who NEVER I mean NEVER lubricated his chain on his Magna and had close to 20K on it, LoL.

[mmaiden]

well, if you guys really think the oil doesn't get past the o-rings then i'll stick (and I mean STICK) with the wax. thanks, as always, for the well-considered opinions. mike

[DaWood]

I use gear oil as well, but doing it is a great big pain in the rear.  I was looking at the scott oiler and seriously considering the purchase.  Anybody have any experience with those?

[rjb/AKA Bob Barram]

I have used chain wax for my rides of over 40K miles and am very pleased with the results. Follow the directions on the can; if the kind you buy does not say then get the chain warm with a 5 minute ride, put the bike up on the BJ Fazio blocks on a level surface, put it in neutral, clean the chain by spraying wd-40 on a shop cloth and wipe the grit off the chain(do not spray it on the chain, you'll never get it off), with your can of spray wax with a long plastic nozzle rotate the wheel clockwise while spraying on the inside of the chain loop (between the back sprocket and the front sprocket, like halfway), then the  outside loop (spraying at the back of the back sprocket),  then on the side of the chain. By placing it close to the chain you get very little blow over. Let the bike sit for about 15 minutes for the wax to set. Do this about every 2-3 tanks of gas.
Bob #69

[Shortround]

I was going to post with chain questions so add them here. My last chain drive was a 750K5. Then two shafts. The oiling is kind of answered.   . The amount of slack is not in the Honda Service manual and I don't have the owners. If I see this right it should be 3/4" to 1 1/4".
In a previous discussion there was mention of some kind of wear mark. This may have been on Magna Riders Ass. site but I still can't post there.  I don't see that in the manual either. The bike, a '96, appears to have the original with 14,000 miles. What should I be looking for?

[rjb/AKA Bob Barram]

On the left side axle support there is a decal that goes from green to red. On older models it may have been removed or come off. If you look at the window in back of the axle bolt there is an arrow that points up or down towards that decal. If you are in the green you are okay, if it is pointing at red it means you have adjusted the chain as far back as possible and need to get a new chain.
As far a slack goes on the chain, I will need to go look at my manual and see what the readings are. Since I am on dial up the connection will be lost before I get back so I will post a new message.
Bob

[rjb/AKA Bob Barram]

The manual says that 'Drive chain slack should allow the following vertical movement by hand: 13/16 to 1 3/16 inches, (20-30 mm).' The requires checking the slack halfway between the front and rear sprocket. Also mve the bike a couple of times to get a couple of readings. It also says that drive chain slack more than 1 9/16 in (40mm) will cause bottom frame damage.
Bob

[Shortround]

Thanks, Everything is checking fine. Now I can do some more riding.