Chain Maint.

[rz5mark]

I stopped lubing my o-ring chains on streetbikes about 6 years a go. I clean them really well with wd40, wipe them down and go. I figure the orings are packed with grease and I haven't noticed extra wear or needed chain adjustments. Anyone else do this ?

[Jefft]

You’re on the right track.

I stopped lubing o-ring chains about 30 years ago on the advice of motorcycle a chain rep and it made a huge difference in chain longevity. As per their packaging they recommended wiping the chain with gear oil. The gear oil was only intended to prevent surface rust. Sticky chain lube just attracts dirt and creates a grinding paste that will kill the chain. The key is keeping it clean (very clean) which I do by wiping the chain down with a clean rag and copious amounts of WD40. If you start with a really clean chain it’s not hard to keep it clean. Easy to pack a small can of WD40 and a few shop rags for trips. I have Triumph Speed Triple with 40,000km on the original chain and it has never seen a can of chain lube.
For non oring chains I flood a clean chain with chain wax, wait a several hours then wipe the chain clean.