What's your chain lubing routine?
In my early days I would use kerosene/paraffin or lamp oiI for cleaning the chain (economical and "tried and tested" by bikers arround the world through decades). I also used very expensive motorcycle lube - because I thought it was needed. I stopped using both - having done quite a bit of research (independent studies). What I found was that motorcycle specific lube was actually not only no better than the cheapest transmission oil , but often inferior to it - even many top brands. In addition I found that chain manufacturers actually reccomends transmission or gear oil. I also found that Kerosene/Paraffin wasn't the friendliest of products on those seals, and that many motorcycle chain cleaners are better (and many well inown brands are rubish). With some reasearch on independent product comparisons, I landed on Ipone chain cleaner as the best product out there (cleans well, and is easy on those seals).
When I am at home I use Ipone for cleaning and transmission oil for lubing. I normally clean and lube after every 100-200 kms or so, or as soon as possible a after coming out of the gritty stuff. On the road however, I tend often to resort to readily available diesel for both cleaning and lubing in one process (using a rag and a tooth brush). The Ipone soray can simply takes up way too much space in the luggage, and the transmission oil simply smells terrible - reeking up my luggage contents even if kept inside air tight containers.
I am not so sure about this diesel thing. I am therefore conscidering bringing a small container of lamp oil and a small container of transmission oil, and carry both together with my rag, gloves and tooth brush - in a separate container mounted somewhere on my bike (outside my luggage).
I am very interested in hearing what you guys do, and why - especially on the road. Also, your thoughts on diesel.
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