We ride hundreds of thousands of miles per year and these are the best chain lubes we've found for all conditions
Chain lube is an essential maintenance spray for any motorcycle that uses a drive chain (which is the vast majority). Chain cleaning and lubrication is an important step in chain care and should be a regular part of your life as a motorcycle owner.
Are you in America? Find the best chain lubes in the USA here
Modern X-ring or O-ring chains have built-in lubricant on the inside of the rollers but you still need to make sure the outside of the chain stays lubricated, too.
Jump to:
- Why you need to lubricate your chain
- Things to consider before you buy chain lube
- Best motorcycle chain lubes
- Frequently asked questions
- How we test chain lubes
Why you need to lubricate your chain
If you don’t lubricate your motorcycle chain, several things will start to happen. First of all it will corrode, leaving pitting or rust, which is unsightly but also creates extra friction as you ride. The heat created by this friction will cause your chain to stretch prematurely and need replacing sooner, costing you money – not to mention the extra wear you’ll be putting on your sprockets. Worse still a poorly maintained chain can snap or jump from the sprockets, leaving you at the side of the road unable to ride or potentially with nasty injuries.
Things to consider before you buy chain lube
There are two types of chain; an open-chain which is typically used on lower-capacity bikes or off-roaders and needs cleaning and lubricating frequently while O-Ring or X-Ring chains use sealed rollers to keep lubricant in place. However, the latter still requires lubricant where the rollers act on the sprockets, for example as well as protection from corrosion.
The job of cleaning and lubricating your motorcycle chain can be made far simpler if you have a paddock stand to life the rear wheel off the ground and allow you to spin the wheel and in turn the chain, while spraying.
Best value for money paddock stand
"There have been three occasions in my life when I've watched bikes gracefully keel over and land like beached whales on their sides thanks to collapsing paddock stands."Thankfully, I'm confident it won't happen with a front and rear motorcycle paddock stand from Oxford. The long handle section gives good leverage to hoik even the heaviest bikes off terra firma, and once lifted, the bike feels rock-solid and secure.
"Crucially, they also use double wheels per arm, ensuring there's less torsional twist when the mass of your bike is bearing down on them. Great value for money."
Pros
- Great value
- Long handle for leverage
- Well made
Cons
- Colour choice not for everyone
Max Load | 250kg |
Construction | 38mm tubular steel |
Mounts included | L plates and bobbin forks included |
- Elongated handle design which helps give more leverage and a controlled lift
- Two position adjustment screws ensure security and stability
- Extra torsional supports giving increased rigidity
There are several different kinds of lubricant available, depending on the time of year, the use of the bike, and the anticipated time between cleans and reapplications. For example, dry lubes will generally be a fine spray as opposed to a liquid (wet) lube while a wax will go on thicker and leave a residue, typically white.
Also consider what conditions you ride your motorcycle in, some lubes are specifically formulated for dry weather riding where they will reduce the amount of dirt that sticks to it. Other lubes will be designed for wet weather riding, where they prioritise water repellent properties. All weather lube is the best middle ground, which are designed to work well in all conditions.
Best motorcycle chain lubes as tested by MCN
Tried and tested by product specialist Justin Hayzelden
"It dries very quickly, leaving little trace other than a clear coating on the links which is slightly waxy to the touch. Its anti-fling capabilities are extremely good, especially if left overnight before you ride.
"Used in conjunction with Tru-Tension's PrimeShine Cleaner, it’s proven itself to offer genuine all-season protection, with the added bonus of a strangely more-ish banana fragrance during application that disappears once dry."
Pros
- Great price
- Does the job
- Goes on thin so easy to apply
Cons
- None we can find!
Size of bottle or can | 500ml |
Application type | Aerosol spray |
Type | All weather road |
- Completely transparent
- Banana fragrance
- Precision nozzle
- Thin when applied to reach where it's needed
Tried and tested by Ben Clarke
"I've been using Oxford Mint products for a while now and from the chain and bike cleaners to the general protectant, I've been impressed.
"That is also the case with the All Weather Lube-a product that Oxford say is designed to protect your chain and sprockets for extended periods of riding.
"As chain lubes go, the All Weather is quite thin in consistency but that makes it quick and easy for you to apply a good coating. I usually apply lube after a ride when the chain is still warm and I've seen very little fling on the rear wheel by using this technique, despite how un-sticky the lube seems.
"In bad weather, the All Weather needs at least a weekly application but you can push this in the dry. The best thing about this stuff is that it's really easy to wash off when the time comes, ready for a fresh coat."
Pros
- Cheap
- Smells nice
- Washes off easily
Cons
- Thin
- Needs reapplying often
Size of bottle or can | 500ml |
Application type | Aerosol spray |
Type | All weather road |
- Mint fragrance
- Great for chains, sprockets, O, X and Z rings
- Not tested on animals
- Long lasting protection with PTFE
Tried and tested by Simon Brown for 2,000 miles
"XCP have taken a different approach from rival lubes. Instead of producing a waxy gloop, their product applies an almost invisible layer to your chain and the key thing about it is that it's not sticky so your chain doesn't attract grit and grime that can turn into a grinding paste."
"Applied as part of my weekly routine the XCP kept the chain on my Ducati looking good and, better still, there was little messy fling."
Pros
- Not sticky
- Avoids fling
Cons
- More expensive than some other options
Size of bottle or can | 400ml |
Application type | Aerosol spray |
Type | General purpose lube |
- Ultra-thin, non-sticky film
- Withstands extreme pressure
- Protection against corrosion and wear
"Bulldog make some bold claims for their BDX lube which are rather hard for us to prove in normal use on a motorcycle, but there’s no doubt it appears to do the job. The lube uses ceramic reinforced PTFE to help it deliver low friction properties and the operating temperature is tested from -40 to 280°C. Usefully, it’s odour-free, too – meaning nothing you use it on stinks of oil for weeks."
"Designed as a releasing agent, moisture and corrosion protector, rust blocker and lubricant for all moving parts, I’ve used it on a huge range of jobs including seized rusty nuts (do your own jokes) and after five minutes of soak they came free. The spray/straw two-position head works perfectly, too – many don’t."
Pros
- Versatile, no need for several products
- Fragrance free
- Precision nozzle for easy application
Size of the can or bottle | 400ml |
Application type | Aerosol spray |
Type | General purpose |
- Lubricates a wide variety of moving parts including chains, wire rope, slides, guides, small bearings etc.
- Frees corroded and seized parts, penetrating even heavy corrosion quickly and easily
- Will not damage delicate rubber, plastic or decorated/painted metal
- A wide operating temperature range (-40 to 280°C), is non-toxic and odour free
Tried and tested by Richard Newland
“There’s one trait that I’m particularly impressed by. Most sprays are oily and leave a wet residue that stays there until it’s washed away with detergent, but when you spray Fin Super on, it goes dry and looks like it’s simply evaporated.”
Pros
- Dry-film so no chain fling
- Multiple uses
- Cleans and lubricates chain
Cons
- Not cheap
- Tricky to get hold of in the UK
Size of bottle or can | 300ml |
Application type | Aerosol spray |
Type | General purpose dry lube |
- Colourless, No Flecken
- For cleaning and dry lubrication of almost all machine parts
- Extremely water and dirt repellent
It goes on with a white finish, enabling you to see where you've applied it and make sure you haven't missed any areas. Part of the S100 (formerly SDoc) range of products from Dr. Wack.
Tried and tested by Gareth Evans
"When you encounter a product with ‘Dr’ in the title, you expect great things, and this lube is indeed among the best I’ve used.
"Fundamentally the product itself does a great job, keeping the chain in great nick and preventing corrosion thanks to its anti-rust additives, with a bonus cleaning element which helps to clean flung-up lube from your real wheel – a happy extra benefit.
"It’s invisible once applied, and it goes a long way. A bottle lasts for more miles than I’ve ridden in 2023, partially because it’s got a pleasingly little nozzle, meaning you don’t waste much product during application. Overall, I’m very pleased."
Pros
- Accurate nozzle
- Great performance
- Dries clear
Cons
- At the pricier end of options
Size of bottle or can | 400ml |
Application type | Aerosol spray |
Type | General road use |
- Suitable for all chain types (O/X/Z rings)
- Almost no spin off
- Rain wash-off resistant
Tried and tested by Simon Brown
"WD-40 is one of those brands that carries a lot of trust – their classic spray being something of a universal panacea for freeing up stuck bolts, coaxing older bikes and cars into life on cold winter mornings and zillions of other household tasks.
"Chain lube feels like a departure for the brand, but this stuff is pretty good. I have been using it for the past few months on my Ducati Scrambler FT and it has kept the chain well lubed and corrosion free (that said, I tend to be a little fair weather with the Ducati).
"Fling is minimal and the applicator nozzle makes it easy to direct the spray. It’s a fairly light lube, unlike waxy sprays, so doesn’t attract dirt and you don’t have the problem of cleaning flung wax from your rear wheel. I tend to apply it weekly when the bike is in regular use, popping the bike up onto a paddock stand for quick and easy maintenance after a ride."
Pros
- Minimal fling off
- Easy application precision nozzle
- Light consistency so less dirt sticks
Size of can or bottle | 400ml |
Application type | Aerosol spray |
Type | Dry conditions lube |
- Compatible with O, X and Z ring chains
- Anti-fling properties
- Precision spray application minimises wastage
Tried and tested by Ben Clarke
"I hate servicing my chain. It’s a job I can quite happily put off until tomorrow every day for weeks at a time so I like to use products that make the job easier."
"This lube from Muc-Off does just that. Not only does it cover the chain well and quickly, it stays put for a long time, too. But the best bit is how easy it is to wash off next time, despite its longevity on the chain. It comes out of the can in a very liquid form and takes a while to dry so you’re definitely best off applying at the end of a ride rather than the beginning."
Pros
- Ease of use
- Smell
Cons
- Will fling off if applied before a ride
Size of bottle or can | 400ml |
Application type | Aerosol spray |
Type | All weather for and and off road |
- Contains a UV dye to male it easy to see under a UV light
- Can be used on O, X and Z-Ring
- All weather lube
Tried and tested by Dan Sutherland
"Despite being just 400ml, this can of dry Muc-Off has kept the chains of three well-used bikes well lubricated during around a month of drizzly rain and high-mileage.
"Producing a nice banana-like smell, without being overbearing, applying the lubricant accurately is easily done, thanks to a long nozzle and a concentrated spray action. I have found I have needed to apply more during periods of heavy rain."
Pros
- Smells nice
- Goes a long way
- Does the job
Cons
- Wears off quickly
- Quite expensive
Size of bottle or can | 400ml |
Application type | Aerosol spray |
Type | Dry conditions lube |
- Can be used on O, X and Z-Ring motorcycle chains
- Low friction formula
- For use in dry conditions
- Reduced dirt adhesion to chain
Tried and tested by Charlotte King
"When applying this, it comes out in quite a fine spray, so I advise using a guard as there was quite a bit of fine spray off that potentially could end up where you don't want lube, like on your tyres or brakes. You don't need to use as much as some others as it sprays well, so a can could last longer than other brands, which is good because it is a fair bit more expensive than some other brands.
"It's a clear lube so it can be tricky to see where it has settled on the chain but does mean it's not left with a slimy white finish. It is designed to be used in dry conditions and is suitable for all chain types."
"We are yet to have ridden with this lube for many miles so will update with these details in the future."
Pros
- Clean clean finish
- Precision spray nozzle
- It goes quite a long way
Cons
- A bit more expensive than some others
Size of bottle or can | 500ml |
Application type | Aerosol spray |
Type | Dry weather lube |
- Can be used on all chain types
- Minimal dirt adhesion
- Designed for dry weather use
- High performance lube
Tried and tested by Charlotte King
"This chain lube comes in an aerosol spray can, as most do, but this one has a more overly designed spray nozzle, which I like the long straw for precise application, however I found the design of the plastic press down cap a little awkward in my hand, this may not be the case for people with larger hands. It comes out as a whitish fluid that was thin enough to work into the gaps but not so thin that it misted all over everything."
"We are yet to have ridden with this lube for many miles so will update with these details in the future."
Pros
- Precision nozzle application
- Easy to see where it has been applied
Size of bottle or can | 500ml |
Application type | Aerosol spray |
Type | Wet to dry road |
- Wet to dry application
- Precision nozzle
- Anti-fling formula
Other chain lubes to consider that we are yet to test
Great wet lube
Pros
- Not too heavy
- Does the job
Cons
- Not great for winter
Frequently asked questions
Can’t I just use WD-40?
WD-40 isn’t a lubricant, it’s a water dispersant (hence the WD in the name). What’s more WD-40 can force its way past the X- or O-rings on your chain and thin the captive lubricant inside, doing damage in the long run.
WD-40 the brand do great chain care products of their own (as included in the list above) so stick with the dedicated sprays rather than the can you have in the back of the shed already.
Can I just use gear oil?
There’s nothing wrong with using gear oil to lubricate a chain and many of our readers have been doing just that for years. The only down side To gear oil is that it’s generally designed to contained within a gearbox and so doesn’t have the viscosity to stay put on a spinning chain and sprockets for very long. You’ll find that you need to apply it more regularly, and the stuff that flies of (referred to as fling in the chain lube game) will get all over your rear rim.
How often do I need to lubricate my chain?
You should be applying lube to your chain every time that you clean it, which ideally should be weekly if you are riding your motorcycle regularly.
How MCN tests products
At MCN, our team of expert journalists have decades of experience gained over hundreds of thousands of miles. We don’t test our kit to destruction; we use it exactly how you do, in the real world and in all conditions. That means we can deliver impartial buying advice you can rely on.
Each of our writers has an in-depth understanding of the needs of today’s biker… because they are one.
That means we can deliver impartial buying advice you can rely on. To make it onto this list, these chain lube must have been used for thousands of miles by our team of experienced testers, show no major flaws, lubricate and protect the chain effectively as well as offering decent value for money.
Each of our expert reviewers tests their chain lubes for a variety of things, both subjective and objective, and these are no exception. Factors assessed include how easy they are to apply, how much grime they attract, how they smell, how much product flings off onto the chain guard and so on. a
We’ve used each of the tested chain lubes in this page while we’ve been covering miles on test bikes in all the appropriate conditions for the product.
If you can’t see a review against a chain lube on this page, it’s because we haven’t tested it yet. These items will only be included if we think they’re important and relevant in the market, and rest assured, we will be working on bringing you a review as soon as we’ve done the miles.
To find out more, head to our dedicated page explaining how we test motorcycle products.
Our scores explained
When we review a product, we award it a score out of five. In the ratings tab of a given product, you may also find more specific scores for the different aspects of a product’s performance to help you make an informed decision. Here’s a guide to what each number score means:
- 1 star – Poor performance in this category or overall. A product with a single star rating has fallen below the expected standard and should be avoided.
- 2 stars – Basic performance in this area or overall. A product with a two-star rating has managed to perform to a barely acceptable level and there is room for improvement.
- 3 stars – An average performance in this area or overall. A product with a three-star rating has achieved a basic level of performance and is deemed adequate.
- 4 stars – A product has performed over and above the accepted averaged in this category or overall. A product with a four-star rating has surpassed expectation and delivered in a particularly impressive way.
- 5 stars – A product has performed at the highest possible level in a particular category or overall. A product with a five-star rating has delivered to the highest possible level, impressing the tester with its performance. We would happily spend our own money on it.
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