black tar-like oil on chain

[ManOrAstro-Man?]

I cleaned and lubricated my chain about 100 miles ago. Since then, I've taken 2 or 3 short rides (~12 miles each ride) and last night went for a 60 mile ride. I noticed today that there's a thick black oil (almost like tar) on the chain. I did park it next to a lawn where the sprinklers came on and a little water go on the left side of the bike, but I wouldn't think water would do this to a chain. Has anyone else seen this black oil on their chain?

[ducpainter]

Looks fine to me.

You don't need that much lube though.

[Spidey]

+1 on looks fine.

The outside of the links don't need to be covered in lube.  Just make sure that the O-rings are lubed.  When I lube up the chain, I just make sure it's warm and then focus the spray into the O-rings between the links.  After I've done that, I scrub the chain clean with a rag and get rid of the excess lube.  I only spray the outside of the links as a way of cleanin' 'em.  You'll get a lot less fling that way.

[ManOrAstro-Man?]

Thanks. It's my first time lubing it, so I guess it just turns black after being ridden. I did warm up the chain before I cleaned and lubed it. I'll ease of on the amount applied next time.

[Spidey]

Check out Chris Kelley's (ca-cyleworks.com, a DMF sponsor and awesome vendor) short video on chain lubing: 

http://www.ca-cycleworks.com/videos/

[Slide Panda]

Bikes thrashed - totally done.. I'll take it off your hands for $1 

The black stuff is just chain lube + dirt (probably mostly brake dust).  Basically all the chain lubes you get at the moto store will do this to one degree or another.  But, a trip to lowes will solve that problem.  Go there and get a can of Dupont Multi-Use Teflon in a blue spray can.  It's for chains, then even make a version for moto chains (yellow can, not available at Lowes).  It's a proper lubricant wax once dry and collects very little dirt and has zero fling.  Bonus, is it's $5 a can, which is cheaper than any other chain lube I've seen.  Works great everyone I know how has tried it won't go back to other lubes

More info:
http://www.webbikeworld.com/t2/motorcycle-chain-lube/dupont-teflon-chain-saver/

[BumbleB]

Check out Chris Kelley's (ca-cyleworks.com, a DMF sponsor and awesome vendor) short video on chain lubing: 

http://www.ca-cycleworks.com/videos/

+1 for sure...followed the directions from the video, no problem at all with my chain. It looks and runs great. 

[sbrguy]

that is completely normal chain oil that appears and grime with use.

just keep using the chain wax and such every 200-350 miles of use and you will be fine.