The best dirt bike chain lube to use is right up there with what kind of oil. We know guys who purchase OEM brand cleaners religiously and others who’ve been using WD-40 for decades without issue. Even though modern chains are sealed, O- and X-ring chains do still require lubrication to keep those seals pliable, so that they keep the internal lubrication inside and dirt and debris out. It’s all about the seals. Just make sure whatever you use says O-ring compatible. We can’t really tell you which lube is best, but we can tell you which lubricants lots of people swear by. In the end, it probably doesn’t matter which lube you use as long as you use lube.
How often should you lube your dirt bike chain?
As with most maintenance, how often you lube your chain will depend on how often you ride, what kind of riding you do, and what conditions you ride in. Lubing your chain before you set out on a day of riding is good practice, but if you’re riding motocross, you may want to consider lubing before each race.
When you’re done riding, it’s important to clean your chain of any dirt and debris. Lubricating your chain after a wash will help prevent corrosion.
ProHonda Chain Lube (& Cleaner) – $33
Our pal Rick Mitchell doesn’t work at Honda anymore but he can’t keep himself from pimping this lube, and for good reason. Mike “Chico” Montes, spent months developing this product, says Rick, with the mandate of having the highest performing chain lube (at that time) on the market! The no-fling formula keeps it in place, and as for the rest of the claims, in Honda a lot of people trust. Also, it makes sense to clean whatever you’re about to lube with a product designed not to harm those seals.
Shop for Pro Honda Chain Lube here
Maxima Chain Wax – $7.50-$11.50
This stuff is really popular too, among people who’re afraid that grit sticks to sticky chain lube. “Unlike lube,” says Maxima, “Maxima Chain Wax is designed to cling to the chain, providing all the lubrication and protection required, without the messy fling.” The chain lube makers, of course, say the same thing. Here, your Parafilm formula sprays on as a liquid, penetrates and becomes a soft waxy film lubricant that’s said to provide outstanding rust and corrosion protection.
Shop for Maxima Chain Wax here
Bel-Ray Super Clean Chain Lube – $9-$15
Lots of good reviews for this stuff, too, which some users describe as kind of a cross between regular lube and wax. It’s said to use “emerging lubricant technology” for unsurpassed wear protection for long chain and sprocket life by forming an outer protective coating that will not attract dirt, sand, or grit and will not fling when used as directed.
Shop for the Bel-Ray Super Clean here
Motorex Off-Road Chain Lube – $6-$12
Nothing subpar comes from Switzerland, does it? Sprays on white so you can see it, and contains a special wear-reducing lubricant with excellent adhesion for all motorcycle chains especially X-ring and O-ring. Note that like lots of manufacturers, Motorex offers road and off-road formulas.
Shop for Motorex Off-Road Chain Lube here
Motul C3 Chain Lube Off-Road – $13
Informal Facebook polling found much love for Motul, though its online reviewers are a bit less glowing, with some users contending its anti-fling properties are greatly exaggerated compared to some other lubes. But hey, Motul is a big MotoGP sponsor, so wth?
Shop for Motul C3 Chain Lube Off-Road here
DuPont Teflon Chain-Saver Dry Self-Cleaning Lubricant – $10-$15
This stuff replaces Dupont’s original Teflon Multi-use Dry Wax Lubricant that was my go-to chain salve for years. And while I haven’t tried the new Chain-Saver WBCLFCDVWTF formula, all the five-star reviews make it sound like a real winner. She goes on wet to penetrate and coat surfaces with a dry Teflon fluoropolymer wax film, which is claimed to not absorb abrasive contaminants including dirt, grit, paper dust, mill powders, lint and grass. Best of all, the price is right.
Shop for Dupont Chain Saver Wax here
PJ1 Blue Label Chain Lube – $9 – $14
Last but possibly not least, who knows?, PJ1 Blue Label has its adherents too, most of who love it for its adherence and lack of color. PJ says it protects against rust and corrosion, displaces and repels water, extends O-ring life, protects sprocket surfaces, won’t fly off, and provides minimal rolling resistance.
This post was originally published Oct. 22.
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