what type of chain lubricant?

[deskjetian]

The owners manual for my XL700V says that I should use sae 80 or 90 gear oil for manually lubricating the drive chain, yet 2 of my local Honda dealers say I should use something like silkolene.
I was wondering what you use ?

[russt1969]

Scottoiler & Silkolene

[Austin]

The owners manual for my XL700V says that I should use sae 80 or 90 gear oil for manually lubricating the drive chain, yet 2 of my local Honda dealers say I should use something like silkolene.
I was wondering what you use ?

umm,they probably would wouldn't they

EP90 or whatever is fine for me and is what I run through my scotoiler at the moment as I had very old nearly full 5litre can. It does smell though.

[StumpyFingers]

Most chains are o ring sealed, the oil is only to put a film between the metal and stop the o rings drying out so any oil is ok.

[MandoBear]

I use EP120 (from an agricultural suppliers) cut with a bit of 10w/40 semi synth engine oil to get it to flow a bit better in winter - through a Loobman oiler. Cheap as chips - and effective. EP (extreme pressure) oils are very effective in reducing friction even in very thin films.

[MCsanandreas]

i use a Scottoiler but every so often(once a month?) i put bike on centre stand and drown the chain in whatever oil is in my oilcan. it all helps.

[PerfectStranger]

This one here. Does not make a mess on the rear rim.

[deskjetian]

Thanks for all your replies.
I've only had the bike 1 month (from new) and I started off using just ordinary car engine oil, once a week. Asking the dealers just confused me and I ended up buying some silkolene. It seems ever so thin when applied though.
Ian.

[raymo]

Most chains are o ring sealed, the oil is only to put a film between the metal and stop the o rings drying out so any oil is ok.

Spot on.. all the oil is for is to stop the o rings drying out,
if your going to give your chain a good going over in addition to an an auto oiler, then slap on any oil you have, but best after a run when the chain is warm, as the oil has a better chance of getting where it's needed

messy things chains... that why I love the XLV

[Orinoco]

I use Castrol Chain Wax, once a week sprayed on the chain just after I get back from work, when it is nice and warm. I try to aim it at the o-rings from both sides of the chain.

I also clean the chain off once every couple of months to get rid of the road grime and dust that sticks to the lube'ed chain to stop it from from damaging the o-rings