do o-ring or x-ring chains need to be lubed

[bws2]

I have an X-chain on my KDX and have cleaned it a few times by spraying a little kerosene on it,
then wiping it down.

My question is does this type of chain need to be lubricated with chain lube, just like a traditional roller chain?

[doakley]

I use a chain wax approved for o ring and x ring chains on mine.

[bufftester]

Short answer is yes. O and X-ring chains don't wear as fast because the internal lubrication is retained better, but they still benefit from lubricant, it helps keep the rings pliable. I use PJ1 o-ring lube, it doesn't create a sticky, dust attracting mess like regular chain lubes. My day used to swear by wax lube (I think he sucked 2 much 2 stroke exhaust from the old chainsaws back in the day lol). Even WD-40 will help keep surface corrosion down, but it does get oily and messy. Kerosene is perfectly fine to clean o-ring chains with.
This will inevitably lead to a "X brand oil is better than Y" type discussion as there are literally dozens of different chain lubes on the market. Chains need lubrication, O and X-rings just stay lubricated internally (where the greatest wear occurs) longer.

[KDXGarage]

Yes.

For me, I would not put kerosene on a ring chain.

[SS109]

I go against the grain and almost never lube my RX EXW x-ring chain. At least not like most people do. I only throw a little lube on after washing my bike when it is really humid during monsoon season to keep it from rusting. Otherwise, no lube in 7+ years, used on two KDX's, for over 1000 hours, and it's just now finally due for replacement. Of course, I live in the desert. Lubes and waxes tend to make the fine grit stick to the chain which causes it to wear out faster so I don't use them.

[KDXGarage]

Hush up, Desert Dweller.

[bufftester]

And its a dry heat that preserves them lol

[KDXGarage]

HA HA!!

[SS109]

Hush up, Desert Dweller.

Ha!

I know, my situation is a little different than everyone else. I don't really deal with mud and constant humidity like you guys. Chains last longer, suspension bearings/bushings last longer, etc. The desert just sucks so much.

[KDXGarage]

HAHA!! I still need to send you some trees!

[SS109]

If you do I'm going to send you some cholla cactus. I affectionately call it the devil's cactus.

cholla.jpg (235.48 KiB) Viewed 2551 times

[KDXGarage]

No thanks!

[doakley]

Need to send SS109 some of these dang scrubby trees they have on Zink Ranch in OK. I’m used to cutting some of the trees close or even cutting hot lines between trees in the East. Just throw your shoulder out and knock the limbs aside. First time I tried that in OK the small limb didn’t budge, almost ripped me off the bike. Tried cutting a corner by busting through some limbs and the bike was stopped dead! I had to get off and back out of the limbs!
Tore my jersey all up. THAT’S a TREE! Don’t even have to hit the trunk to have it knock you down.

EDIT: Sorry for the thread hyjack

[SS109]

Need to send SS109 some of these dang scrubby trees they have on Zink Ranch in OK. I’m used to cutting some of the trees close or even cutting hot lines between trees in the East. Just throw your shoulder out and knock the limbs aside. First time I tried that in OK the small limb didn’t budge, almost ripped me off the bike. Tried cutting a corner by busting through some limbs and the bike was stopped dead! I had to get off and back out of the limbs!
Tore my jersey all up. THAT’S a TREE! Don’t even have to hit the trunk to have it knock you down.

EDIT: Sorry for the thread hyjack

Same here except most here have some sort of thorn on them. Going trail blazing here normally ends up with you getting bloody.

Yeah, sorry for the thread hijack!

[kdxdazz]

For a dirtbike oiling a chain is not that critical if you put it on the back of a truck and straight to the dirt. 5 minutes in a dusty or muddy environment and there is zero oil on it anyway, I oil mine as I have a 25klm Road ride to the tracks but I just use a 140w gear oil.