New Chain: Pre-Installation Prep?

Putting a new chain on the KZ. Do any of you recommend treating a new-in-the-box chain in any way before installing it? It's an 'O' ring chain, if that matters. Thanks.

Every chain ive ever bought come already oiled and ready to go. The only thing you should note is that if its an o-ring chain, you should only use chain oil that is for an o-ring chains. O-ring chains dont need to be oiled as often, and yours should have already come oiled.

Also, unless if your chain is a 'master-link' type, you will need a special chain tool for connecting the chain together. I always use RK chain, and they require you to have that tool.

Pick a "Static" point and measure the Slack/Chain adjusters to be equal on both sides, regardless of the "Marks" on the Adjuster Plates. Measure from Center of Swingarm Pivot Bolt to Center Point of rear Axle. Centering the Chain on the Sprockets.

mwriders wrote: Putting a new chain on the KZ. Do any of you recommend treating a new-in-the-box chain in any way before installing it? It's an 'O' ring chain, if that matters. Thanks.

Mine came saturated in lithium grease which I wiped off. Other than that, run it.

I'd wipe off any excess grease, then start using a high quality lube every 300 - 400 miles. Everyone has a different favorite lube; I have had really good success with Maxima Chain Wax (see pic). Most good cycle shops carry it. BTW, did you replace the sprockets with the chain? If not, the chain will wear out prematurely as it tries to conform to the worn tooth spacing on the sprockets. Ed

650ed wrote: ...Everyone has a different favorite lube; I have had really good success with Maxima Chain Wax...

Whenever Ed gets around to trying this


he'll throw rocks at Maxima Chain Wax, and have lots of extra money for more important stuff like women and booze and old BSA classics.

Good Fortune!

Money left over for women, booze, and BSA's. OK, I'll give it a try! :woohoo:

The dupont stuff is pure magic. Not only been using it on the chain for four years, my wall unit AC started screaming because the main bearings and fan shafts had rusted up terribly. I saturated them with that dupont stuff and they haven't made a sound in five months.

how bad does it fly off? im using this honda lube stuff right now. lubes ok but what a mess. almost makes me not want to lube chain.where do you buy the dupont stuff?

camaroguy wrote: how bad does it fly off? im using this honda lube stuff right now. lubes ok but what a mess. almost makes me not want to lube chain.where do you buy the dupont stuff?

ZERO fly off. It sprays on with a liquid carrier that penetrates and flows, that evaporates leaving a waxy sheen. There is absolutely no fly off. Buy it at Lowes, I think it's $5 for the big blue can.