After a lifetime of using different oils and greases I've settled on using a spray on Dry wax from Würth on my chains. If I miss with it it doesn't leave a mess and it seems to work well. Problem is it's almost £10 a can, soooooo........
Could I make my own I'm wondering? Aren't candles made from Parafin (kerosene) wax? Could I mix an old candle stub with Parafin and pour the resulting solution into a garden centre insectacide spray bottle for application? Would the candle actually 'melt' down?
This might just work, right And might save a few bob/bucks
On one of my old ratters I drilled into the handle of a paintbrush so there was a hole through the handle to the 'wrong end' of the bristles and fitted a tube from this hole to a small oil can. ie when you pumped on the can you dispensed oil into the brush. This was cable tied onto the bike and the brush securely positioned so it brushed onto the chain. The routine was a single pump before riding and the oil ran down the tube over about a min and then into the brush which oiled the chain as you rode along. I had the most evenly oiled chain I have ever managed and much better than a Scott oiler. Been riding shafties for the last few years so am not able to get a photo of the setup
I used new engine oil.
I've heard about using chainsaw chain oil as its very cheap and apparently has anti fling agents in it but never got around to testing it.
Kubota Z482 which is plodding on with unnerving reliability. Three years so far.
1900 Diesel Bike being rebuilt with better clutch control.
I just go for gearbox oil with it and it works well. Have 15,000 miles on current chain and sprockets. Starting to wear a bit but some life yet I think.
Neil
Smart engined 800cc turbo diesel triumph tiger. 100mpg (imp)
Belfast to Kathmandu overland, 2010/2011 - http://www.suckindiesel.com
Bangkok to Sydney ???
Easier than trying to make your own chain lube, or use a chain oiler - I have been using Halfords chain wax spray on my last two motorbikes. It's reasonably priced, the large spray can lasts a long time, and can be ordered up on their website, and picked up from your local store, if not visibly available at the moment.
Also good for pushbike chains and sprockets from experience! It sticks on and lubricates well, and doesn't fling off. Seems to be long lasting on the chain as well.
Hope the info is of help for you.
There's nothing like the smell of burnt vegetable oil in the morning!!
1971 Royal Enfield diesel running on diesel/biofuel.
I missed this thread when reviewing past postings.
In the 'old days' before o-rings & super-duper spray on miracles the way of it was to remove chain, drop it in a can of melted parrafin & 'boil' it up. Not literally boiling of course, and covered from flame as I don't recall the flashpoint of parrafin, but it's pretty low temps. Camp stove outdoors is best.
Anyway, the hot parrafin seeps into every crevice of the chain and while it does that it dislodges all the nasties, letting the grunge float up & out. Stir the chain from time to time too loosen contaminants, let it soak a good long time. One may also do some scrubbing with a small wire brush to encourage the cleaning. All the junk sinks to the bottom of tin.
When removed you have a chain that's pre-lubed to its innermost parts ready for many miles of trouble free operation. As chain heats the embedded parrafin melts, lubes, and when chain cools the lube is trapped there again, ready for next ride.
My shop here is rediculous for never suggesting dry-lube to me! I've never heard of the stuff. I've been dealing with this grungy dark grey crap I have to clean off my wheel every time I go for a ride. Thanks guys; looking into this!
It's one and the same. I find it lasts quite well. When my Würth tin is empty I will look for the cheaper stuff to see how it compares. Certainly the cleanest stuff I've used. Same rules apply of course - apply to warm chain to aid penetration
Update: I think I'll stick with the Würth stuff as the Halfords stuff is a bit like applying snot from a can. It's back to leaving blobs everywhere if you're not careful.
And might save a few bob/bucks 
