Keeping your motorcycle chain lubricated is the key to peak performance and maintaining your bike. You should not buy the first lube you see because it could be thin and not work for your chain.
Top 5 Motorcycle Chain Lubes
You are out riding your motorcycle when you notice that you are close to the 300- to 600-mile mark. Soon you will need to lubricate your chain to ensure peak performance and the ability to ride the long open road. ?️
The only problem, you do not have any motorcycle chain lube.
In the past, you could slap on some grease meant for a car axle, but why would you want to? This is not good for your motorcycle and you have the choice of lubricants made for bikes.
Heading to your favorite online store you are now inundated with different lubes. You do not want to buy the first one you see because you have no idea if it will work. You now resign yourself to hours of research looking into each product and weighing the pros and cons.
If the idea of this research makes you want to run away, you are not alone. The good news is that we have you covered. We have taken the time to look at all the motorcycle chain lubes and chosen the best ones. All that is left is for you to choose from this much smaller list. ⛓️
For safe and comfortable rides, we recommend you to check out our guide on the best motorcycle jackets as well.
1. Best Overall - PJ1 Blue Label
Specifications:
- Formula base → Petroleum
- Applicator → Spray
- Water repellent → Yes
- No fling formula → Yes
Key Features:
- Designed for O-ring chains
- Performance orientated
- Water repellent
- Anti-fling formula
PJ1 Blue Label Motorcycle Chain Lube Review
If only the best will do for your motorcycle, PJ1 Blue Label motorcycle chain lube is the only option. While you might think that all lubricants are basically the same, this one will prove you wrong. There are many features offered by the lube to make it the one you should keep in your garage.
The Lubricant Formula
When looking at any motorcycle lubricants, you need to consider what it is made of. PJ1 Blue Label is a petroleum-based formula. The formula has been designed to increase the performance of your motorcycle.
The performance-based design of the lube ensures it is able to reduce the friction in the chain. Not only will this lead to better performance of the bike, but it will increase the lifespan of your chain. The extra cost of this lube pays off in the long run when it comes to chain replacements.
Blue Label lube has also been designed for O-ring chains. If you have this type of chain, this lube will penetrate deeper into the links. This will protect the chain better and it is very easy to apply.
All The Features
The performance and penetration of the lube are not the only features on offer. Blue Label lube is also water-repellent. The water-repellent film it provides reduces the chance of rust on the chain and prevents corrosion. Another way for this lube to help reduce the costs of running your motorcycle.
One of the major features that you are going to look for in a lubricant is whether it will fling off as you ride. The good news is that the Blue Label lubricant will not do this. The petroleum base prevents this and there is an anti-fling element to the formula. This reduces the frequency of application and will improve the overall performance of your bike.
Knowing all the benefits the lubricant offers is great, but how is the application? Blue Label lube is very easy to apply and will stick to the chain. You need to allow the lube to dry completely before you ride your motorcycle again.
If you want the best motorcycle lube, you need to look at the PJ1 Blue Label lubricant. This lubricant has been designed for O-ring chains and improves performance. It also offers anti-fling elements, deep penetration, and rust resistance.
Pros
- Water-repellent formula
- Designed for O-ring chains
- Petroleum-based
2. Best Budget - DuPont Teflon
Specifications:
- Formula based → Teflon
- Applicator → Spray
- Water repellent → Yes
- No fling formula → Yes
Key Features:
- Includes Teflon in the formula
- Water repellent
- Dirt repellent
- Anti-fling formula
DuPont Teflon Chain-Saver Dry Lubricant Review
While buying a premium product for a premium price makes you feel that you are doing the best for your bike, there are times when this is not possible or necessary. This is when you should turn to DuPont Teflon chain-saver dry lubricant. While this lubricant is a budget-friendly option, there is nothing cheap about it.
Teflon Like A Non-Stick Pan
DuPont is one of the most recognized brands and they make a lot of the most popular lubes on the market. This lubricant with the inclusion of Teflon is no different. The Teflon in the formula makes the lubricant as anti-stick as it makes your frying pan.
There is a slight problem with this formula. Prolonged exposure to Teflon is not recommended and some people have reported flu-like symptoms after prolonged fume exposure.
If you handle the lube correctly, you will be left with a motorcycle chain that is the most dirt-resistant you have ever seen. The lubricant formula also leaves your chain water and wear-resistant. The Teflon formula has also been designed to be anti-fling so you have to apply it less often to your chain and can withstand up to 300°F.
The water-resistant nature of the lube will reduce the chances of rust on your chain. This improves the lifespan and saves you more money in the long-term. Not bad for one of the budget-friendly options on the market.
Applying The Lube To Chains
While the lubricant keeps your chain free from dirt and rust, how easy is it to get on? DuPont has ensured that this lubricant is as easy to use as their others. It comes in a spray bottle and sprays as a clear liquid. You do not have to wait very long for it to dry which limits your exposure to those Teflon fumes.
Unlike the Blue Label lubricant, this one has not been designed for O-ring chains only. This does not mean it does not work with these chains. It does and will offer a deep penetration that keeps your chain healthy. All this means is that you can use this lube on other machines that have a chain drive.
If you do not want to spend too much on your lube, but still get the best for your motorcycle, the DuPont Teflon chain-saver dry lubricant is the answer. This lubricant offers all the resistance of Teflon with an easy application. Of course, you should limit
Pros
- Dirt-repellent formula
- Protects against rust and corrosion
- Contains high-performing Teflon
Cons
- Prolonged exposure to fumes is bad for your health
3. Best Spray - Motul TRTC7243
Specifications:
- Milky → Yes
- Applicator → Spray
- Water repellent → Yes
- No fling formula → Yes
Key Features:
- Good for all chain types
- Designed for road racing
- Milky spray
- Anti-fling formula
Motul TRTC7243 Chain Lube Review
Lubricant application can sometimes be a nightmare. If you have a paste or wax, you need to rub it onto the chain and some lubricants drip a lot. Being able to spray the lube onto your chain makes life easier and that is only one of the great features of the Motul TRTC7243 chain lube.
Easy Milky Application
Easy application is the name of the game with this Motul chain lube. The applicator is an aerosol and you can easily spray the lube onto your chain. While this is something that a lot of lubricants offer, this lube has a milky-style application.
This means that it has a milky look when you first spray it one, but it will disappear when it dries. The milky spray helps you ensure the entire chain has been covered with lube before you leave it to dry.
Designed For Road Racing
The milky application may make you want to use this lubricant on any chain drive vehicle you have. If the vehicle is an off-road one, this is not the lubricant for it. The manufacturer states that the lubricant was designed for road racing and is not recommended for off-road use.
As the lubricant was designed for road racing, you might think it is limited in chain application. This is the exact opposite as the lubricant can be used on a wide range of chains. It is possible to apply the lubricant to O-, Z-, and X-ring chains.
If you need a motorcycle chain lube that is easy to apply, the Motul TRTC7243 chain lube is the one for you. This spray lubricant has been designed for road racing and has a milky spray.
Pros
- Great for all chain types
- Designed for road racing
- Spray container
Cons
- Not suitable for off-road
4. Best with Cleaner - Honda Genuine
Specifications:
- Milky → No
- Applicator → Spray
- Water repellent → Yes
- No fling formula → Yes
Key Features:
- Good for all chain types
- Complete chain maintenance
- Lube with white graphite
- Anti-fling formula
Honda Genuine Chain Cleaner and Chain Lube Kit Review
Before you use any chain lube, you need to clean the chain. If you do not want to buy separate products, you should get the Honda Genuine Chain Cleaner and Chain Lube Kit. The kit includes everything you need for good chain maintenance.
Total Motorcycle Chain Care In One Place
The first thing you will notice is that this is a kit with two cans and a cleaning brush. The one can is a chain cleaner and the second is chain lube. The brush is a 360° chain brush that will clean every part of the chain.
The cleaner and lube are genuine Honda products and come with the knowledge of this major brand. The cleaner is powerful and will remove all the grease on your chain. To use the chain cleaner, you need to spray it on then rinse it off.
Once the cleaner hits the chain, it will start to break down old lubricants and grime that has built up. Many people find that this cleaner works faster than others which is a good feature. The only problem is the strong smell, but this can be overcome by using it in a well-ventilated area.
The brush you get is circular and offers 360° bristles. The brush will fit onto the chain and has thousands of bristles to get all the dirt and grime off the chain. Having a circular brush is the fastest and one of the easiest ways to clean your chain.
There is a slight issue with the brush. As it fits onto the chain, it can take some time to get used to this. A slight learning curve should be expected, but once you know how to use it, you will wonder how you coped without it.
All Chain Type Lube
Once your motorcycle chain is clean, you can use the lube included in the kit. The lube includes white graphite to provide the lubrication your bike needs and you will come to expect from a company like Honda.
The formula has been designed for all types of chains. It also offers protection for your chain in high and low temperatures. The temperature resistance of the lube also allows it to be applied to your chain at high and low temperatures.
Both the cleaner and lube have one issue. This is their flammable nature. You should not use either the cleaner or lube if there is an open flame close to you.
If you have a Honda motorcycle, this is the kit that will be recommended by the manufacturer. The cost is a bit higher than other lubes on this list, but you are getting a cleaner and a brush with the lube.
If you want a single kit that meets all your chain maintenance needs, this is the one for you. The kit includes a cleaner, brush, and lube. It also comes with the knowledge of Honda behind it.
Pros
- Great for all chain types
- Cleaner, brush, and lube included
Cons
- The brush can be hard to use
5. Best Wax - Maxima 74920
Specifications:
- Formula base → Paraffin
- Applicator → Spray
- Water repellent → Yes
- No fling formula → Yes
Key Features:
- Wax-style lubricant
- Deep penetration
- Long-term protection
- Anti-fling formula
Maxima 74920 Chain Wax Review
You have probably heard of Maxima before. This USA-based company is known for the premium products aimed at the racing market. If you want a lubricant that offers you the advanced technology of their racing lubes, you should look at the Maxima 74920 Chain Wax.
Waxing Your Chain Links
As the name suggests, this lubricant is a wax style. With a paraffin-base, this lubricant is designed to cling to the surface of your chain. This results in a long-lasting lubricant that can penetrate deeply. The formula is also anti-fling because it is a wax-style lube.
The wax style of this lube also makes it resistant to water and dirt. This Maxima chain wax actually boasts the highest level of water protection on the market. The lube is ideal if you are heading to humid locations or somewhere very wet.
The higher water resistance also makes it better at rust and corrosion prevention. As water does not have a chance to land on the chain, it cannot form rust.
Spraying On The Wax
While all of these protections are great, you might be a little worried about how you apply a wax-style lubricant. This lube comes in an aerosol making it easy to apply. For the best results, you will want to apply it to a clean and slightly warm chain. This gives it the opportunity to run deep in the chain links for complete protection.
With Maxima making racing lubes, you might skip this if you are not a racer. That is a mistake as this lubricant can be used on any motorcycles. The extreme dirt protection and water resistance do make it ideal for off-road riders.
There is one issue with this lubricant that you have to be aware of. As the formula is paraffin-based, the lubricant is flammable. You need to be careful when applying it and ensure there are no open flames nearby. You may also want to limit exposure to the fumes.
If you are looking for a wax more than a lube, the Maxima 74920 Chain Wax is the answer. This lube offers the repellent nature of wax with easy application. It is ideal for off-roading but can be used for any motorcycle. The only issue is the lubricant being flammable.
Pros
- Dirt-repellent formula
- Highest level of water protection on the market
- Wax-style lubricant
Cons
- Flammable
- Prolonged exposure to fumes can be harmful
Motorcycle Chain Lube: Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Lube My Motorcycle Chain?
The rule of thumb for lubing your chain is to do this every 300 to 600 miles. While this is what you should be doing, you need to check your chain after each ride. Some lubricants will wear off before this distance and you need to lube the chain before this time.
What Is the Best Chain Lubricant?
The best chain lubricant will depend on the type of motorcycle you have and the type of riding you do. If you off-road, you need a lubricant that is dirt and water-resistant. If you only use your motorcycle on the road, you need to look for a lubricant designed for this or racing.
The best chain lubricant will also be designed for your type of chain. There are some lubricants that are made specifically for O-ring changes while others can be used for a range of chain types.
How Do I Apply Motorcycle Chain Lube?
The way you apply the motorcycle chain lube will depend on the type of lube you have. Most lubricants can be sprayed onto the chain and left to dry. If you are using a wax lubricant or paste, you will need to spread the lube on the chain.
It is generally recommended that you apply the chain lube after you have ridden your motorcycle. The chain will be warm which helps the lube penetrate deeper. The lube also needs to be left to dry before you ride the bike again to reduce the chances of the lube flinging off.
Can I Use Engine Oil as a Chain Lube?
In a push, you could use engine oil as a chain lube. However, this should never be your first choice and you should purchase a chain lube made for motorcycles. Engine oil will leave grease on the chain that lubricates the links and promote clean chain movements.
The problem with using engine oil is that it does not protect the chain from dirt or water. It can actually attract this as it is not designed to come into contact with these contaminants. As the oil was not made for this, you will have to apply it more often than motorcycle lube.
Should I Buy a Spray or Paste Chain Lube?
The choice between spray and paste lube will depend on how you want to apply the lube. A spray lube is much easier to apply and will generally penetrate deeper than a paste. Within a few minutes, the lube will be dry and you will be able to ride your bike again.
This does not mean you should avoid paste lubricants completely. These lubricants will come in a tube that you apply with a brush. Pastes provide more control over the application process but will take longer.
Best Overall
Best Budget
Best Spray
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