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A chain's o-ring or (x-ring) holds grease between the pins and the bushings where it's needed most to reduce wear. If you also externally apply lubrication to the chain, it gets between the bushings and the rollers and between your chain link plates and drive sprockets, so it can help somewhat to extend the chain life and protect against ozone damage to the o-rings. Your chain, with proper care, should last about 20,000 miles before wear begins to cause excessive or uneven stretching.
A motorcycle chain needs to be cleaned frequently because it accumulates road grit that causes wear. Kerosene is an o-ring compatible cleaner recommended by the chain manufacturers but WD-40 contains the kerosene-like Stoddard solvent is that is also o-ring safe. WD-40 also contains a low viscosity lubricating oil.
WD-40, used as a one-step cleaner and lubricant is sufficient. Because it is a light oil, some fling-off will occur, so any excess should be wiped-off. USED REGULARLY, it provides good corrosion protection, low (but not the lowest) rolling resistance, and attracts less road grit than waxy chain lubes. So your chain stays very clean.
If you’ve decided to use chain lube after cleaning your chain, then it’s best to use straight kerosene as your cleaner because the light oil that WD-40 contains will make it difficult for the chain lube to stay attached without flinging-off.
If you aren't inclined to clean and lube your chain regularly, or often ride in wet conditions, there are chain lubes on the market that are designed to stick to your chain to resist fling-off and provide longer-lasting corrosion protection. Some remain tacky and attract grit, some stay slippery to the touch. All of them need to cleaned off and renewed at some point.
You need to avoid damaging the o-rings and forcing solvents past the o-ring seal when you clean a chain. This means scrub using a toothbrush - not a wire brush - and avoid getting too close with pressure washers and compressed air nozzles. Avoid scouring if you want to keep the gold-look plated finish on your premium chain.  |