Chain cleaning

[Advwannabe]

Wow, that exhaust cleaning thread threw up a good answer!

What about chains? I had been using Kerosene, believed the oil would not dry out the 'o' rings, but apparently it does.

As my Tigger gets off bitumened a lot the chain gets pretty grubby and I'd like to be able to clean it without shortening its life.

Cheers

[bahtiger]

Used to use kerosene (and never had any trouble with the o-rings, btw), but WD-40 does as good a job and is a whole lot easier to use.

[JetdocX]

Lube and clean at the same time with ATF.  It's good and it's good for ya. :lol:   Makes a mess, but cleans up easily.

[Dr. Mordo]

I used ATF for a while, but after a trip with a lot of dirt I have become a WD-40 convert.  There is a ongoing battle over this topic at ADVrider.com.  Many of them are convinced that WD will eat the chain's O-rings, while others have used WD for many years with no problems.  

The way I figure it, WD is cheap, plentiful, and seems to do a good job of cleaning while leaving a light lube in it's wake.  If my relatively new chain dies in 5k miles I'll switch back to ATF.  My current technique is to absolutely drench the chain once a week (I put a big piece of cardboard under it to catch the runoff).  I ride about 200 miles a week.

[JetdocX]

ATF is cheaper than WD.  Just sayin' . :lol:

Edit:  In Mexico you can buy WB-50.  Woooooohoooo!

[HappyMan]

I use Dupont Teflon and I lube after every ride regardless of mileage.  It's easier than forgetting but I don't go over 200 miles.  Clean up has been simple with Dupont.  I don't get much of a build up at all.  For clean up I use that brush and cleaner combo I'm sure most of you have seen but I can't remember the brand.

[Dr. Mordo]

I honestly don't have a strong opinion about it, but I switched to WD after the ATF really wasn't cleaning my dirt encrusted chain.  After the WD, it literally looked new.  

If you haven't, I'd try both WD and ATF for a few weeks each to see what you think.  I can't comment on the Teflon; it may be great, but I will say that I like the fact that the WD and ATF are easily gotten.

[HappyMan]

I'm sure they are cheaper as well as the Teflon is kind of expensive.  However, I buy it by the case and I use it for more than just my chain so it's been great to have around.  It really works quite well.  I might try WD some time on my dirt bikes for kicks though.

[pit0rz]

I started using WD40 on my FJs chain back in '02 on the advice of a fellow rider.  That chain is still on the bike and shows no signs of stopping with 20K on it.   :D

I've been using the chain lube that the PO left in the saddle bag when I bought the Tiger.  That chain has almost 12K on it now and it is beyond shot...  I'll be switching to WD with the new chain.

[TigerTrax]

I believe the WD-40 is a vegetable based or synthetic based oil and should have no effect on your chain....
it may attract a rabbit or 2.

[JetdocX]

I think WD-40 is fish-based oil.

[Stretch]

I buy WD-40 by the gallon and use it in squeeze bottles and trigger sprayers.  I keep an aerosol can or two floating around as well.  I'm a big fan.

As far as fish oil as an ingredient...  http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/household/wd-40.asp (http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/household/wd-40.asp)

[Mustang]

Alright already you are both wrong !  :oops:

According to the MSDS data sheet on their website WD-40 is 75% Aliphatic Hydrocarbons , whatever that is and 25 % PETROLEUM BASED OIL and 3% carbon Dioxide

[JetdocX]

We get oil from the ocean....we get fish from the ocean.....


I rest my case. :P

[Mustang]