Dupont Teflon Chain Lube
When I changed my chain for the second time at 23000 miles I made the decision to try Dupont Teflon Multi-Use Lubricant (DTL), I had read several positive posts and articles and wanted to give it a try. Using regular motorcycle chain lube on the stock chain got me 10K, I had the shop put on a new D.I.D. Professional 525 chain and got 13K out of that.
I have always taken good care of our chains, cleaning, adjusting and lubricating them regularly. I felt that 10K out of the stock chain was acceptable but expected more out of the D.I.D. chain.
So I put another D.I.D. chain on and switched to DTL, 17000 miles later and the chain is still in great condition, when cleaned looks like new and appears to have plenty of miles left in it.
If you are presently using one of the standard sticky chain lubes and want to change to DTL, I recommend using WD-40 and a brush to clean your chain of all the old lube. I also recommend removing your front sprocket cover and clean the heavy build up of old chain lube mixed with dirt, sand and other road grime. Rinse everything well with water and let dry, then spray on a good amount of DTL. While the bike is on a rear stand, run the bike in gear at idle for a few minutes to work the DTL into the o-rings. Shut the bike off, take it out of gear and use an old rag to lightly wipe off the excess and any over spray. After that apply DTL in the usual 300 - 400 mile intervals. This is the process I did when I started using DTL on my wife's bike and it has worked well.
Pros of Dupont Teflon Multi-Use Lubricant (from my personal experience)
- Only cost $4.95 per 11 oz spray can at Lowe's
- Lasts a long time
- Is not sticky and does not attract dirt and road grime
- Does not create a heavy build up on the chain or around the front sprocket
- Reduced mess on the rear wheel and easy to clean off
- Increased chain life
- Eliminated sticking or hard to bend links that seems to be the norm as chains get miles on them
- Tight spots in the chain seem to be reduced
- The only place I have found it is Lowe's, I've checked Home Depot and Ace Hardware
- Can't find it cheaper on the internet
posted by Nick | 2:37 PM
2 Comments:
I used WD-40 to clean my chains. However, I kept hearing about it's penetrative qualities and how it can negatively affect O and X rings.
But, I kept using it. Then I came across this article on WebBikeWorld:
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r3/motorcycle-chain-cleaner/
People who have warned against using WD-40 have recommended using ordinary Kerosine. I'm now switching over to that.
Oh, yeah, couldn't agree more about DTL! It's hard to find here in Australia, and Dupont Australia don't seem to be pushing it.
I spoke to the person responsible for its distribution and recommended he send samples to major bike shops and mechanics, and follow up with continuing dialogue to answer questions, etc. But, he never did. Maybe they don't really want to step on the toes of the teflon based competitive products.
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