If you’re looking to buy the best motorcycle chain oil on the market, you should keep a few things in mind. Many motorcycle chain oils are designed to fulfil different requirements.
So it’s vital that you know exactly what you need before shopping around. Don’t get caught out – use this guide to find the best motorbike chain oil for your needs.
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If you're searching for a product that will keep your chain well oiled, then look no further than this futuristic system! With this system, lubrication is quick, easy, and effective. Installation is a breeze with complete instructions provided. After being installed, the chain oiler automatically detects when the bike needs oil.
This product not only supplies the oil, but also cleans it, which means that there is little maintenance involved.
As a result, I believe this to be the future for long-lasting chains as you won’t have to replace the chains all the time. It’s 100% with every penny, and will probably be a staple for future bike maintenance.
What we like
No maintenance: The Scottoiler chain oiler eliminates the hassle of cleaning and lubricating the chain.
Great brand: Scottoiler has over 40 years of experience specialising in automatic chain lubrication. With humble beginnings in Scotland and now supplying to over 40 countries (and counting).
No mess: It doesn’t build up into a sticky mess like regular chain oils.
Expected chain life
An adjusted, lubricated, and well-maintained motorcycle chain can last up to 30,000 miles.
When a chain is neglected and is frequently exposed to rain, it can become problematic after only 3,000 miles. How often should they be cleaned and lubricated?
- Every time you wash the bike
- Every 300 miles or so
- Always after a rain shower
- After a long ride if dirty
Motorcycle chain care
For proper chain maintenance, it can be broken down into 2 stages. First clean, then lubricate.
Step 1 How to clean your chain
Gunk and grime accumulate on chains. Rust may also form after exposure to water. Spray kerosene on the chain thoroughly to dissolve the existing lubricant and remove dirt particles. After letting the solution soak in and take effect, it’s time to brush out any stubborn particles or rust.
Use a brush like this:
Then, reapply kerosene to flush it all out after giving the chain a good brushing. Dirt and muck shorten the life of the o-rings and the chain. It may be a good idea to check around the sprockets, especially the front one.
Step 2 How to lubricate
After brushing the chain, you need to dry it off to ensure the lubricant is effective. The best way to apply chain lubricant with a spray tin is to direct the thin nozzle tube onto the base of the sprocket, where the liquid can drop onto the chain and penetrate the parts.
Spray both the outside surfaces of the chain, even if it’s a little messier. People say to ride the bike to warm the chain and allow the lubricant to sink, but avoid riding too soon if too much liquid runs away before it takes effect.
We don’t think this is necessary, especially if you have an automatic chain oiler.
Congratulations, your motorcycle chain should now be dirt-free and well lubricated. A well-maintained chain has been credited with improving fuel consumption and performance.
Motorcycle Chain Oil Reviews
The Banana Slip chain wax is one of the best non-fling chains. Unlike traditional chain oils, the wax keeps the chain joints well lubricated and reduces frictional losses between the chain and the sprocket for up to twice as long. The formula penetrates deeply into the links of the chain before drying externally to leave a protective layer against water and dirt.
What we like
Improved performance: It lubricates and protects, and enhances the performance and durability of moving components.
Easy to use: simply apply to all surfaces of your clean, dry chain and leave to dry for 5 minutes before using.
Compatibility: Suitable for O, X and Z chains, as well as on and off-road motorbikes.
Because it's a dry chain lube, it cuts down on the "fling" compared to gear oil and other wet lubes. Being a dry lube, you might be worried the chain will rust at the first sign of rain, but this was not the case. Even after many years with a decent amount of mileage chain wear will be minimal.
What we like
Affordable: It’s cheap and effective but needs regular application.
No dirt build-up: It’s not sticky to touch, and the dry finish prevents dirt build-up.
Good for all chains: Suitable for all chain types.
WD-40 has been in the market for years, and now it has brought out a chain wax. Despite being more expensive than value chain oiI, it is great for winter use when the bike isn't used much and spends much of its time in the garage.
It can be tricky to be accurate when spraying; however it remains white, so it’s easy to see what has been covered.
What we like
Chain cleaner: Dirt, grime, dust, and oil are removed from the chain.
Chain lube: In dry conditions, this product provides lasting lubrication.
Brake cleaner: Easily removes brake dust, dirt, oil, and brake fluid from brake and clutch systems.
It's from the same brand as our top pick, but this time it's just the oil, not the entire system. It's meant to be a refill for the product, but it can be used separately if needed. It's High-quality and keeps the chain in good shape.
The minimal tack additives reduce dirt attraction and make cleaning a breeze. Please be aware that this product does not include a filling and priming tube/spout for those who have retained their original filling tube from their Scottoiler kit.
What we like
Plenty of oil: 500ml is enough for approximately 10,000 miles of riding.
Special formula: Provides excellent chain lubrication and friction reduction, as well as excellent anti-wear and anti-corrosion properties
Known brand: Scottoiler has over 40 years of experience specialising in automatic chain lubrication. With humble beginnings in Scotland and now supplying to over 40 countries (and counting).
Verdict
Getting a decent motorcycle chain oil is paramount for maintaining your bike in tip-top condition. You’ll need to look after your chain and other parts that use friction, so investing in a quality product is best. Our top pick is the Scottoiler xSystem 2.0 because it automates the tiresome task of lubing and cleaning your chain.
We hoped this helped. Catch you next time.