You can use WD-40 to clean, not to lube.

 

you can

if you want to ruin your chain...

 

You ain't going to ruin ****. It's just an old wives' tale that won't die.

For the record, I don't leave the WD-40 on the chain. It's washed off, so maybe I'm doing it differently.

When does your chain ruin?

 

When it stretches out too much.

WD40 is a penetrating oil. It gets between rusted bolts with ease. What makes you think an oring can stop it? It doesn't take long for that to happen either. maybe 10 seconds, if that. WD40 resists water. that's what makes it such a great rust inhibiter. you can't just wash it off. if you are using soap and water to wash it off, then wtf was the point of the WD40?! you've just compromised the rubber of the o-ring by using wd40. should have just used soap and water...

There's an old farmers trick; When you have a leaky o-ring seal, they fire wd40 on it (or brake fluid, does the same thing) to make the rubber bulge and grow fat thus making it seal once again. the o-ring doesn't last very long and soon needs to be replaced because the expanding rubber has made the o-ring so weak and rotted that it can't do it's job and it tears.

you're doing the same thing to your chain. just don't do it. If you really MUST use a pressure solvent, use brake parts cleaner, but be damn sure you get that chain good and lubed or the rings will dry up and tear. i guarantee it.

 

WD-40 is kerosene based. My manual recommends using a high flashpoint solvent like kerosene or something that's kerosene-based.

This topic is discussed ad infinitum. I've put over 10,000 miles on my chain, clean with WD-40 and lube using Honda Chain Lube on a regular basis.

I'm not an expert, just somebody with experience. It seemingly works without damaging my chains.

 

Emphases is mine. oddly, they also state that WD40 is safe for rubber. i wonder if they mean natural rubber...

 

Safe for rubber, HOLY COW BATMAN!!!

Lazyman's procedure: Put bike on rearstand, run in 1st gear, lube INSIDE of chain

I'm with you on the WD-40 Knightslugger. I don't trust it. I'll see you guys later, I need to go clean & lube my chain.

 

Your chain will be fine if you CLEAN with WD-40. I know riders on another forum that have logged over 20,000 miles on chain/sprockets using WD-40 to clean, NOT to lube. And this was prob. the stock chain/sprockets.

You'll be fine.

 

The owners manuel says use 90W oil on your chain

 

What is the difference between wax and Hondas expensive chain white graphite lubricant? Is it just wax doesn't get dirty as fast? The guy at my dealership suggested the expensive white graphite spray stuff because it doesnt fling. /shrug I'm a noob sorry. =(