Motorcycle chain maintenance is just about as important as brushing your teeth. It should become second nature for all bike owners as it can prevent serious motorcycle damage and prolong the lifespan of your chain. Letting your chain run dry will cause it to severely damage itself and the sprockets.

Fortunately, there are some amazing chain lubes available that will allow you to easily protect your investment and yourself. We put together a list of the top rated chain lubes on the market. Browse our list of the best motorcycle chain lube options below to find one that fits your needs and your budget.

Top 6 Motorcycle Chain Lubes Chart

PictureNameTypePriceOur Rating (1-5)
Picture
Name
Type
Price
Our Rating (1-5)
1. Maxima 74920 Chain Wax Aerosol$$$4.8
2. PJ1 13oz Blue Label Aerosol$$$4.8
3. DuPont Teflon Chain-Saver Aerosol$4.7
4. nextzett 96050515 Ultra Gel Aerosol$$$$4.7
5. Motul Chain Lube Paste Paste$4.4
6. Motul Factory Line Aerosol$$4.4

How to Pick a Motorcycle Chain Lube

While cleaning and lubricating your motorcycle’s drive chain is incredibly important, there are a few different things to consider.

Knowing how to properly lubricate your chain is going to ensure that it remains in great shape for years to come and that it functions at full capacity.

We’re going to share a few cleaning and lubricating tips in order to simplify the process for you and to help you find the best motorcycle chain lube for your needs.

  • Cleaning. Always make sure that you have properly cleaned the chain before getting started. You want the lubricate to stick to the actual drive chain, not dirt that’s stuck on the chain.
  • Interior Dirt. Try to get as much dirt off the chain as possible. This includes internal dirt, which can easily be removed by using a paintbrush or nailbrush, as well as some patience.
  • Turn the Wheel. Make sure you turn the wheel when cleaning the chain so you get the entire chain clean and not just a small section of it. Be cautious not to get your fingers stuck in the chain when turning it.
  • Bare Metal. You want to make sure that the entire chain is bare metal before applying the lubricant. This will ensure that the lube sticks to the entire chain and not just the clean portions.
  • Motor Oil. A good tip to clean off the chain is to slightly damp a portion of your cloth in motor oil. The oil works as a natural type of soap that really helps to remove all sorts of dirt, dust and debris.
  • Keep it on the Chain. Last but not least, make sure that anything that goes on the chain, doesn’t go on the bike. This includes the oil that you’ll be using the clean the chain and the lubricant itself. Be extra careful when applying the lubricant, especially aerosol lubes.

Many bike owners choose to constantly reapply lube without cleaning off the chain every time. However, it’s worth taking a few minutes to properly clean off the chain entirely before doing so. Not only will this prolong the life of your chain, but it will also reduce the amount of times that you have to reapply the lubricant since it will stick much better.

Paste vs. Aerosol Lubricant

When it comes to applying a lubricant on your drive chain you will have two main options to choose from; paste or aerosol. Knowing the difference between the two is crucial.

  • Paste Lubricant. If you want an easy application that remains clean, you’re going to want to choose a paste. It’s much easier to avoid messes with pastes since you have more control when applying it.
  • Aerosol Lubricant. If you’re pressed for time and want the quickest lubricant application process possible, an aerosol lubricant is the way to go. Simply spray it on as you turn the chain and you’re done.

Both types offer similar benefits since they are essentially the same product. Both types stick just as well to a clean chain, making it up to personal preference and whether or not you want to spend a lot of time on the application process.

Top 3 Best Motorcycle Chain Lube Reviews

1. Maxima 74920

One of the best drive chain waxes available on the market is the Maxima 74920 Chain Wax. This aerosol wax is incredibly easy to apply and can easily lubricate hard-to-reach areas. This chain wax is versatile and can be applied to all types of chains.

One of the best things about this wax is that it’s resistant to wear, water and extreme pressure, making it ideal for motorcycle use. The special para-film formula allows this chain wax to have a much better resistance to water.

This chain wax is O-ring safe and offers very little fling after the application process, making it a clean wax. If you’re looking for a highly efficient heavy duty chain wax that’s easy to apply and very clean, you won’t want to miss out on the Maxima 74920 wax.

2. PJ1 13oz

Another excellent option to consider is the PJ1 13oz Blue Label Motorcycle Chain Lube. This lubricant is also in the form of an aerosol can, making the application process simple, efficient and incredibly rapid.

This chain lube was specifically designed to reduce friction and shock, which results in longer lasting chains and fewer adjustments required. This lubricant was also designed specifically for use with O-ring chains.

As a fully water-resistant lubricant, water beads off the chain, protecting it against rust and corrosion. The PJ1 Blue Label Motorcycle Chain Lube is available in a 13oz format and is one of the best options available.

3. DuPont Teflon

The DuPont Teflon Chain-Saver Dry Self-Cleaning Lubricant is another excellent option to consider when searching for a way to lubricate your bike’s drive chain. This product is dirt resistant and water resistant.

One of the best things about this chain lube is that it has virtually no fling, making it a clean way to lubricate your chain. This lubricant is in the form of an aerosol can, allowing you to rapidly lubricate your chain with ease.

This chain lube features molybdenum and Teflon for excellent wear protection. The DuPont Teflon Chain-Saver lubricant is easily one of the top solutions when searching for a quality drive chain lube for motorcycles.

WRITTEN BY

Garrett

I grew up working on my own cars and motorcycles and 15 years later I love still getting my hands dirty.