From EK Chain
MAINTENANCE: Lubricate your chain every 300 to 350 miles (480 to 560km) with a quality lubricant such as SAE 80-90 wt. motor oil or aerosol lubricant designed specifically for motorcycle chains. When operating in hot, dry and/or dusty conditions, you may need to lubricate more frequently. Apply a moderate amount so lubricant penetrates between pins, rollers and bushings (fig. 5).
CLEANING: Do not use harsh solvents or chemicals, such as gasoline or benzene. EK recommends using a biodegradable degreaser with a soft (non-wire) bristle brush or clean cloth for removing dirt. Use kerosene (paraffin oil) if necessary, let dry and lubricate immediately within 10 minutes.
From RK Chain:
Q How should I maintain my O-ring chain?
A. Doing routine maintenance on any chain is a crucial step to getting the maximum wearlife out of your chain. You should clean and check its adjustment every 400 miles (sooner if the chain gets excessively dirty). Use formulated O-ring chain cleaner or other similar product to keep dirt from building up around link plates and rollers. Don’t use a wire brush or pressure washer. If your chain comes in contact with water, be sure to use a moisture displacement (like WD40). Lubing an O-Ring chain is vital for maximum wearlife. All RK O-Ring chains are injected at the factory with a lifetime supply of internal lubricant. The purpose of an O-Ring lube is to keep the chain from rusting and the O-rings from drying out. Use a lubricant specifically designed for O-Ring Chains.
From D.I.D. Chains;
The motorcycle drive chain must be kept clean and lubricated regularly. The life of the chain can be extended and maximum transmission efficiency can be achieved through simple maintenance with a dedicated cleaner and lubricant. Our chain maintenance products are specifically designed for high performance motorcycle drive chains.
Regina Chain:
To obtain good performance and long life, chain must always be lubricated when in service.
All well lubricated chains keeps the friction between the working surfaces to a minimum by creating a protective surface between the sliding surfaces of the pin and bushing and also between the bushing and roller. A lack of lubrication increases friction between these surfaces, resulting in an increase in friction resulting in a higher absorption of power, therefore an increase in the working temperature of the components. This higher than normal temperature will result in the lubricant burning and becoming less effective, therefore increasing chain wear.
Signs of poor lubrication are rapid elongation of the chain, rust (reddish areas on the chain surfaces), and squeaks when operating.
In the O-Ring chains, lubrication is provided by grease sealed in the working area by O-Rings.However, it is still necessary to provide periodic lubrication to the chain. Lubricant between roller and bushings will decrease friction and heat, and will improve the efficiency of the drive, extending chain and sprockets life.
Lubrication also keeps O-Rings in good condition and protects the metallic components from rust and corrosion.
Tsubaki Motorcycle Chain:
LUBRICATING SEALED CHAINS
TSUBAKI Sealed chains are pre-lubricated at the factory with special grease. However, external (Rollers, inner- and outside plates) need re-lubrication every 500Km. (300 miles) or sooner, depending on usage and conditions, will help keep the chain clean, corrosion free and ensure maximum performance. Use O-ring safe lubricant.
Any rationalizations from neighbors, unemployed relatives and toll booth operators should outweigh manufacturers recommendations.