Motorcycle chains take a serious beating especially in muddy or sandy conditions. The only way to prevent extensive wear is to periodically oil your chain. But sometimes this alone is not enough because chain lube can only be applied to the exterior and not to the interior. So if chain lube is not enough, what is the best way of oiling your chain and what is the best chain lube available?
Well, I'll tell you right now, you will never be able to oil anything better than a brand new chain straight from the factory. To do that you would have to completely dismantle your chain to soak each individual piece with their high quality lubricant.
The easiest, fastest, and best way to oil your chain is by using your old motor oil. Next time that you go to do your periodic engine oil change, simply heat the oil by running your engine before performing oil change. 5-10 minutes of idling should be good, use your judgment here depending on outside temperature. While your engine is idling to pre-heat the oil, remove and brush-off your chain to prepare it for oiling. Once the oil is warm, shut-off engine and drain it out into your regular drain pan.
Here's the trick, throw your chain into the oil pan full of HOT oil and let it sit for several hours or even over night. After soaking, remove chain and hang it over oil pan allowing all excess oil to drip off. Wipe the exterior of the chain clean with a rag to ensure that no dirt will stick to your freshly oiled chain.
Doing this trick allows the heated oil to work its way deep into the pins of the chain. All the oil is back inside of the chain where its most needed with no oil residue on outside that could cause a mess. This simple trick is one of the best ways of oiling your chain that is very comparable to having a brand new chain straight from the factory.
<~ Back to Husqvarna Articles main page