Rebel junky

I keep my bike outside and its been raining alot....the chain looks great, and is well greased. Just wondering, should the occassion arise could I use WD-40 or anything else, I dont have the money to buy chain grease. Iwant to keep it well greased!

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Don't sweat the small stuff!

2009 Rebel 250

twocoolgliders

Chain should be cleaned and lubricated every 500 miles.......

Clean with kerosene

Lube with Honda chain lube...about $6.95 in spray can

Or use PJ 1 also about $6.95 in spray can

or use Maxima Chain wax..same price

Or use SAE 90 gear oil (from auto parts store) this is what the manuals says to use or Honda lube) this will make a mess as it will be thrown off the chain on the first ride........the other products are "anti-fling".........

Be sure that whatever you use is OK for o-ring chains.

WD 40 is NOT recommended although many use it, but mostly as a cleaner....it will not last as a lube...cannot take the pressure generated between the chain and spockets, has no "cushion effect"

Cookie

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flitecontrol

DuPont makes a dry wax, spray on lubricant that is available from Lowes. Think it runs around $6/can. But you need to clean the chain before switching to it.

You might want to invest in a good exterior motorcycle cover. It will help protect the bike from both rain and sun, which you get a lot of. If nothing else, get one of those cheap blue tarps to go over it. Don't put it over the exhaust while it's hot, it will melt it! And don't let it reach the ground all the way around the bike. If you do, condensation will form on the inside of the tarp and the bike will rust from the moisture. Drape it and tie it so air can get under the tarp.

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I'm keepin' all the left over parts. I'm gonna use 'em to build another bike!

2001 Rebel 250, 1989 Vulcan 750
Putting your bike info in your signature helps others help you!

dabney

i was aware i should lubricate my chain every 500 M or so but was wondering about the cleaning part...it's been 4600 miles since it was in for service & I think it looks dirty. you suggested cleaning it w/kerosene...i'm guessing this means take the chain off & soak it? which is way beyond me at this point. any other suggestions?
thanks!
dabney

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07 Rebel CMX250C

flitecontrol

Jack the bike up and place supports under the frame (not the exhaust/mufflers). Loosen the rear axle nuts and the chain adjusters. Push the rear tire forward so you can slip the chain off the rear sprocket. Pull the rear wheel off. Get a container and place kerose or lamp oil in it. Place the chain in the container and let it soak for half an hour. You may want to get some latex gloves to keep your hands clean. Flex each link to be sure it moves. Use an old tooth brush to scrub any dirt or grease off the chain. Rotate the chain and repeat until the entire chain has been cleaned. Rinse the cleaned chain in fresh solvent. Dry with a shop cloth and allow to air dry thoroughly. Reassemble the chain on the sprocket and adjust to the proper tension. Tighten the rear axle nuts to specifications. Lube the chain.

If you use a dry wax type lubricant, the chain will pick up little, if any, debris.

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I'm keepin' all the left over parts. I'm gonna use 'em to build another bike!

2001 Rebel 250, 1989 Vulcan 750
Putting your bike info in your signature helps others help you!

dabney

more good help...thank you

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07 Rebel CMX250C

flitecontrol

You're welcome, and thanks for putting your bike info in your signature!

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I'm keepin' all the left over parts. I'm gonna use 'em to build another bike!

2001 Rebel 250, 1989 Vulcan 750
Putting your bike info in your signature helps others help you!

twocoolgliders

No you don't have to take the chain off.....just jack up the rear wheel....put some kero into a small shoe box sized plastic tub....get a really soft brush, I use an artists brush about 1" wide.......

Just slobber on the kero with the brush and let it drip into the tub.....yeah this is messy put something down on the floor....it will drip at the front and rear sprocket....dont rub hard with the brush, just let the kero do its work and drip off taking the dirt with it.....you don't want to hurt the o- rings....

I use some paper towels to soak up the excess kero...sometimes I clean again and towel off again......try to dry off the chain with paper towels or old terry rag....

Once the chain is pretty dry, spray on the lube...........most lube goes on wet and runny......you may have to blot up excess......let the lube sit for a few minutes to an hour....it will harden up, and not fling off when you ride....

O-ring chan really does not need lube.....the lube is already inside the seals of the O- rings..

What it needs is clean.....dirt causes wear on chain and sprockets.....and it needs protection from water, and corrosion.....that is what most commercial chain products do.


Cookie

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Fridgitator

I don't remove the rear wheel. I take the front sprocket off. Not saying it's a better way, just my preference based on my lack of a level garage floor, and a good lift. Anyway, there are a couple pix Here.

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'09 Rebel 250

Loud ties save lives.

Guba

That's my preference too. Just a lot easier not playing with the weight of the wheel and all. But otherwise just like twocoolgliders posted.

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Some days beer tastes good...other days beer tastes better!

'07 Rebel 250 26,000 miles