Can Motorcycle Chains Use Engine Oil?
2 Answers
Engine oil can be used as chain lubricant. However, used engine oil is not suitable for chain lubrication because it contains iron filings from engine wear, which can accelerate chain wear. Specialized Lubricants: Using dedicated chain lubricants or grease provides better results for chain lubrication. Characteristics of Chain Lubricants: Superior anti-wear properties, reducing adhesion-related consumption; lowers costs and extends chain service life; minimal volatility for reduced oil consumption; thermal stability, anti-aging properties for long-term lubrication, extended service intervals, reduced maintenance, and lower labor costs.
When I first started riding motorcycles, I also thought about using engine oil to lubricate the chain, since waste oil from repair shops was readily available. Let me tell you from personal experience—it’s really not reliable: regular engine oil is sticky and gets flung all over the rims and tires, turning into a grinding paste when mixed with sand and grit, speeding up chain and sprocket wear by three times. Once after a mountain ride, I noticed the chain joints squeaking, and upon disassembly, I found the rollers had rusted. Now I always keep a can of cheap chain wax spray—it doesn’t attract dust and lasts for 2,000 kilometers per application. Oh, and never use waste oil—the metal particles in it are worse than sandpaper for damaging chains.
