What (Not) to Use on Your Motorcycle Chain as Lubricant? 4 Hacks That Could Be Expensive for Your Bike and Compromise Your Safety

Written by Ruth Rodrigues

Published on 26/06/2025 at 08:59

Evite erros comuns na hora de aplicar lubrificante de corrente de moto. Saiba quais produtos são proibidos e quais realmente protegem sua corrente, segundo especialistas. Foto: Canva.

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Avoid Common Mistakes When Applying Motorcycle Chain Lubricant. Learn Which Products Are Prohibited and Which Really Protect Your Chain, According to Experts.

In the routine of many motorcyclists, lubricating the chain is an essential task — but often done incorrectly. Inadequate products, such as white grease, cooking oil or even penetrating oils, are still widely used, even putting the motorcycle’s operation at risk.

Understanding which motorcycle chain lubricant to use and which should be avoided is crucial to prolonging the lifespan of the drive kit and ensuring the rider’s safety.

White Grease Is a Disguised “Villain”

For a long time, white grease has been mistakenly considered a good option for chains.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

Cooking Oil: Slippery Danger

Although it seems absurd, the use of cooking oil is still a recurring practice among some unsuspecting motorcyclists.

The product has no suitable properties for this type of application.

Because it is extremely thin and non-adhesive, it does not adhere to the chain, offers ineffective lubrication, and can splash onto parts of the motorcycle, making surfaces slippery and dangerous for the rider.

Motor Oil

Another common mistake is using motor oil as a motorcycle chain lubricant.

Although it is designed for internal lubrication of engines, its characteristics are not compatible with the operation of the drive kit.

It tends to drain easily, leaving the chain exposed to friction and corrosion.

Penetrating Oil (WD-40) Is for Cleaning, Not for Lubrication!

Among the most serious misconceptions is the use of penetrating oils, such as the popular WD-40, to lubricate the chain.

These products are effective at removing dirt and cleaning the chain before the correct lubricant is applied.

However, on their own, they do not provide sufficient protection, as their properties evaporate quickly.

Penetrating oil works best as a degreaser. Using it as a lubricant may seem functional at first, but the effect is momentary and ineffective for the drive kit.

It is worth noting that the brand WD-40 itself has specific versions of motorcycle chain lubricant, developed especially for this purpose — and those are indeed safe and effective.

So, Which Motorcycle Chain Lubricant Should I Use?

The best answer is in the owner’s manual. Manufacturers usually recommend two ideal types: specific chain lubricant or SAE 80/90 oil.

Both are formulated to adhere correctly to the chain, penetrate the links, and withstand usage conditions, preventing premature wear and the risk of breaking.

Regardless of the brand, what matters is that the product is exclusively intended for motorcycle chain lubrication.

This way, the motorcyclist ensures the proper performance of the motorcycle, reduces the need for maintenance, and increases safety in all riding conditions.

Avoiding homemade solutions and following technical recommendations for lubrication is one of the most important precautions for riders.

Choosing the right motorcycle chain lubricant directly impacts performance, durability, and vehicle safety. More than that: it protects your investment and prevents headaches in the future.

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What (Not) to Use on Your Motorcycle Chain as Lubricant? 4 Hacks That Could Be Expensive for Your Bike and Compromise Your Safety

Avoid Common Mistakes When Applying Motorcycle Chain Lubricant. Learn Which Products Are Prohibited and Which Really Protect Your Chain, According to Experts.

White Grease Is a Disguised “Villain”

Cooking Oil: Slippery Danger

Motor Oil

Penetrating Oil (WD-40) Is for Cleaning, Not for Lubrication!

So, Which Motorcycle Chain Lubricant Should I Use?

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What (Not) to Use on Your Motorcycle Chain as Lubricant? 4 Hacks That Could Be Expensive for Your Bike and Compromise Your Safety

Avoid Common Mistakes When Applying Motorcycle Chain Lubricant. Learn Which Products Are Prohibited and Which Really Protect Your Chain, According to Experts.

White Grease Is a Disguised “Villain”

Cooking Oil: Slippery Danger

Motor Oil

Penetrating Oil (WD-40) Is for Cleaning, Not for Lubrication!

So, Which Motorcycle Chain Lubricant Should I Use?

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While cities spend fortunes patching potholes and tons of plastic become waste, the Netherlands transforms over 218,000 recycled cups into a modular bike path that can conceal drainage, cables, and pipes.

A public school student single-handedly created a machine capable of treating water for up to 50 people using only solar energy. It was awarded third place at one of the most important science fairs in the world.

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While communities suffer from water scarcity and the advancing desert, women in Morocco use nets high up in the mountains to trap fog droplets, fill reservoirs, and transport drinking water through more than 10 km of piping.

Changan and Chery promise mass production of solid-state batteries with 1,500 kilometers of range in 2027 while Tesla still uses lithium and Toyota only promises to deliver theirs in 2028.

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