Author Topic: X Ring Chains - Lubrication Question (Read 9527 times)

Kamzilla · « **on:** May 05, 2005, 12:32:39 AM »

I installed the DID 530ZVM on my bike on Sunday. A friend was telling me that they may need different lubrication from the OEM chain? Can anyone confirm this? Or should I just keep spraying Bel-Ray chain lube?

terrebandit · « **Reply #1 on:** May 05, 2005, 09:17:59 AM »

No change in Lubrication is necessary: X-ring = O-ring

ray nielsen · « **Reply #2 on:** May 05, 2005, 11:35:25 PM »

You can use spray chain lube or even WD-40 to keep the chain "wet" and the rubber X-rings slippery.

I use a Scott Oiler, set for about as drop/minute with very good results. A friend uses WD-40 about every 300 - 400 miles with equally good results. By that I mean chain and sprocket life of 35-40K miles. He rides a Honda Nighthawk 750 and I ride a Bandit 1200.

The DID X-Ring chains seem to last longer than their O-Ring counterparts -- I got about 30K on a DID O-ring chain -- more like 40K with their X-ring version.

I've had good luck with Sprocket Specialists brand sprockets <www.sprocketspecialists.com> and with SunStar brand too. SunStar are available from Dennis Kirk at <www.denniskirk.com> in their metric bike catalog.

99er · « **Reply #3 on:** May 07, 2005, 09:55:25 AM »

They are "permanently" lubed. All you need to do is keep the dirt and rust away and keep the rings pliable. A little WD 40 will keep it clean and light oil (motor oil) will keep the rings from shrinking dry. Keep gasoline away from it. Kerosene is OK. WD-40 is essentially kerosene anyway. If you want to use chain lube, go for it. I just hate waxes. Never had any luck with them.
Marc/Atl
EK X-Ring

Red01 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 07, 2005, 07:35:46 PM »

The lube inside a sealed chain (O, X, K ring, etc) is there to provide lube between the rollers and pins. They still need external lube to keep the seals supple and to provide lube between the rollers and sprocket teeth, as well as corrosion protection.

See this thread for a shoot-out between various chain lubes and WD-40. IMHO, WD-40 should only be used as a cleaner or an emergency chain lube, however, many swear by it.

Kamzilla · « **Reply #5 on:** May 08, 2005, 07:16:32 PM »

Thank you guys. I guess I'll keep using the Bel-Ray lube that I used on my old chain.

BBurton · « **Reply #6 on:** May 09, 2005, 01:26:23 AM »

Try the new chain lube from PJ-1 "blue label", I have pretty much tried them all "chain waxes" and it is my new and probably last chain lube I'll ever use!! It came highly recommended to me by several bikers, it's good stuff.

Bazza · « **Reply #7 on:** May 09, 2005, 05:22:47 AM »

I have a friend who is a bike mechanic at a local shop. He was telling me a few weeks ago that you would not believe how many people are convinced that O & X ring chains do not have to be lubed. He is usually explaining the benifits after fitting their bikes with a new chain after a few thousand miles.

My Friend does not recomend the use of WD 40 on chains as he feels the detergents dry out O & X rings causing them to fail early. He has seen this on the bikes of many WD 40 fans.

His choices for cleaning chains is to use Kerosene only (not WD 40) as there is nothing in Kerosene that will harm O or X rings, and will also lightly lubricate the chain at the same time.

His choice of chain lube is one made by amsoil (I have never heard of it) But he claims he can put his hand on his chain after a 200 km ride an it is only warm to the touch.

I have a Pro Oiler which is leaving me chain maintinance free so far.

GaryB12VA · « **Reply #8 on:** May 09, 2005, 10:37:29 AM »

Quote from: "BBurton"

Try the new chain lube from PJ-1 "blue label", I have pretty much tried them all "chain waxes" and it is my new and probably last chain lube I'll ever use!! It came highly recommended to me by several bikers, it's good stuff.

I agree. I have tried lots of different brands and now use PJ1 Blue exclusively. I goes on clear, and has very little "fling" to it.

terrebandit · « **Reply #9 on:** May 09, 2005, 08:34:04 PM »

Quote

His choice of chain lube is one made by amsoil (I have never heard of it) But he claims he can put his hand on his chain after a 200 km ride an it is only warm to the touch.

I have a Pro Oiler which is leaving me chain maintinance free so far.

Is this the stuff? Is it safe for O-rings? They don't say much about this at amsoil.com.

Bazza · « **Reply #10 on:** May 23, 2005, 08:23:10 PM »

I do not think this is the stuff my friend spoke of. He mentioned a specific new chain lube from Amsoil.

I have not seen any around.

Red01 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 23, 2005, 08:49:29 PM »

I couldn't find anything on the Amsoil site that is motorcycle chain specific either. I entered "chain" in their site search engine and found this:

Quote

Semi-Synthetic Bar & Chain Oil
Ideal for chainsaws and bicycle chains. Its semi-synthetic basestocks reduce drag effectively, which optimizes efficiency and extends chain life. Tacky formula clings to metal surfaces better than other oils, delivering unparalleled lubrication and protection.

And this:

Quote

Series 2000 Synthetic Chaincase Lubricant
AMSOIL Series 2000 Chaincase Oil provides superior protection and performance for enclosed chains. Ideal for snowmobiles, ATVs and general equipment. Extreme pressure additives provide extra wear protection. Extends chain life repels water, and inhibits rust, oxidation and foam. Superior low temperature starting, performance and protection.

fartndust · « **Reply #12 on:** July 05, 2005, 12:15:16 AM »

I've been using LPS1 by LPS laboratories for about 5 years now on our ATV's and now on the B12. It's a DRY FILM lube; goes on wet, then dries in about 5 minutes, does not attract dust displaces moisture..good stuff.
We use it at work for high speed chain drive assemblys that run for 24 hours a day, years at a time..no kidding. For the dunes on our quads it's awesome because nothing sticks like it normally would with a wax or oil. At the track it works just as well, no crap gunking up the chain from dust or clay or mud. NAPA can order it for you.

fartndust · « **Reply #13 on:** July 19, 2005, 01:58:29 PM »

keep in mind that the "X" and "O" ring chains have lube inside of the roller and the ring is there to seal out the water and dirt. The outside is still exposed to the elements of course, so you need to be sure and clean and inspect it just as you would any part of your bike. Dry film lubes, such as the one I described above provide protection, without the negative aspects of the waxes and oils.....no mess, nothing for the dust to stick to. Again, it goes on as a liquid and dries to the touch, provides protection, displaces moisture, and does NOT attract dust or dirt. Won't harm your rubber rings and lasts. I ride desert races, the dunes, MX with my 450 and the chain looks like new still, the chain on my sons Blaster is 4 years old....no kidding. It's good stuff.
There are also graphite based sprays out there as well, but the names escape me at the moment. Remember your not really LUBING a "ringed" chain, your cleaning and protecting it from the elements. The lube is internal. I'm just say'n

jfpjet · « **Reply #14 on:** August 28, 2005, 11:01:15 PM »

Is the LPS #1 lubricant safe with O-rings? One comment I read (http://www.onthehouse.com/qa/184) suggests that it may not be suitable for use with rubber (although they are talking about neoprene rollers). LPS #1 is also described as a penetrant which may be problematic.

I have always had shaft-drive bikes, but now have a new b12s which has reached the point where I should clean and lubricate the chain. I primarily ride short trips, mostly in the city, almost exclusively in dry conditions, and would love to find a way to keep the chain lubricated without attracting dirt or making a mess. The waxy lubricant that came on the chain from the factory is OK, but some of it still flings off and it does trap some dust and dirt.

I'll try the LPS lubricant, but was curious whether there is a possible negative interaction with the o-rings.

Thanks for all the tips on this forum!