Best Motorcycle Chain Lube

Best Motorcycle Chain Lube

Publushed by:

Jeffrey

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The chain is the livewire of the motorcycle. Without it, motion is impossible. Smart riders know how to keep their chain lubricated for effective performance.

It’s one thing to lubricate your motorcycle chain. It’s another thing to do it without any stress at all.

With several products developed to make chain lubrication as stress-free as possible, this article have compiled a list of the best five products, which are easy to use, guaranteed to give your chain long-lasting efficiency, and very cost-effective.

Hopefully you’ll be able to make the right choice once and for all in choosing the right lube for your motorcycle chain, especially if you feel you need to change the model you’re used to.

Tested by many other customers, these products will make you take the care of your bike more seriously.

Best Overall: Motul 13 Off-Road Chain Lube

Short summary

The Motul 13 Off-Road Chain Lube is one of the best lubricants. Our choice of this product as the winner of this review category because of it is based on the amazing qualities.

It is compatible with the standard and O-ring, X-ring, and Z-ring chains, it is produced by Motul. This company has several years of experience in the production of industrial lubricants. This lube is designed very light so that it doesn’t allow dirt and debris to stick to the chain. Also, it doesn’t leave a thick layer, and the lime green color perfectly blends with the motorcycle chain.

The first thing that attracts many users to this product is its sand-repelling capacity. Unlike many other lines, when applied, Motul 13 off-road chain lube would easily penetrate every part of the chain once applied before quickly forming a protective layer around it. This layer won’t let sand, soil, or debris of any kind stick to the chain. So, not only does it lubricate the chain, but it also protects it from dirt.

You can be sure that this lube would be compatible with your bike chain because it is made to work with all kinds of chains, either standard or with O-ring, X-ring, and Z-ring chains. It also works well with all sorts of motorcycles, whether for leisure, heavy-duty, high-performance, or trail motorcycles.

The Motul 13 chain lube is especially recommended for off-road use and is ideal for all-weather types. Its protective shield protects the chain from any debris and ensures the chain is free from rust and corrosion. This protection also reduces the wear that the metal-to-metal friction of the chain may cause. It is also water repellent due to its composition.

This chain lube can also keep your chain clean and is easy to apply. Once applied, you’ll notice that it sticks very well and doesn’t start dripping once you start your bike. If you’ve always had to clean your bike rims now and then after lubing, you need to give the Motul 13 chain lube a try as it is one of the best chain lubes in the market. It is easy to apply and leaves no trail on your bike.

Whether your bike is used for long, adventurous rides, or the simple city commute, you can be sure of adequate, clean protection for your bike with this motorcycle chain lube.

Volume

Each canister of Motul 13 chain lube contains 9.3 ounces of lubricants, and because of how long each application lasts, it is guaranteed to serve you for a longer time than most others.

Off/on road

This product is specially designed for off-road use

Pros

  • Very easy to apply
  • It sticks very well on the chain
  • It doesn’t splatter when riding
  • It doesn’t leave a thick layer on the bike

Cons

  • It doesn’t stay for too long on the bike chain
  • A bit more expensive than others

Best Chain Lube

5/5

Motul 13 Off-Road Chain Lube

Runner Up: PJ1 13oz Blue Label Chain Lube

Short summary

The Motul 13 Off-Road Chain Lube is one of the best lubricants. Our choice of this product as the winner of this review category because of it is based on the amazing qualities.

It is compatible with the standard and O-ring, X-ring, and Z-ring chains, it is produced by Motul. This company has several years of experience in the production of industrial lubricants. This lube is designed very light so that it doesn’t allow dirt and debris to stick to the chain. Also, it doesn’t leave a thick layer, and the lime green color perfectly blends with the motorcycle chain.

This Blue label chain lube, designed primarily for O-ring chains, offers excellent protection for your bike’s transmission. Packaged in a handy canister, application is easy and straightforward. The other thing it does, apart from keeping your chains lubricated, is that it prevents wear on the chain by avoiding or, at the least, minimizing friction within the chain.

The lube serves as a protective layer for all parts of the O-ring. Its efficacy lies in its ability to penetrate deeply into every part of the chain, ensuring no chance for friction or rust. Its water-repellent nature aids this. It is also known to protect the sprocket surface. The product is petroleum-based and doesn’t fly off after application.

Best used when the bike chain is clean and warm, the Blue label chain lube is recommended to be used at a temperature of between 70-90°F. Once applied, one needs to wipe the excess products off the bike before use. While in use, it dries quickly and can offer protection for the bike chain for a long time. This product is optimized for O-ring chains and ensures that there is very minimal friction.

To use, simply shake the container very well and apply it to all the parts of the chain. Its ease of use is not the only advantage. It is also deeply penetrating of all the parts and long-lasting too. Its clear color also means it doesn’t leave your bike looking messy even if you mistakenly over-apply the solution to your chains.

It should be added that although the Blue label motorcycle chain lube is designed primarily for O-ring chains, it can also work for X-rings.

Volume  

The product comes in two liquid Volumes of 13 Fluid Ounces and 5 Fluid Ounces. The 13-ounce volume comes in 12 different options, while the 5-ounce version comes in 9. However, the most easily accessible version comes in 13 ounces.

Off/on road

The PJI  Blue Label Chain Lube is designed for on and off-road applications.

Pros

  • It holds up very well
  • It doesn’t fling off
  • It becomes thick when dry
  • Transparent, neat color
  • Cleans the chain too

Cons

  • It could be messy while applying

Best Chain Lube

5/5

Motul 13 Off-Road Chain Lube

Alternative: Motorex Chain Lube 622 Offroad Spray

Short summary

This fully synthetic off-road chain lubricant is designed for all kinds of chains, including O-rings, X-rings, and Z-rings. It offers excellent lubrication for the chain and protects against wear and corrosion.

Motorex spray is a transparent lubricant that makes it easier to apply. It is also a very deeply penetrating lubricant, and a simple application flows through all parts of the chain. Once dry, it forms a durable coat around the chain and is naturally resistant to water. This gives the chain an extended working life which prevents corrosion and rust.

If you want safe, easy-to-use lubrication that is also clear, the Motorex Chain Lube Off-road Spray is your choice. The lube has excellent wear-reducing properties and is suitable for motocross and off-road use.

Moreover, it offers water-resistant protection for the chain and prevents rust and corrosion. It is also resistant to spin and pressure and doesn’t buckle under the pressure that high-performance motorcycle chains go through daily.

Produced by Motorex, the largest oil-blending company in Switzerland, this lube is fully synthetic, and the product is excellent at keeping all the parts of the chain lubricated. Packaged in 500mL aerosol cans, it is not only handy and well designed, it lasts longer than many other products. If you feel you don’t want to buy the 500mL cans, the Motorex chain lube is also packaged in smaller refillable containers.

Its thin nature makes penetration easier, but it also means you’ll need to apply it more often. The lube does not attract dirt or sand so that the bike chain can last longer. The chain is always protected as long as the lube is always applied. No debris, dirt, or sand would stick to your chain, and you can ride with the assurance that your bike is safe.

Volume

This product contains a liquid volume of 500 milliliters, although it also comes in smaller refillable containers.

Off/on road

This Motorex product is a synthetic lube and is designed for off-road applications.

Pros

  • Very thin oil which penetrates deeply
  • Easy to apply
  • It has a very minimal spinoff

Cons

  • The thinness means it may need to be applied more often
  • The dispensing cap is not very strong

Best Chain Lube

5/5

Motul 13 Off-Road Chain Lube

Alternative: Muc Off All-Weather Motorcycle Chain Lube

Short summary

Muc Off All-Weather motorcycle chain lube, just like its name, is an all-purpose chain lube designed to meet the lubrication needs of different motorcycle chains, especially for motorcycles that cover long distances.

Designed to cover the lubing needs of a wide range of motorcycle chains, it is produced as a water-repellent and non-fling solution that deeply penetrates the chain-link of the motorcycle.

Because of the research that went into developing this product, one great advantage that its users can attest to is the long-lasting nature and the efficiency. It takes a long time before another application is required. Of course, the protection also prevents corrosion.

This product is a must-have for anyone genuinely interested in the efficiency of the motorcycle chain. Apart from providing enough lubrication for the smooth running of the chain, each application also provides enough protective coating to prevent the wear that may result from the constant metal-to-metal friction. That means the bike is guaranteed to survive any threat of corrosion.

No bike is off-limit for Muc-Off  Chain Lube’s protection as it is designed to be compatible with all motorcycle chains, whether it’s standard or O-Ring, X-Ring, or X-Ring or Z-Ring.

As part of the innovation, the Muc Off Chain Lube boasts an ultraviolet dye as part of its constituents. The function of the UV dye is to give an accurate tracing of the extent of coverage during the application of the lube. Using a UV torch or any UV light source, you’ll be able to see accurately if any part of the chain is left uncovered, thereby ensuring the entire chain is protected. You can also wipe off areas where there may have been an over-application of the lube. This product gives you the best chance to keep your chains perfectly lubricated every time.

To ensure you always have its cap safely on, it comes with two caps if one is damaged while opening. The Muc Off motorcycle chain lube is also effective in every kind of weather, and it doesn’t become less efficient because of a rise or drop in temperature. Also, it continues to offer protection whether in the sun or the rain. It is a synthetic product, and as part of its formulation, the lube also contains ceramic additives, which are critical in offering even more protection for the chain.

Volume  

This product has a volume of 13.53 Fluid Ounces

Off/on road

Muc Off is an off-road chain lube

Pros

  • It has no excess flings off
  • UV dye is infused to make it easier to trace the spray on the chain
  • Excellent for any kind of weather
  • It has a lovely smell
  • Great for preventing metal-to-metal friction

Cons

  • Not complete resistant to dirt

Best Chain Lube

5/5

Motul 13 Off-Road Chain Lube

Alternative: Dupont Teflon Chain Saver Lubricant 11 oz

Short summary

This dry wax lubricant is formulated with Teflon to save the life of your motorcycle chain. Produced by DuPont, this chain lube is an excellent self-cleaning, dirt-repelling lubricant with long-lasting properties.

Because it’s a chain wax, it offers even more extended protection against wear and works better at extreme temperatures. As a wax lubricant, it is an excellent water-repelling agent and keeps the chain well protected for longer.

The DuPont Teflon Chain-Saver is aptly called a Chain Saver because of the kind of protection it gives. Known to keep chains lasting for up to five times longer than what is obtained with many other lubricants, DuPont perfectly lubricates O-ring chains. It is also safe with rubbers and plastics so that every necessary part of your motorcycle can be safely lubricated.

Your motorcycle chain won’t get better protection. As part of its formulation, this chain contains Teflon fluoropolymer, which offers even more excellent protection, long-lasting lubrication, and stronger resistance to water, dirt, and contaminants.

Also, it has self-cleaning properties because it contains calcium stearate, a compound that readily removes dirt. So don’t be surprised if your motorcycle chain looks cleaner with every use.

Once you have applied this product to your motorcycle chain, it offers protection against dirt, dust, debris, and water. That means corrosion and rust stand no chance.

Chain lubes often begin to lose their efficacy once the temperature starts rising. However, the case is different with the DuPont Teflon lubricant. It keeps lubricating chains even at temperatures as high as 300°F.

Effective for industrial chains, there is no size of bike that the protective covering of this lubricant cannot cover. It doesn’t stain the bike, so you have no aesthetic worries using this lubricant.

Volume   

The product comes in 11 fluid ounces and 14 fluid ounces.

Off/on road

It is designed for off-road applications

Pros

  • Clear and non-sticky
  • Easy to apply
  • It contains Teflon for wear protection
  • Has self-cleaning properties
  • Water-resistant
  • No staining

Cons

  • It doesn’t get completely dry to touch soon enough
  • It may require more frequent applications in wet weather

Best Chain Lube

5/5

Motul 13 Off-Road Chain Lube

Motorcycle Chain Lube FAQ

Is it safe to use WD-40 on a motorcycle chain?

No, it’s not particularly safe. The reason is that WD-40 is designed as a cleaner and breaks down oils and greases. So if what you want is to degrease and clean your chain, fine. But for lubrication, we recommend you do not use WD-40.

Is Chain Wax better than lube?

Both chain wax and lube are great lubricants for your bike chain. However, the condition you are riding determines which one would be better for you.

If you ride your bike in wet conditions and your bike easily gets dirty and dusty, then chain wax would be ideal because of its durability and longer protection. If your riding condition is in the city, devoid of dirt and water, your chain lube would be fine.

But in terms of the ability to protect for longer, chain wax has the upper hand. But there’s no proof it does a better job if the lube is applied as often as necessary.

What kind of oil do you use for a motorcycle chain?

Perhaps you cannot lay your hand on any of the oils we have reviewed; as an alternative, you can use any of these oils for your motorcycle chain.

  • 3-in-1 oil
  • Chainsaw oil
  • Clipper oil
  • Silicon spray

The rule is to avoid excessively thick oils, as this may prevent proper penetration into the critical parts of the chain.

Can I use engine oil on the bike chain?

If you use engine oil on your bike chain, there won’t be proper penetration as it is too thick to go around smoothly enough. The viscosity of engine oils is perfect for car engines, but we recommend you go for lighter oils like chainsaw oil for lubricating motorcycle chains.

Conclusion

One needs to take the maintenance of one’s motorcycle seriously. And one of the most critical parts of the bike is the chain.

If you must lube your motorcycle chain yourself, you should do it right. This article have reviewed five of the best motorcycle chain lubes your money can buy.

Finding the right motorcycle chain cleaner and lube shouldn’t cost you anything more than the few bucks you’re spending. You should have peace of mind and a functional bike in exchange for that. That’s why this article has explored five of the best chain lubes for you.

How often to lube motorcycle chains depends on how you use them, where you use them, and the condition of the terrain. But for optimum performance, your motorcycle chain should be due for lubrication after every 300-500 miles.

Reference articles

4.7/5

Motul 13 Off-Road Chain Lube

  • Material: Sand
  • Item Weight: 0.5 Pounds
  • Colour: lime green

Jeffrey

Jeffrey Bryce is an experienced motorcycle rider with years of experience caring for motorcycles. His natural fondness for motorcycles have made him come up with LetsGoForARide.com, which is dedicated to answering and teaching you how to care for your bike with the care it requires. LetsGoForARide is the one of his important lifework in reaching out to communities of motorcycle enthusiasts on how to take care of their bike and choosing the correct spare part.