Chain always rusty?

[MaverickAus]

Originally Posted by BrewMyTea

If you're in a similar environment to me, then I'm probably doing it wrong for it too go back as rusty as it is. I had a shaft drive before hand so I need to learn to be more liberal with the cleaner and the lube.

I'm going to get it sorted today and apply ACF 50 to the bike 

I don't know your environment, that's why I described mine, so you could compare.

[3alfa3]

Relative humidity is also important. Riding when wet also, but riding on salty wet roads is by far worst, washing/rinsing (cold clean water) after every ride on salty roads is mandatory. Not only for chan. Worst possible combination is riding on salty roads and parking in heated garage without washing the bike before parking.

[porkchop]

Damn that looks really dry 
A grunge brush + kerosene, the best chain cleaner.
DuPont's chain saver w/ teflon is a great lube, goes on thin and sticks- hardly any to no fling off residue afterwards when applied to a warm chain.

[BrewMyTea]

Originally Posted by porkchop

Damn that looks really dry 
A grunge brush + kerosene, the best chain cleaner.
DuPont's chain saver w/ teflon is a great lube, goes on thin and sticks- hardly any to no fling off residue afterwards when applied to a warm chain.

A very sad looking chain.

I'll be out there shortly getting it sorted. Poor thing is being neglected.

[kevperro]

I've watched all those videos but all I've ever used on any chain is gear oil.    I don't even use much in the way of a cleaner.  I've used the "not approved" WD-40 on my dirt bike chains (they are not o-ring so WD-40 is fine).  I just use the old oil can while the rear wheel is lifted and put it on thick and wipe it down afterward. 

I'm on the coast in Washington but I used to live in the midwest where they salted the roads and that was horrible for any exposed metal.    Vehicles hardly rust at all in comparison out here.    My street bike is only used in good weather and stored in a heated office (I'm weird like that) but my dirt bike gets to see wet/muddy/nasty conditions and I don't have any issues with corrosion on it.     I'm sticking with what works for me and gear oil is always in the garage.   

[BrewMyTea]

Cleaned the chain whilst sorting out the cage I purchased.

Rust is 90% gone with some surface stains, but chain is intact and looks much better.

I've applied a decent amount of the Tru-tension lube I have as well. So time will tell.

Couldn't take any photos as it's pretty dark out now.

Originally Posted by kevperro

  I'm sticking with what works for me and gear oil is always in the garage.   

Honestly, from the videos I've seen, besides the mess, gear oil is the go too.

[Cazzy_R]

Originally Posted by BrewMyTea

Honestly, from the videos I've seen, besides the mess, gear oil is the go too.

 It's only messy if you put too much on. Literally 1/2 a teaspoon for a top up and a little more after a full clean.
 As stated by kevperro wipe it down with an oily rag to finish. The objective is a fine oily film all over the chain.
 You do need to apply it more frequently than a dedicated chain lube though especially in grotty weather. However it's a very quick process.

[TonysMate]

I use Wurth Hi-Performance Dry Lube for much of the year - that's pretty good at resisting corrosion from plain water.

But in winter when there's salt around I've found a Renthal lube to be really good at keeping corrosion at bay.  It's a kind of stringy oil (same sort of consistency as STP additive, if anyone remembers that) and comes in a squeezy bottle, so it's easy to apply with no waste - though I do give the chain a quick wipe to remove any surplus and to spread it onto the sideplates.  I buy it online from cycle shops.

Interesting article and comparative test here (which doesn't quite square with my experience, but hey..):
https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/motorcycle-maintenance-and-servicing/best-motorcycle-chain-lube