Hey everybody. I've been doing lots of reading lately about regular maintenance on my bran new KLX250S and it seems as though checking oil, tire pressure and lubing the chain are some of the most important things you can do before hitting the trails. Just wondering what seasoned riders look for on their bikes before going riding? Also, there's lots of different advice out there for lubing chains, which I have no experience doing. Some say lube the chain after every ride, after riding in dusty environments, or after being in the rain. Any suggestions? By the way, the KLX rocks an o-ring chain, right? Thanks.

 

Yes the KLX has an Oring chain.
I lube my chain when I think it looks like it needs it. Probably about once or twice a month. My bike does not see dust or sand but does see fair amount of rain.

 

I lube mine 2-3 times a week and always after riding in the rain. Motul chain lube is very expensive over here, so I use oil SAE 90. I apply it with a brush.

 

I clean and lube the chain after riding in mud or sand (which would mean I wash the bike when I get home), and any other time after washing the bike. Otherwise, I'll give it a little lube whenever it's looking a little dry. I prop up the back wheel rocking the bike up on the kickstand and sticking a small log under the right side of the swingarm, that way I can spin the rear wheel and get to all of the chain with minimal hassle.

I've been using this Tirox chain cleaner with brush that I found at the local Cycle Gear shop. You just spray the chain with cleaner, wrap the brush around the chain, and then spin the rear tire for a few minutes. When you're done you can hose off the chain, dry it, and it's ready for lube. It's overpriced, but it works really well.Cycle Gear - TIROX: Chain Cleaner With Chain Brush,

 

Some good advice here Brittlebrian. I like Maxima ChainWax, it's all personal preference I suppose. You definitely want to lube after every wash. Personally I still don't get why everyone thinks O ring chains are so great. Think about it, it has 2 possible points of failure at every link. If you take care of your chain like you should, non O ring is the way to go. Again, just my humble opinion.

 

Newb here too. Just oiled mine today. Maybe put to much, oil is flinging everywhere. Whats the correct amount to apply?

 

With an O ring chain all your really lubing is the parts that touch the sprockets and the sprocket teeth themselves. Very little lube very often is best. A lot of lube does nothing but make a mess.

 

Don't take the pressure washer to the o-ring chain and blow water in past the o-rings.

I use simple green and a brush and water and try to clean it when it looks dirty, if I get around to it. Occasionally clean with some kerosene.

I lube with silkoline. 90 wt works okay too.

 

Awesome advice. Thanks everybody. Might need to get a kickstand because, for the most part, I'll be riding trails and gravel roads on my KLX. Also, when you lube your chain, do you go the extra mile and clean the air filter too? I understand that's very important also, but it seems like a real hassle to clean the air filter in solvent every time. Is there a simpler way?

 

The No Toil system is awesome, and it's biodegradable. No solvent, simple to clean, very tacky.