7 Best Motorcycle Chain Lubes of 2023: Reviews, Buying Guide and FAQs

by Joshua Thomas

Just like changing the oil of your motorcycle motor is important, lubing the motorcycle chain is equally significant.

The motorcycle chain lube is affordable, easy to apply, and provides long-lasting protection to your chain.

In fact, a well-lubed motorcycle chain will make your whole motorcycle run more smoothly and efficiently.

If you are the proud owner of a motorcycle, then you have absolutely no excuse for not lubing your motorcycle chain. It costs almost nothing, and all it takes is a few seconds of your time.

If you are fresh on the market for the best motorcycle chain lube, then we have you covered in our review below. Without any further ado, let's get to it!

Summary of 7 Best Motorcycle Chain Lubes

IMAGE PRODUCT FEATURES
Maxima Chain Wax & Cable Lube

1. Maxima 74920 (Best Overall)

  • Easy to apply by beginners
  • Available in a wide range of sizes
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Compatible with any type of motorcycle chain design
DuPont Teflon Chain-Saver Dry Self-Cleaning Lubricant

2. DuPont CS0116601

  • Affordable and cost-effective
  • Good protection against dust and wear and tear
  • Available in different sizes
  • Long shelf-life
Motul M/C Care Factory Line Chain Lube

3. Motul TRTC7243 M/C Care

  • Heavy-duty and long-lasting
  • Protects in both dry and humid conditions
  • Milky color makes it easier to see
Bel-Ray Super Clean Chain Lube

4. Bel-Ray 99470-A400W

  • Superior protection against wear and tear
  • Ability to use as an off-road lube
  • Can be on any type of chain
PJ1 Black Label Heavy Duty Chain Lube

5. PJ1 1-06A Black Label

  • Most affordable solution
  • Easy to apply aerosol spray
  • Environmentally-friendly solution
PJ1 Blue Label Motorcycle Chain Lube

6. PJ1 42391 Blue Label

  • Reduces chain friction and sprocket wear and tear
  • Affordable and good value
  • Easy to apply by anyone
Liquid Wrench L711 Chain & Cable Lube

7. Liquid Wrench L711

  • Contains many additives that protect your chain
  • Does not form a gunk
  • Makes the chain efficient and quiet

Top 7 Best Motorcycle Chain Lubes

Editors' Picks for Top Motorcycle Chain Lubes of 2023
Editors' Picks for Top Motorcycle Chain Lubes of 2023

1. Maxima 74920 - Best Overall

Maxima Chain Wax & Cable Lube
Maxima Chain Wax & Cable Lube

What demarks the Maxima from the rest of the competition is its ease-of-use. Indeed, this is an aerosol motorcycle chain lube which means that it is very easy to use. In addition, this spray lube is available in a wide range of sizes depending on your need.

This chain lube is an ideal choice for those who use their motorcycle in humid conditions. Once applied to the chain, it will form a film on it that will protect the chain from humidity as well as other debris like dust.

It has been specially formulated so as to be heavy-duty, so it will provide you with a long-lasting effect.

Taking the size and flexibility into account, as well as its special formula, the Maxima is one of the best motorcycle chain oil that you can buy.

Notes: This motorcycle chain lube is effective only for humid environments and the ideal choice for those who use their motorcycle in dry areas.

In addition, if you apply too much of this chain lube, it may form gunk that is difficult to clean afterward.

Pros

  • Flexible. Available in a wide range of sizes depending on your need
  • Extremely easy to apply by anyone
  • Durable and long-lasting protection
  • Can be used on any type of motorcycle chain regardless of design

Cons

  • Not the best for dry conditions as it attracts dirt
  • Difficult to clean

2. DuPont CS0116601 Motorcycle Chain Lube

DuPont Teflon Chain-Saver Dry Self-Cleaning Lubricant
DuPont Teflon Chain-Saver Dry Self-Cleaning Lubricant

If you are the type of person who normally uses your motorcycle in drive environments where there is a lot of dirt, then the DuPont is an excellent choice for you. It dries as a transparent layer protecting your motorcycle chain.

Indeed, this motorcycle lube has been specially formulated so as to provide long-lasting protection to your chain against dust and other debris. It will also protect your motorcycle chain against humidity, although its true specialty is dust protection.

In addition, it will protect your motorcycle chain from general wear and tear which will make it last longer.

You have the possibility to purchase this motorcycle chain lube in a wide range of sizes depending on your need and motorcycle chain type.

The only caveat we have with this product is that it does not offer the best protection against humidity because it washes off easily. Also, it is not recommended for small bicycle chains.

However, for anything else, it is one of the best chains lubes for a motorcycle on the market.

Pros

  • Affordable. Cost-effective
  • Protects your motorcycle chain from dust and wear and tear
  • Available in a wide range of sizes
  • Can be stored for an extended period of time

Cons

  • Not recommended for small chains like a bicycle chain
  • Washes off easily with water

3. Motul TRTC7243 M/C Care Motorcycle Chain Lube

Motul M/C Care Factory Line Chain Lube
Motul M/C Care Factory Line Chain Lube

The big problem with most motorcycle chain lubes is that they do not last a long time. They are quite effective, but mostly in the short term. This is a problem that the Motul M/C is here to solve. Indeed, it guarantees that it will offer you a durable and long-lasting effect on almost any type of motorcycle chains. Even those with sprockets as this is a heavy-duty lube.

Additionally, this chain lube has a milky color, so it is quite easy to see where you will be applying the lube. The formula inside provides your motorcycle chain with protection both against humidity as well as dust.

If you over apply this motorcycle chain lube, it will not form gunk as you would expect from other motorcycle lubes. The only caveat we note with this product is that the price is higher when compared to others.

However, considering its durability, efficiency, and versatility, it is normal that it is offered at a higher price margin than other competing products.

Notes: This motorcycle chain lube is not recommended for off-road use by the manufacturer

Pros

  • Provides excellent protection against both dust and humidity
  • Compatible with almost any type of motorcycle chain
  • Has a milky color so that you can easily see during application

Cons

  • The price is higher when compared to other products

4. Bel-Ray 99470-A400W Motorcycle Chain Lube

Bel-Ray Super Clean Chain Lube
Bel-Ray Super Clean Chain Lube

With the Bel-Ray, you get no less than 400 mL of superior quality motorcycle chain lube. This product has been specially formulated so as to provide you with protection against dust and debris. This lube is especially effective in dry environments.

It does not protect your motorcycle chain against humidity, but that is not what it has been designed for.

Where this motorcycle chain lube absolutely shines is in its versatility. Indeed, it can be used on any type of motorcycle chain.

And it will work quite effectively even on small bicycle chains which are one department where most other products in this motorcycle chain lube review have difficulty.

Pros

  • Versatile. Can be used on any type of chain
  • Superior protection against dust and debris
  • Can be used as an off-road motorcycle chain lube

Cons

  • Does not protect the chain against humidity

5. PJ1 1-06A Black Label Motorcycle Chain Lube

PJ1 Black Label Heavy Duty Chain Lube
PJ1 Black Label Heavy Duty Chain Lube

If the price is very important to you, then this model by PJ1 should be an interesting choice. It is the most affordable motorcycle lube that you can buy. However, despite its low price, this motorcycle lube does not sacrifice quality.

This lube is made from a special formula that will provide your motorcycle chain with a long-lasting and durable coating. It will repel any debris and humidity from the chain.

Additionally, it also diminishes regular wear and tears in your motorcycle chain which will make it last a longer period of time.

You get 5 oz of motorcycle lube with this product, which is not much. However, if you do not need a lot of lube then the PJ1 Black Label is most certainly one of the best motorcycle chains lubes for the money.

It is incredibly affordable and yet offers your motorcycle chain with the protection that you normally find in more expensive chain lubes.

Notes: Applying too much PJ1 may make your motorcycle chain sticky and form gunk that may be hard to remove

Pros

  • The most affordable chain lube solution in this review
  • Made from a special formula that protects against dust and humidity
  • Aerosol spray. Very easy to use
  • Environmentally friendly and safe

Cons

  • You get only 5 oz
  • Makes the chain sticky

6. PJ1 42391 Blue Label Motorcycle Chain Lube

PJ1 Blue Label Motorcycle Chain Lube
PJ1 Blue Label Motorcycle Chain Lube

One problem that most motorcycle owners face is that of chain friction. In fact, chain friction can drastically diminish the lifespan of your motorcycle chain, so it requires regular greasing and lubing. It is also quite noisy.

This is exactly where the PJ1 Blue Label comes into play. Even if this particular model is optimized for "O" Ring chains, it will still work with universally any type of motorcycle chain.

This product is very easy to apply since it is an aerosol spray. The lube is environmentally friendly and once applied, it will help to extend the lifespan of your chain and O-rings.

Additionally, as with almost all PJ1 products, the price of this motorcycle chain lube is very affordable. The only caveat we have with it is that the cap is not very robust. Also, if you mistakenly apply too much of this lube, it will form a sticky gunk.

Pros

  • Prevents wear and tear of your sprockets. Also reduces chain friction
  • Affordable. Value for money
  • Very easy to apply
  • Optimized for motorcycle chains with O-rings

Cons

  • The transparent cap is fragile
  • Applying too much will make the chain sticky

7. Liquid Wrench L711 Motorcycle Chain Lube

Liquid Wrench L711 Chain & Cable Lube
Liquid Wrench L711 Chain & Cable Lube

What separates the Liquid Wrench L711 from the rest of the competition is its special formula. Indeed, it uses an advanced formula that contains many additives that not only protect your motorcycle chain against regular wear and tear but also make it run more efficiently.

This lube will not oxidize and also not form gunk in case you over apply this chain lube. This is a big problem that thankfully this lube has been able to solve.

Additionally, one of the additives of this chain lube will make your motorcycle chain run more silently as well. You also get in easy to use straw applicator with this purchase, so you will be able to reach hard to reach parts of your motorcycle chain system more easily.

Therefore, we have no problem recommending the Liquid Wrench L711 1 as the best motorcycle chain lubricant that you can buy.

Just take notice that this product should come with a straw for easy application and a few customers noted that they didn't get one. Not a big deal, but still worth mentioning.

Pros

  • Made from an advanced formula that has many additives protect your chain
  • Does not form gunk if too much is applied
  • Make your motorcycle chain run more efficiently and quieter
  • Comes with a straw applicator for easy usage

Cons

  • Some customers received this product without the straw

How to Buy the Best Motorcycle Chain Lubes

How To Buy The Best Motorcycle Chain Lube
How To Buy The Best Motorcycle Chain Lube

1. Types of Motorcycle Chain Lube

There are several types of motorcycle chain lubes on the market. Here are a few of the most common ones that encounter when trying to purchase one online.

Wet: As its name suggests, the wet motorcycle chain lube has a high viscosity and will keep your chain wet at all times.

This type of motorcycle chain lube is intended for wet and humid environments as it will prevent water from sticking on your motorcycle chain.

If you normally use your motorcycle in the rain or in humid environments, then the or wet type is the best chain lube for a motorcycle that you can buy.

Dry: The dry motorcycle chain lube is intended for dry environments.

Once you apply this type of motorcycle lube on your chain, it will immediately dry and leave a protective coating on top of your chain.

This protective layer will repair any type of debris like dust thus helping to keep your motorcycle chain clean at all times.

All-purpose: The all-purpose is perhaps the most common type of motorcycle chain that you will find.

As its name suggests, it is a general-purpose lube that can be used in both in bicycles as well as motorcycles.

If this is your first time using a motorcycle chain lube, then you cannot go wrong with the all-purpose because it is versatile.

It should be more than enough for most people simply looking forward to lube their motorcycle or bicycle chain.

2. Application Method

There are basically 2 main application methods of the motorcycle chain lube. The spray and the paste.

Spray: This is by far the easiest type of motorcycle chain lube that you can use. You simply have to shake the can and spray it on your motorcycle chain for the application.

If you don't have a lot of time to perform maintenance on your motorcycle chain, then the spray motorcycle chain lube is an ideal choice.

Paste: One of the biggest advantages of the paste motorcycle chain lube is that it is able to reach places that the spray cannot.

However, it takes time to apply, unlike the spray. It normally comes in a toothpaste-like tube as well as with an applicator brush.

3. Types of Chain Lubes

There are basically 2 main types of motorcycle chain lubes on the market. The solvent-based and the water-based chain lube. Each has its own disadvantages and advantages.

Solvent-based: The solvent-based chain lube has a "solvent" as well as many additives inside that will dissolve any dirt and grease it finds on your motorcycle chain.

If you don't like brushing your motorcycle chain until it is clean, then the solvent-based is the right choice because it cleans your chain almost automatically by simply applying the lube over it.

Water-based: Once you spray or apply the water-based chain lube on top of your chain, it will form a gel-like substance that will stick to your chain.

You will need to scrub this "gel" with a brush so as to clean the chain. Then, simply rinse it with water, and you will have a clean motorcycle chain.

Indeed, the water-based type takes a little bit more work than the solvent-based above, but it is usually more affordable and delivers better protection when done properly.

4. Water Resistant

Water resistance is especially important in your motorcycle chain lube if you are planning to use your motorcycle in wet conditions.

Indeed, a water-resistant motorcycle chain lube will protect your motorcycle chain from humidity and water.

5. Dust Resistant

On the other hand, a dust resistant motorcycle chain lube will protect your chain from dry debris like dust.

This type of chain lube normally comes with a solvent inside that will quickly dry once you apply the lube on your chain.

Once applied, it will leave a transparent but hard coating on your chain that will prevent dust from accumulating. It will also make your chain appear clean at all times.


Buy on Walmart

DuPont Teflon Chain-Saver Dry Self-Cleaning Lubricant, 11-Ounce - Walmart Link

Motul 102984 Chain Paste - Walmart Link

Maxima 70-749203-3PK Chain Wax Ultimate Chain Care Aerosol Combo Kit, (Pack of 3) - Walmart Link

PJ1 1-08 Blue Label O Ring Chain Lube (Aerosol), 5 oz - Walmart Link

PJ1 1-20 Black Label Heavy Duty Chain Lube (Aerosol), 13 oz - Walmart Link

Maxima 74920 Chain Wax - 13.5 oz. Aerosol - Walmart Link

Motul M/C Care Factory Line Chain Lube, 9.3oz - Walmart Link

Maxima 77908 Synthetic Chain Guard - 6 oz. Aerosol - Walmart Link

Liquid Wrench L711 Chain & Cable Lube - 11 oz. - Walmart Link

Motul 103243 C1 Chain Cleaner, 9.8 oz - Walmart Link

Buy on eBay

DuPont Teflon Chain-Saver Dry Self-Cleaning Lubricant, 11-Ounce - eBay Link

Motul 102984 Chain Paste - eBay Link

Maxima 70-749203-3PK Chain Wax Ultimate Chain Care Aerosol Combo Kit, (Pack of 3) - eBay Link

PJ1 1-08 Blue Label O Ring Chain Lube (Aerosol), 5 oz - eBay Link

PJ1 1-20 Black Label Heavy Duty Chain Lube (Aerosol), 13 oz - eBay Link

Maxima 74920 Chain Wax - 13.5 oz. Aerosol - eBay Link

Motul M/C Care Factory Line Chain Lube, 9.3oz - eBay Link

Maxima 77908 Synthetic Chain Guard - 6 oz. Aerosol - eBay Link

Liquid Wrench L711 Chain & Cable Lube - 11 oz. - eBay Link

Motul 103243 C1 Chain Cleaner, 9.8 oz - eBay Link

Conclusion for Motorcycle Chain Lube Buyers

Cleaning and lubing your motorcycle chain are very important. It will increase the lifespan of the motorcycle chain and make it run smoother.

Best, a well-lubed motorcycle chain will make your whole motorcycle run more efficiently, which directly translates to a better mileage per gallon.

Indeed, lubing your chain is one of the simplest things to do and yet it will make a big difference to your bike in both the short terms as well as the long term.

Finally, our motorcycle chain lube review below lists some quality lubes for the money. If you have still not decided what chain lube to get for your bike, then read the review again.

About Joshua Thomas

Joshua Thomas just simply loves cars and willing to work on them whenever there's chance... sometimes for free.

He started CarCareTotal back in 2017 from the advices of total strangers who witnessed his amazing skills in car repairs here and there.

His goal with this creation is to help car owners better learn how to maintain and repair their cars; as such, the site would cover alot of areas: troubleshooting, product recommendations, tips & tricks.

Joshua received Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University.

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