Can I use WD-40 on my motorcycle chain? | Everything to know

WD 40 produces a wide range of products for cleaning and lubing of motorcycle chains. And, you may have also been using it, like me. But, as I found out the alternative is a far better option for chains in every aspect. Thus, lets’ talk and demystify the myths of using WD 40.

So, Should I use WD 40 on my motorcycle chain? WD 40 is made to be used for cleaning the motorcycle chain. It is primarily made to be used as a solvent or rust dissolver for the chain. As, WD-40 is a solvent, not a lubricant, thus make sure to use it only for cleaning your motorcycle chain.

If we just look at the word of the WD-40 then its words describes more than enough.

So, what is WD-40?

As the WD 40 company itself says about the history of the name, where WD means Water Displacement, and 40 means the 40th attempt for the formula and it worked. So, the name became WD 40.

WD is formulated to remove and dissolve rust and to displace the water to prevent future rust or corrosion. It is not a lubricant but a solvent that can be used for general cleaning and de-greasing purpose.

In this post, I will discuss some more important topics that has confused many riders till now.

Where can you use WD-40 solution?

WD 40 is a solvent used for degreasing and cleaning motorcycle chains. But it’s has a wide range of uses, it’s not only limited to automobile solutions. It can be used in a daily home application to solve problems like loosens the rusty chain, removing the crayons from the walls, loosening the zips, and many more.

Apart from cleaning your motorcycle chain, WD-40 is used in many other services. Its products can be used for all the ranges like Car, motorcycle, bicycle, home, kitchen, industry, rust removal places, etc.

Here are the list of uses of WD-40 where it is used:-

• You can use WD 40 to clean and lube the motorcycle and bicycle chain
• It helps to clean the rusty chain and also prevents it from rusting more.
• You can also use it to getting the ring out from your finger
• It helps to remove the chewing gum from the hair
• It can be used for cleaning toilets
• WD 40 helps to “loosening zip”.
• WD 40 also works as an insect repellent
• It is used to prevent and remove the rust on metals
• WD 40 also works well in removing crayons from the walls.
• It helps loosens the rusty or stuck metals 

The list doesn’t end here because it’s not the end of it. According to the WD-40 company, the users are finding the unique uses and work of WD-40 every day. Thus, there are hundreds of uses that can be listed here that I think will be the waste of time for me and you also.

Note:- The above data is taken from the WD-40 website. I don’t hold the liability or effectiveness of these uses. I haven’t personally tested all the above experiments. For more information, you can refer to the WD-40 website.

Monarch

Is WD-40 safe for the O-ring chain?

WD-40 is totally safe for the O-ring chain, it doesn’t harm the O-ring in any way. Its main ingredient is heavy naphtha which is a petrochemical similar to kerosene or mineral spirits. So, we can say the primary element in WD-40 is kerosene, which is good for cleaning your chain.

The O-ring chain is a sealed motorcycle chain that has already factory grease installed inside the roller to keep it running. Then you may be thinking that there is no reason to clean and lube these o-ring motorcycle chains. 

The O-ring chains do come with factory lube but the outside of the chain is still vulnerable to environmental conditions. Thus you will have to clean and lube your chain properly. That said you can use WD-40 for chain cleaning that is totally safe.

In the give below video, Ari Henning a motorcyclist shed light on this topic and show some experiments that justify what I have written above. So, make sure to check this video out for enhanced knowledge.

FAQs

Should we use WD-40 for chain lubing?

WD-40 is a solvent primarily made with naphtha which is just a refined form of kerosene. So, you can use it to clean the motorcycle chain. But using WD-40 for chain lubing is like not lubing the chain at all. Thus, make sure you don’t do such mistakes either. 

Is WD-40 safe for motorcycle chain cleaning?

WD-40 is a solvent and is totally safe for chain cleaning. To properly clean the chain apply the WD-40 to the chain and brush it off. WD 40 doesn’t harm the motorcycle chain but make sure to not use it for lubing.

Can we WD 40 multi-use to lube the motorcycle chain?

According to WD-40, WD-40® Multi-Use Product is a unique, special blend of lubricants. Thus, you can use it for the lubrication of your motorcycle chain. But, if you are looking for effective results then you should consider products that are solely made for lubrication of the motorcycle chain.