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What are you using to clean and to lube your chain?
I must disagree with you about modern chains not needing lubrication. Most chains end up being changed because they are not regularly lubricated as the "O" or "X" rings dry out and start to break up causing premature wear of the chain. That is why you get seized links. Modern chains are best lubricated when they are warm - after a run.Note that most, if not all, chains in use today (racing chains excluded) are sealed "O" or "X" ring types and don't need lube - at least not like the old chains did. What they DO need is to be kept clean and protected from corrosion.
For cleaning, kerosene works well & WD-40 works well, although you're better off using a product designed for the purpose - i.e. "O" ring safe. The chain then needs a protective coat. Heavy chain lubes tend to be sticky and attract dirt, making cleaning a more frequent task.
I'm in the process of fitting a centerstand to make this process less of an annoyance while on the road. A paddock stand in the garage also works well if you're never away from it long enough to require chain maintenance during your ride.
Yes, I remember doing the same with a round tin full of really thick grease called "Linklife". Unfortunately once, I forgot it was on the kitchen stove, and it overflowed all over the stove when it melted. I was not very popular in the house for a while!I didn't mean to run them dry - that will let the O rings dry out (whereupon the "sealed" lube runs out and the links kink). But you don't need a heavy greasy product either. A light lube is all that it needs. And I agree that the best time to do it is just before you put the bike to bed after a ride - or at the end of each day on longer rides.
I come from the time where we'd remove the chain, wash it in kerosene and "boil" it in oil (actually just a hot oil bath for an hour or so - usually on the kitchen stove when your wife/mother wasn't looking) and then hang it up to dry before re-installing it. No O rings in those days. Comparatively speaking, they're almost maintenance free today.
And, add to that it must be checked with the bike upright.BTW, I have been riding BMW's for 30+ years and like the technology, BUT what kind of dumb A$$ design puts the oil sight glass on one side of the bike and the oil filler on the opposite side?
I guess it's for exercise, walking back and forth adding a drop at a time...
And no fear of a final drive failure.:surprise:I just ordered this, Tirox SnapJack V2, so I can maintain my chain all by myself.
After 30 years of drive shafts I have a chain...
Can you please post some pictures?I just ordered this, Tirox SnapJack V2, so I can maintain my chain all by myself.
After 30 years of drive shafts I have a chain...