I've noticed a few specks of rust on my 400EX. This suprises me since I baby the chain. Anyway, is there a reason to be concerened?? Do I need to replace it? I don't think so...but I'm no expert. It's pretty light oin places to where I can scrub some of it off....thanks, Drew.,

 

after you washed your quad you forgot or did not put enough oil on the chain. You can us any of the chain lubes, but WD40 will work just as good. After I wash my quad I go and spray any thing on the quad that moves; a-arms, swingarm bolt, stering shaft top and bottom, chain, etc. This is done for to reasons; WD40 will push the water out and to keep it from rusting.

 

I already do as you say, that's why I'm confused. I use WD-40 to clean it and Honda Chain Lube to lube it. I just don't want to have to worry about my chain breaking on me. It's not that bad....but it's better to be safe than sorry I guess.

 

The rust on the side of a chain will not cause it to break. We have only broken 2 or 3 chains in 14 years of racing. All of them were because the links broke by the pins, and they were warrentied by the manufacture.
Sometimes my chains get all covered in rust if I don't wash the quad after riding. But, it has never broken. Ride the quad and have fun. Don't worry, be happy.

 

remove the chain and clean it with a wire brush in kerosene, it works great, wipe it dry so the funk doesnt sling all over the swingarm when u ride, re-install the chain and go ride

 

Do not take a o-ring chain and soak it in any solution. The solution will get past the o-rings and disolve the grease that is on the pins inside. With the grease gone the chain will not last very long. You can soak a non o-ring chain, this is what we did back in the 60's and 70's before we had chain lube.

 

There is nothing wrong with rust on the side's of your chain. Just spray it and keep riding on it. ITs not a big deal

 

PADZZ, Some good advice here with the possible exception of the use of a wire brush if your chain is an o-ring. The wire could damage the o-rings & allow the lube to escape & moisture to enter. Lubing an o-ring chain merely serves to protect the outside of the chain as mentioned. I use Chain Wax by Maxima for that purpose. As the name implies, it leaves a waxy finish on the chain which won't sling off. It must be applied to a totally dry chain & allowed to set up for a while before riding.