Newbie chain lube basics . . .

[momento]

Hey BARF!

I'm a newbie with a 1999 Honda Nighthawk 250. It's in great shape and approaching 4000 miles. I'd like to maintain the bike myself, and I'm starting with something easy: the drive chain lubrication. I've listed below what I think are the steps. I know this process is simple, but I wanted to check with all y'all professionals before I f'ed it up.

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Drive Chain Lubrication (O-ring type chain)

1. WARM the chain: ride the bike for about 15 minutes.
2. CLEAN the chain: Spary the bottom rung of the chain with WD-40. Wipe the side surfaces of the chain with a soft cloth. Brush the chain with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
3. LUBE the chain: I purchased Bel-Ray SuperClean Chain Lube, which comes in a spray can. Spray the bottom rung of the chain, rotate the wheel, and repeat until entire chain is lubed. Then let the bike sit for a couple of hours.
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How's that sound? I've got two questions,

i) Should I clean the chain with WD-40 before applying the chain lube?

ii) Once the chain is clean, I can't ride the bike, right? What if the chain is then too cold to apply the lube?

Thanks BARF!

[myap]

i) I use WD 40 and have had no problems. My toothbrush set up is this--I've got two of 'em ziptied facing each other. I pass the chain b/t the two heads. Easier, faster and less messy.

ii) I think cold lube is better than no lube.

HTH!

[rocketbunny]

Unless you're doing some seriously heavy duty cleaning, it shouldn't take that long to clean the chain. Just clean it and lube it and don't worry too much about the "rate of chain cool down"

The first time seems like a chore, but once you've actually done it, piece of cake forever after. :)

[pvd]

kerosene to clean
silkolene synthetic to lube.

it really is that simple.

[supertireguy]

Agreed.

I also first use the WD40 and a rag method to clean the chain. WD40 is a great degreaser but make for horrible chain lube.

After that apply your favorite chain lube and then wipe off the excess with a rag.

Proper chain maintenance makes for a happy chain, not to mention longer service life.

[VTRZA]

having a rear pit stand helps too

[momento]

Thanks, y'all.

[hawkgirl]

Thanks momento, I needed to know this!

[elskipador]

Originally posted by pvd
kerosene to clean
personally i like to use "simply green" i feel its easier on the rubber o-rings and for sure its better for the planet.

[LewRD350B]

Originally posted by VTRider
having a rear pit stand helps too
Just don't do the stupid trick of running the bike in gear to turn the chain/wheel. I actually saw the aftermath of someone who attempted this and it was not pretty.:green

[jailnurse]

Originally posted by myap

That is a rad idea!!! I am going to try it!!

allan
AFM679


i) I use WD 40 and have had no problems. My toothbrush set up is this--I've got two of 'em ziptied facing each other. I pass the chain b/t the two heads. Easier, faster and less messy.

ii) I think cold lube is better than no lube.

HTH!

[wannabe]

Originally posted by VTRider
having a rear pit stand helps too


I think that he's lucky enough to still have a center stand. :thumbup