I have two NIB spare rear drive chains for my 1984 FXEF. One is a Diamond and the other is a Harley by Diamond. They both are covered with a lubricant / preservative. I have always soaked new chains in kerosene to remove that lube/preservative, dried, and then relubed with my favorite lubes such as PJ-1 or Delray. Is this necessary or are those chains good to go right out of the package? My chain is getting close to needing changed and thinking of throwing a spare in the saddlebag just in case on a trip.

 

Are they O ring chains ?

 

Not "O" ring chains.

 

Found this with a Google search, there are a number articles.

 

I just pull the chain through a rag but I dont clean them with solvent. I see that film as a protectant. So far no catastrophic failures!

 

I do the same as "hellonewman". I just run the new chain thru a clean rag a few times and ride the bike.

 

Agreed, just wipe new chain with rag. So you are going to install a new chain and throw the other new chain in your saddlebag? Your new chain will be the most bulletproof thing on your bike, I can think of lots of other parts to carry on a trip other than another new chain, unless your sprockets are so worn that you don't trust a new chain.

 

I clean with kerosene, wipe dry then install. After it's on, I lube with lithium grease.

carl

 

I replaced mine a few weeks ago. I just put it on, didn't think of cleaning it. My breather hose is pointed at it, keeps it oiled.

 

Real Diamond chain or the more common cheap *** Indian knock-off under the Diamond name?