Black goo, oil leak or chain lube

[Mnb009]

Hey, I used to ride an r3 and never noticed a black goo from the chain lube I use. What do you guys think this is?

 

[Mnb009]

More pictures

 

[trepetti]

It's black goo. Chain lube, road grime, any prior oil leaks the bike might have had. All mixed together.

What kind of chin lube do you use?

 

[Mnb009]

I use a cheap chain lube from princess auto. It’s more on the liquid side. Where do you think the oil leak could be from? There’s never a puddle of oil on the ground after riding so I’m hoping it’s not leaking oil

 

[DeepBarney]

Use some brake cleaner to clean the area then dust it with some flour or baby powder. If it's leaking the source area will become apparent. But if you're not seeing a leakage under the bike, I'd reckon it's just oil from a past filter change and grease from chain lube.

 

[Gary in NJ]

Clean it all up, clean the chain, and go for a ride or 3. See if the goo returns. If you are using an o-ring chain don’t even worry about lubing the chain for a few rides. Even if it’s a plain roller you won’t do any damage to the chain in 25-50 miles.

That is a notoriously grimy area of every motorcycle, especially one where a lot of chain lube is used.

All of my motorcycles run x-ring chains. I never ever lube them, but I do clean them from time to time. The only lube I would use on a chain is heavy weight gear oil. I brush it on like I’m painting the chain, on the inside surface only.

 

[TownsendsFJR1300]

Plus 1, clean the area spotless. Looks like it's never been cleaned, ever...

That "area" should be as clean (if clean) as your old R3.

I don't suspect you have any leaks (output sprocket seal RARELY leaks) just years of crap built up.



Many chain lubes fling anywhere from a small amount to a bunch...

I use this stuff which has very little fling off and works very, very well:


I'll clean under that sprocket cover maybe once every 2-3 months, just reg maintenance.


That FRONT sprocket needs replacement too..

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