July 17th, 2025
Let’s be honest – most of us spend more time researching exhaust systems and performance mods than we do thinking about cable maintenance or bearing lubrication. Living in Australia means our bikes face challenges that riders in other countries simply don’t deal with. Our coastal salt air accelerates corrosion, our extreme heat breaks down lubricants faster, and our humidity creates the perfect storm for electrical problems and component failure. That’s why we want to share some maintenance insights that could genuinely save your life-or at least save you from being stranded on the roadside.
The Cable Crisis: Australia’s Hidden Safety Issue
Here’s something that might surprise you: neglected control cables can be downright dangerous or leave you stranded with a broken cable. Yet most riders never give them a second thought until something goes wrong.
Your throttle, clutch, and brake cables are working overtime in Australian conditions, creating corrosive conditions that attack cable housings and internal components. The solution isn’t complicated, but it requires the right approach. INOX MX3 is specifically formulated to be non-conductive and safe for the neoprene seals found in cable housings. For the mechanical components, INOX MX5 Plus PTFE provides the extreme pressure lubrication these systems need.
Here’s what we recommend: disconnect your cables every six months, inspect them for wear or corrosion, clean them thoroughly, and lubricate them properly. Use a cable lubrication tool if available – it ensures the lubricant penetrates where it needs to go. Five minutes of cable care can prevent a roadside breakdown – or worse.
Chain & Drive System: The Heart Of Power Transfer
Your chain cops an absolute hiding in Australian conditions. Dust, salt, heat, sudden downpours – it’s all there waiting to destroy your drive system. This is where proper product selection makes all the difference.
INOX MX9 ‘No Chukka’ Chain Lube contains PTFE and is specifically formulated to be O-ring safe while being highly resistant to salt, chemicals, and water washout. The name says it all – this stuff stays put when other lubricants would have flung off or washed away.
The process matters as much as the product. First, clean your chain with INOX MX11 Chain & Brake Cleaner as it leaves no residue and won’t harm your O-rings. Then, apply INOX MX9 using the extension tube for precision application, focusing on the underside of the chain and ensuring you ‘roll it through’ so all links are covered.
The ‘tackifier’ technology in INOX MX9 is what makes it special; it creates a protective film that literally stays on the chain under extreme conditions. MX9 was originally designed for the super-bike industry and is now in high demand for the harshest farming conditions across Australia.
Bearings & Bushings: The Unsung Heroes
Most riders don’t think about their wheel bearings until they start making noise, but by then, you’re looking at expensive replacements. Your motorcycle has bearings and bushings in the wheels, suspension components, steering head, and swing arm – all working silently to keep your ride smooth and safe.
INOX MX8 Extreme Pressure Grease has the ability to prevent scuffing, resists ‘squeeze out’ from surfaces under load, and maintains excellent water resistance even at elevated temperatures. This is crucial in Australia, where extreme heat can cause standard greases to break down, leading to contamination and bearing failure.
The water washout resistance is particularly important for coastal riders or anyone who encounters sudden weather changes. The PTFE additives in INOX MX8 actually reduce operating temperatures while extending component life – that’s engineering that makes sense for our climate.
For rubber components throughout your motorcycle – O-rings, seals, boot covers, and rubber bushings – INOX MX6 Food Grade Grease provides the specialised protection these components need. Unlike standard greases that can attack rubber, INOX MX6 is specifically formulated to be safe on rubber and synthetic materials while offering extreme pressure lubrication and temperature resistance from -30°C to over 300°C.
The racing pedigree speaks for itself – the team at DesmoSport Ducati have put INOX MX6 to the test in their high-performance workshop, proving that when the pressure’s on, this synthetic grease delivers smooth, reliable protection with no melt and no mess. The compact 30g tube makes it perfect for precision application on brake calliper seals, fork seals, swing arm bushings, and any rubber component that needs protection from moisture and contamination.
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Electrical System Protection: Moisture’s Worst Enemy
Australian humidity and moisture create serious vulnerabilities in motorcycle electrical systems. Water penetration leads to corrosion, short circuits, and the kind of intermittent electrical problems that’ll drive you mad trying to diagnose.
INOX MX3 is non-conductive, non-static and specifically designed to displace moisture while providing long-term protection. Apply it to battery terminals, switches, connectors, and fuse boxes. For batteries specifically, INOX MX2 Battery Conditioner helps prevent sulphation and extends battery life in harsh climates.
The key here is prevention rather than reaction. Because INOX MX3 contains no silicon, acid, or kerosene, it’s completely safe around modern electronic systems and ECUs. Regular application creates a protective barrier that moisture simply can’t penetrate.
The LANOX MX4 Advantage: Beyond Metal Care
Here’s where INOX really shows its versatility. LANOX MX4‘s lanolin base makes it exceptional for leather care while providing heavy-duty metal protection. Your motorcycle seat, saddlebags, boots, gloves, and jacket all benefit from the same protective treatment.
Lanolin is tried and true for waterproofing and protection. This isn’t new technology; it’s proven technology refined for modern applications. The choice between LANOX MX4 and INOX MX3 comes down to application: LANOX MX4 provides enduring protection for service jobs, while INOX MX3 is perfect for precision touch-up work.
Building Your Maintenance Routine
Regular maintenance isn’t just about keeping your bike running – it’s about ensuring it’s reliable when you need it most. INOX has spent 35 years building a reputation for quality and reliability in Australian conditions, but the products only work if you use them consistently.
Start with one area, maybe your chain or cables, and build a routine from there. Find your local INOX retailer and invest in the products that match your riding conditions. Whether you’re dealing with coastal salt air, inland dust, or tropical humidity, there’s an engineered solution designed specifically for your needs.
Reliable maintenance means reliable rides – that’s the INOX promise, and that’s what every Australian rider deserves.
