A motorcycle chain gets noisy, stiff and rusty when it runs dry and picks up dirt and water. Clean the chain, let it dry, then apply a chain lubricant along the inner side while turning the wheel. Riders United 5201 PTFE Enhanced Chain Lubricant Spray is a motorcycle chain lubricant whose page says it penetrates rollers, pins and O-rings, resists fling-off, and is O-ring and X-ring safe. Reapply on a regular interval, more often in rain and dust.
Why it happens
- A dry chain. Lubricant wears off and is flung off with use, leaving metal running on metal.
- Dirt and water exposure. Dust and road grit stick to the chain and grind at rollers and pins. Water washes lubricant off and starts rust.
You will hear chain noise, feel stiff or kinked links, and see rust on rollers and plates.
How to fix it
- Road, touring, sport, off-road bikes and scooters with exposed chains: Riders United 5201 PTFE Enhanced Chain Lubricant Spray. Its page lists O-ring, X-ring and standard chains, and describes PTFE lubrication with anti-corrosion and low fling-off.
Directions from the 5201 page:
- Clean the chain: remove dirt, grease and old lubricant with a suitable chain cleaner and let the chain dry completely.
- Shake the can thoroughly so the PTFE is evenly mixed.
- Spray evenly along the inner side of the chain while slowly rotating the wheel, for full coverage.
- Let it penetrate and set for 10–15 minutes before riding.
- Lightly wipe off excess so it does not attract dust.
The page recommends reapplying every 300–600 km, or more often in wet, dusty or aggressive riding.
Use a stand so the rear wheel turns freely, and keep fingers well clear of the sprocket while turning the wheel.
What to avoid
- Clean the chain first. Lube on a gritty chain makes a grinding paste.
- Wipe off excess to prevent dust pick-up.
- Keep lubricant off the tyre and the brake disc. If any lands there, clean it off before riding.
- Never turn the wheel with the engine running while you spray.
Checking the chain while you lube it
Lubrication time is a good moment to look the chain over:
- Check slack against the figure in your owner's manual and adjust if needed.
- Look for tight or kinked links that do not straighten as the chain rolls.
- Look at the sprocket teeth for hooked or sharpened tips.
- Check the O-rings for cracks or missing rings if you have a sealed chain.
When to ask an expert
Visit a mechanic if:
- the chain has stretched beyond the adjustment range, or has tight links that do not free up after lubrication;
- sprocket teeth are hooked or worn sharp;
- the chain jumps or slips under load.
A stretched chain or worn sprockets need replacing as a set; lubricant will not fix them.
FAQ
Is 5201 safe for O-ring chains?
Its page says it is O-ring and X-ring safe and compatible with modern sealed motorcycle chains.
How often should I lube my chain?
The page recommends every 300–600 km, or more often in wet, dusty or aggressive riding conditions, and after washing the bike.
Do I need to clean the chain every time?
The directions start with cleaning the chain and letting it dry. At minimum, wipe off dirt before each application, and do a proper clean regularly.
Why should I wait before riding?
The page says to let the lubricant penetrate and set for 10–15 minutes. Riding straight away flings more of it off.
See the product: Riders United 5201 PTFE Enhanced Chain Lubricant Spray. More vehicle maintenance fixes: vehicle hub.