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Riding exposes your motorcycle chain to water, dirt, dust, mud, and gunk. Applying a protective layer of chain lube or wax can repel these particles and greatly reduce the friction that causes wear-and-tear on your motorcycle chain.
Applying chain lube is very easy, and it’s something you can do regularly to ensure your bike runs smoothly. Here are some of the best chain lubes you can use to maintain your bike.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Motorcycle Chain Lubes
- OUR TOP PICK: Maxima Chain Wax
- RUNNER-UP: Bel-Ray Super Clean Chain Lube
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: PJ1 Blue Label Chain Lube
Comparison of the Best Motorcycle Chain Lube
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How Often to Lube Motorcycle Chain?
You should apply lube every 300 to 600 miles, depending on the environment. You can do it every 600 miles if you ride on clean roads with minimal exposure to dust or humidity.
Don’t hesitate to apply lube sooner if you can see rust forming on the chain, if you can see an excessive amount of oily residue on the chain, or if the chain looks dry.
You will need to apply lube more regularly if you ride off-road or in wet conditions. It’s best to clean your chain immediately after exposure to water or mud to prevent rust, and you should re-apply lube every time you clean the chain.
How to Choose Motorcycle Chain Lube
Because chain lube is typically inexpensive, we recommend testing different products to see which one you like using the best. There are also a few things you can take into consideration when choosing a chain lube.
Application
Chain lube typically comes in a spray can with an applicator wand. Look for a product with a thin nozzle so you can apply it with precision and control the quantity you apply.
A lube that dries quickly is best if you ride frequently. Riding with a wet chain will result in a lot of flinging.
Texture
Chain lube can have different degrees of viscosity. A liquid formula might be easy to apply but can also get messy if you use too much. The advantage of a liquid formula is that you will get plenty of coverage and should be able to use the lube on every type of chain.
A thicker formula can form a stronger protective layer that will prevent friction and corrosion. However, X-ring and Z-ring seals might be difficult to cover with a thicker formula.
Recommended Use
Pay attention to the manufacturer’s recommendations when choosing a chain lube. Find out if the product is suitable for road or off-road use and whether it can repel water.
Review of the Best Motorcycle Chain Lube
We recommend the following products because of their value, quality, and performance.
Best Overall:
Maxima Chain Wax
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A majority of buyers are happy with this chain wax. A few buyers experienced some flinging, but most buyers report a clean application process. People say the wax dries quickly and like the quality of the product.
Why it Stands Out to Us
A chain wax is a great option if you’re looking for a product that protects your chain from dust and corrosion without attracting dirt and gunk.
The main downside of chain wax is the thick texture that can make the application process difficult. Maxima addresses this common complaint with a liquid formula that turns into wax when it dries. It’s a long-lasting product, and it does a great job of repelling dirt and reducing friction.
You can apply this product on O, X, and Z-ring chains. It’s suitable for street and dirt bikes, and the liquid formula can penetrate deeply into the chain to protect pins and rollers that would otherwise be difficult to reach.
Bottom Line
Maxima offers a quality chain wax with an easy application system. We like this product because it’s versatile, and it does an excellent job of protecting your motorcycle chain from dirt and corrosion without attracting gunk.
Runner-up:
Bel-Ray Super Clean Chain Lube
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
People like this chain lube because the white color makes it easy to see where you’ve applied the product. There are no issues with flinging, and the product doesn’t attract dirt.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Chain lubricant can be messy to apply and attract gunk. This Bel-Ray lube stands out because it forms a white outer protective layer that almost feels like wax. This texture makes the product easy to apply and repels gunk effectively. It also helps make the product more durable.
It’s a performing chain lube, and it’s also a very versatile product. You can use it on any kind of chain, and it’s suitable for street, off-road, and racing.
The wear-resistant property is where this product truly shines. It reduces wear-and-tear on your motorcycle chain and prevents rust and corrosion.
Bottom Line
We like this chain lube because it’s easy to apply and doesn’t attract dirt. You won’t have to worry about flinging, and you can use this product on any kind of chain or bike. This lube will also do an excellent job of protecting your bike chain from wear-and-tear.
Best for the Money:
PJ1 Blue Label Chain Lube
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This chain lube has received a lot of good reviews. People like the affordable price point, and the applicator wand that makes it easy to apply the lube without making a mess. Reviewers also mention the good coverage this lube provides.
Why it Stands Out to Us
You can maintain your motorcycle chain on a budget with this inexpensive lube. It’s a quality product that will help you save money on maintenance.
We like the clear finish of this lube. Some products create a white coat that can be very noticeable, but it’s not the case with this chain lube.
You won’t experience flinging as long as you don’t apply too much of the product, and this chain lube does an excellent job of protecting your chain from corrosion and wear-and-tear.
Bottom Line
You can’t go wrong with this affordable chain lube if you’re shopping on a budget. It’s an ideal product for protecting your chain from corrosion, and it’s easy to apply. The clear finish is a plus if you don’t like the white coating that most manufacturers offer. The main downside is that it’s best to use this lube on O-ring chains.
Editor's Pick:
Motorex Road Chain Lube
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
People like the quality of this chain lube. They say it’s a great option if you want a waterproof lube, and the product forms a white protecting coating that reduces wear-and-tear. Reviewers recommend using a small quantity of the product and letting it dry thoroughly to prevent flinging.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Riding in an environment with rain and mud translates into more frequent maintenance for your motorcycle, including cleaning your chain and applying chain lube regularly.
This waterproof product is ideal if you often ride in wet conditions. It will protect your chain from humidity and reduce wear-and-tear at the same time.
The manufacturer recommends using this chain lube for road and street. If you own an off-road bike, you will need a lube that does a better job of repelling dirt and dust.
It’s also best to use this product on X and O-ring chains. The texture of the product will protect these types of chains, but it’s not ideal for Z-ring chains.
Bottom Line
This waterproof lube is ideal for wet or muddy environments. It’s a great way of reducing wear-and-tear on your chain, and there is very minimal flinging when you apply the product. Keep in mind that it’s best for street bikes and X or O-ring chains.
Honorable Mention:
Motul Racing Chain Lube
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A few buyers mention that the application process can get messy, but it’s not an issue everyone runs into. Reviewers typically like the thick consistency of the lube and are happy with the value and performance of the product.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This chain lube uses solid additives to form a durable protective layer on your chain. The manufacturer recommends using this lube for racing because it protects your chain in situations with high speeds and a lot of friction. It can prevent power loss in an environment where speed matters.
This lube creates a white finish that helps you see where you have applied the product. It dries quickly, and there is very minimal flinging.
We recommend this chain lube because it’s an excellent value. A little goes a long way, and it’s a durable product that you won’t have to re-apply often.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a chain lube suitable for racing or care about your bike’s performance, this chain lube is an ideal option for you. We like its thick consistency, the use of solid additives, and the durability of this product.
Types of Motorcycle Chain Lube
There are different types of chain lube available. It’s important to understand the pros and cons of each so you can choose the best one for your needs.
Dry Lube
Dry lube or wax-based lube is easy to apply and not messy. It delivers excellent adhesion, but it’s best for dry environments.
Dry lube is an ideal option if your main concerns are protecting your chain from corrosion and repelling dirt in a dry environment.
Wet Lube
Wet lube can be messy to apply and result in flinging if you use too much product. However, it’s a great option for protecting your chain all-year-round. It also delivers a better value compared to dry lube and can last longer.
Off-Road Lube
Off-road lube is a heavy-duty maintenance product that can protect your bike chain from dirt, dust, mud, and water. It typically forms a thick protective layer on the surface of your chain.
Racing Lube
Manufacturers develop racing lube with performance in mind. It’s a product that can reduce friction, prevent wear-and-tear when riding at high speeds, and mitigate power loss.
Chain Wax vs Chain Lube - Comparison Overview
Are you wondering if wax or lube would make the most sense for you? Let’s take a closer look at these two popular products.
Chain wax and chain lube have their pros and cons. Here is what you need to know about these two products.
Application
Because chain wax has a thicker consistency, it’s easier to apply without making a mess. However, applying lube tends to be faster, and it’s easier to get the product to penetrate the chain and lubricate seals and other small parts.
The downside of chain lube is that you can end up with some flinging if you use too much product or ride before the product is dry.
Coverage
It’s easy to use wax to form a protective coating on the surface of your chain. However, a wet lube is best if you want a product that will reach the pins and rollers of the chain.
Environment
A chain wax is best for a dry environment. It’s also best to apply chain wax on a clean chain.
Lube is a more versatile product. You can use it all-year-round, and you can find waterproof lube if you ride in a wet or muddy environment.
Duration
Lube tends to last longer. Chain wax is a product you will have to apply more frequently.
Conclusion
Using a quality chain lube or wax is essential because it reduces wear-and-tear on your chain and prevents corrosion. It also repels dirt and other particles that could cause friction.
We recommend the Maxima Chain Wax because this product yields all the benefits of a chain wax with the application process of a wet lube. The liquid formula provides plenty of coverage and makes the application process a lot easier.
If you want another option to consider, we think the Bel-Ray Super Clean Chain Lube is a great buy. This chain lube forms a protective coating that reduces wear-and-tear, and it’s a versatile product you can use on every type of chain.
People Also Ask
Here are some additional considerations about chain lube and motorcycle maintenance.
Can You Use WD-40 on a Motorcycle Chain?
You can use WD-40 to remove oily residues or old lube on your chain. However, WD-40 doesn’t replace a chain wax or chain lube since it’s primarily a degreaser.
What Happens if You Don't Lube Your Motorcycle Chain?
Dust, dirt, and rust will build up on a chain without proper lubrication. These particles will cause friction, and the pins and barrels will become thinner, which means you will have to replace the chain sooner.
How Do I Know if My Motorcycle Chain Needs Lube?
You should apply lube if the chain looks dry or if you can see rust forming. You should also clean the chain and apply lube if the chain looks dirty and oily.
Do I Need to Lube a New Motorcycle Chain?
New motorcycle chains typically come with a factory lube. You should be able to ride for 300 to 600 miles before you need to clean the chain and apply more lube.
