Care of rear chain

[Phil C]

Good morning everyone,

Yesterday I cleaned and waxed the rear chain on my 2011 Bonneville T100. This was done without removing the chain from the bike. For cleaning I used paraffin and a chain brush; for waxing I used WD40 motorcycle chain wax. I do this quite regularly.

Where my 1965 B40F is concerned, my instruction manual explains that lubrication of the chain is provided by a chain oiler at the rear of the primary chaincase. Mine is squeezed shut - I think other people also do this, or block off the oiler in some other way. The manual goes on to say that if maximum life is to be achieved I should periodically remove the chain, wash it thoroughly in petrol to remove all dirt and grease, allow it to dry, and then immerse it in a tray containing warm graphited grease. Seems a bit of a fag. I wonder how many people do this.

Any thoughts on best practice?

Phil.

[MICKREEVES]

I would suggest that a coat of thick oil, applied by brush,  would be the easiest option.
Depends on what mileage you do on your BSA? I guess most riders use theirs as a leisure ride,
and not great mileages.
Mick

[Phil C]

What about cleaning?

[Mark B]

My traditional chains get an annual clean and a bath in Putolene chain wax. I'm not married so there's no problem about doing this on the kitchen stove.  Modern chains have grease sealed inside the links so this isn't necessary.

[AdrianS]

As has been said, modern chains have grease sealed inside the rollers and are sealed in usually with rubber o rings.

Years ago I used to remove the chain at the split link ( modern chains tend to be rivetted ), soak in paraffin and then dipped in a can of Linklife which was softened on the stove. That was when the bikes were used as everyday transport and was done when the chain appeared to be dirty!

Nowadays with less frequent usage and mainly in dry conditions I remove the chain once a year, soak in paraffin,let it dry and then spray  it with one of the modern chain lubricants. People have used gearbox oil, chainsaw oil etc but I believe the advantage of using a modern chain lubricant ( not chain wax) is that it is less likely to attract dirt. I re apply the lube when I feel it necessary.

ps. If  you remove the chain at the split link, make sure you put it back on the correct way round!!

[chaz]

wouldnt use petrol as it cleans out the oil and dries out the links and making rust easier to settle, paraffin is the better option if you dont want to spend out on specialist cleaning agents. the box formed brushes are a good idea but yet to find one that lasts .
https://www.halfords.com/motoring/motorcycling/motorcycle-cleaning-products/muc-off-chain-brush

[Phil C]

Interesting that you say not chain wax, Adrian.  Out of interest, why is that?   Phil.

[AdrianS]

With the type of chain used on our old bikes, the lubricant needs to penetrate every bit of the chain especially the link pins.
As already said the modern chains have grease sealed in, there fore the lubricant only needs to cover the surface of the chain.
I have my doubts if spray on chain wax will penetrate old chains sufficiently to lubricate them properly. That's why we used to soak them in hot, molten grease  (or whatever linklife was).

[chaz]

the good old days in the kitchen with a tin and chain boiling away, and mother comes back!!
there are so many different products on the market, it makes you wonder if any as good as the others.
I would suggest the wax is a thicker lube along with the non fling sprays means the grease/oil stays on the chain on high speed rice burners.
the racing based lubes are probably for the reason, chains get changed more often, you dont want splatter on rims and spray on the tracks so thinner and easier probably with a high temp ingredient.
todays lubes are designed and improved for higher speeds and mileage also for the modern clean hand biker who does little servicing himself. unlike his elder predecessor (Brit owner) who HAD to maintain the reliability.
have a look at this independant test 

https://youtu.be/VnPYdcbcAe0

[beezabob]

I must say I blocked off the chain oiler as recommended by Rupert due to the mess it makes and now use a chain wax. No problems with this but I don't do a high mileage.