hey all,just picked up a 05 250 and as I was cleaning up the bike and familiarizing myself with the parts i noticed the chain was really dirty with black gunk caked on all over. Im thinking spraying with break cleaner to remove the crap and then lubing the chain with a lubricant. any advice?

 

Your probably going to get a ton of different opinions on this, here's mine. Immediately after a ride when the chain is warm, I pour some kerosene on an old towel and rotate the rear wheel by hand while letting the chain slide through the rag. The dirtier the chain, the more this will take, but eventually you will get it real clean. I have a piece of cardboard box under the bike to catch any goo. It helps to paint a small dot on a link somewhere so you know where you start and stop - I used a tiny orange dot. Here's the part everyone may have a difference of opinion.
I have tried Bel-Ray, Motul, Honda, PJ-1 and plain gear oil, but by far, the best lube I have used to date is a product from DuPont called DuPont Multi-Purpose Lubricant:


This stuff rocks! It cleans and lubes. It sprays on clear, and dries clear. There is nothing to fling off, yet it is very slick and water repellant. It was designed for O-ring chains but DuPont found out it works for just about anything so it is marketed as a general lube. Itis also cheap, about $5 a can at places like Lowes Hardware. Here is a good review from the Pro's: http://www.webbikeworld.com/t2/motor...chain-lube.htm
Give it a try - you will like it. It will keep your bike clean as well.

scootertrog

 

+1 on that. I've used all the chain lubes you mentioned, but that stuff is great.

 

thanks guys, gonna look for that tomarrow.

 

I use MAXIMA chain wax. it works great, last a longer than anything else ive tried and doesnt fling. MAXIMA clear chain lube works well, but doesnt last as long and flings like crazy.