[fasteddiecopeman]

I know that quite a few of you believe that WD40 will NOT work as a chain-lube, that it will ruin the O-rings, etc, etc.

I use NOTHING but WD40 to lube my chains, starting when I had a KLR650 after Bill Watson (of "ThermoBob" fame...) and I chatted about his experiments and experiences on using ONLY WD40 on his chains - "the WD40 Experiment"

http://www.watt-man.com/uploads/WD40experiment.pdf

I got 53,xxx kms out of my KLR chain, so when I bought my two Versys I continued using WD40.

Well, yesterday I decided to take some pics, and check my records as to how many "flats" (hexagonal bolts or nuts with 6 sides, then have 6 FLATS, a term I'd learned riding Triumphs back in the '60s) I'd adjusted BIG RED's chain in the 53,527 miles I've ridden it. The answer - 27 flats or 4.5 turns, and here are pics of the chain, the tension, AND the adjusters on both sides of the rear axle.

:goodidea:

 

[invader]

53,527 miles on the original chain with 27 flats of tightening since it was new? Is it still good? Why do you insist on using WD40? Why the endless obsession?

 

[PeeWee-Houston]

Your proof is in your pudding . . . I mean photos! If it works (and I for one, believe you that it does) then continue. I think a great deal of credit goes to how regularly you do what we're all supposed to do . . . give a little attention to the chain.

 

[invader]

WD-40 BIKE

DRY LUBE / WET LUBE in a handy travel size 4 FL. OZ squirt bottle!

DRY LUBE
For dry and arid riding conditions. Extensively tested by scientists and pro mechanics alike. Special polymers form a dry film to protect your chain and repel dirt in arid or dusty conditions. The result is a clean, quiet drivetrain.

WET LUBE
For wet and muddy riding conditions. Our exclusive formula has been professionally tested and is amped up for premium lubrication. Improves shifting and extends chain life by repelling moisture and gunk.

http://www.wd40bike.com/products/


DIRT & DUST RESISTANT DRY LUBE PTFE SPRAY

http://wd40specialist.com/products/dry-lube/

 

[Gatorfan]

Invader

Spot on as usual. Riding conditions are everything. $$ lubes killed the chain/sprockets on my dirt bikes down here in the Florida sand. The day I switched to WD problem solved.

 

[2daMax]

I believe regular use is the key. WD-40 staying ability on the chain is lesser than specific chain lubes, especially in the rain. The regular usage is not costly with WD-40.

Chains do make a difference. My original Thai made DID last only 20k km and requires regular adjustments. I replaced that with a Japan Made DiD X-ring and after 9k km, I haven't adjusted it. With the new chain, have been using Sikolene Gel for a few times and then switch over to Q-Plus Chain lube and occasionally lube the x-rings with Dupont Multi Purpose lube (wet type). Chain looks clean and doesn't seem to attract dust.

 

[fasteddiecopeman]

53,527 miles on the original chain with 27 flats of tightening since it was new? Is it still good? Why do you insist on using WD40? Why the endless obsession?

EASY - 'cause it WORKS! Check the pics as to "Is it still good?", especially the axle location....

another little known fact, Eduardo drinks it too, beats trying to consume lots of dietary fiber, and he never ever has to call the Roto Rooter dude, everything disappears down the drain like it was...well, y'all get the general idea.

:thumb: - :thumb: - :thumb: Dave.

I believe regular use is the key. WD-40 staying ability on the chain is lesser than specific chain lubes, especially in the rain. The regular usage is not costly with WD-40.

Chains do make a difference. My original Thai made DID last only 20k km and requires regular adjustments. I replaced that with a Japan Made DiD X-ring and after 9k km, I haven't adjusted it. With the new chain, have been using Sikolene Gel for a few times and then switch over to Q-Plus Chain lube and occasionally lube the x-rings with Dupont Multi Purpose lube (wet type). Chain looks clean and doesn't seem to attract dust.

FIRST adjustment was at 10,008 miles, 5 flats, and I DO spray my chains more often than some others do. Probably change out the countershaft sprocket pretty soon (last time at 29,xxx miles).

:goodidea:

 

[ggg]

If you clean or lube your chain before every ride and then after Plus as you have stated also during a ride, chain life of 50K would be normal on the street, no matter the lube or cleaner used.

do you clean your hands before after and during use?? or is it just a chain thing

 

[silviefox]

wd-40 for when the chains on a bike , if im going to take it off, i soak it in kerosene to clean then soak it in bar oil to lube it =p

 

[fasteddiecopeman]

...do you clean your hands before after and during use?? or is it just a chain thing

At home I'll wipe the chain w/ a rag, then wash-up my hands, but on trips I just spray it, spin the wheel three times, then leave it - a "dirty" rear wheel doesn't bug me - then I'll clean it (w/ WD40 on a clean rag) when I'm going to wash the bike.

 

[texrider]

A WD40 type of spray cleaner should be the best choice for a street use chain, as it tends to remove grit and protect O-rings with less mess.

Heavy oils and wax lubes can help dirt bike chains from getting mud caked up in the chain plates and rollers.

 

[Alvinator]

I know that quite a few of you believe that WD40 will NOT work as a chain-lube, that it will ruin the O-rings, etc, etc.

I use NOTHING but WD40 to lube my chains, starting when I had a KLR650 after Bill Watson (of "ThermoBob" fame...) and I chatted about his experiments and experiences on using ONLY WD40 on his chains - "the WD40 Experiment"

http://www.watt-man.com/uploads/WD40experiment.pdf

I got 53,xxx kms out of my KLR chain, so when I bought my two Versys I continued using WD40.

Well, yesterday I decided to take some pics, and check my records as to how many "flats" (hexagonal bolts or nuts with 6 sides, then have 6 FLATS, a term I'd learned riding Triumphs back in the '60s) I'd adjusted BIG RED's chain in the 53,527 miles I've ridden it. The answer - 27 flats or 4.5 turns, and here are pics of the chain, the tension, AND the adjusters on both sides of the rear axle.

:goodidea:

 

[chid]

This is a topic from the time I didn't have the ChainBath
I tried WD-40 but now I feel much better with kerosene.
ChainBath-give your chain a bath