Maxima

Maxima: SC1, chain care and oils — the complete guide to the brand

10 July 202610 min read

Maxima Racing Oils is a California brand founded in 1979, today one of the most respected names in motorsport. It's no coincidence — Maxima is run by professional teams in motocross, enduro and road racing, because its lubricants and care products work even in the toughest conditions. If you want your bike to last and look like new, here's the complete guide to the best of Maxima.

Maxima's three pillars: chain care (Clean Up + Chain Wax), SC1 for protecting and shining plastics, and the right engine oil (Pro Plus+ / Syn Blend). Let's take them in order.

Chain care — Maxima's flagship discipline

The chain is the most stressed and most neglected part on a motorcycle. A clean, properly lubed chain runs quieter, steals less power and lasts many times longer. Maxima solves it with a two-step process used by mechanics in paddocks around the world: clean first, then lubricate.

1. Maxima Clean Up — chain cleaner

Clean Up is a professional emulsion cleaner developed specifically for chains — including sealed O-, X- and Z-ring chains. It dissolves old lube, mud, sand and grime while not damaging the rubber seals. It's safe on gold chains, aluminium and steel. Just spray on, let it work and rinse off.

Maxima Clean Up — chain cleaner spray
Maxima Clean Up (507 ml) Professional chain cleaner — safe on O/X/Z-ring seals. View Clean Up →

Note: Clean Up is a chain cleaner, not for the whole fairing. To wash plastics and paint, use a gentler care product and water.

2. Maxima Chain Wax — lube that doesn't fling off

This is why riders love Chain Wax. Chain Wax uses a unique ParaFilm™ paraffin formula: on spraying it penetrates deep between the links, but once dry it forms a solid wax film that clings to the metal and doesn't fling off while riding. No oil spots on the rim or rear plastic.

  • Paraffin binds the lube to the metal — the film stays where it should, even at high revs.
  • Eliminates fling-off — a clean rim and swingarm.
  • Protects in dry and wet — rain won't easily wash it off.
  • Additives prevent corrosion and reduce chain stretch and wear.
  • Suitable for all chains including O/X/Z-ring.
Maxima Chain Wax — paraffin chain lube
Maxima Chain Wax ParaFilm™ paraffin — doesn't fling, clings to metal, protects wet and dry. View Chain Wax →
Chain routine: 1) spray on Clean Up, brush the chain and rinse → 2) dry thoroughly → 3) apply a thin coat of Chain Wax to a warm chain and let it dry for a few minutes. Do it regularly and your chain and sprockets will last much longer.

Maxima SC1 — "a new bike in a can"

SC1 High Gloss Coating is a legend Americans call "New Bike in a Can". It's a silicone protective spray for plastics, vinyl, rubber and carbon that, after washing, brings back the factory shine and creates a protective barrier.

Maxima SC1 High Gloss Coating spray
Maxima SC1 — High Gloss Coating Protects and shines plastics, repels mud, water-resistant. View SC1 →
  • Restores shine and revives faded plastics and stickers.
  • Repels mud and dirt — the next wash is a breeze.
  • Water- and weather-resistant, long-lasting protection.
  • Works on glossy and matte surfaces.

How to apply: spray onto the surface, let it settle and wipe off the excess — or leave it damp as a barrier against dirt. Never spray it on the seat, grips, pedals or brakes (discs and pads would get slippery).

Maxima oils — the heart of engine protection

Oil is the cheapest insurance for an expensive engine. Maxima has a range tailored to every engine type and use — the key is to choose by whether you have a 4-stroke or 2-stroke and how hard you ride.

Pro Plus+ — 100% synthetic for 4-stroke

Maxima Pro Plus+ is a fully synthetic, ester-fortified 4-stroke oil that meets the demanding API SN PLUS and JASO MA2 standards. It's built for racing and daily riding alike: it holds the oil film at any temperature, protects the wet clutch for precise engagement and keeps the engine clean.

Maxima Pro Plus+ fully synthetic 4T engine oil
Maxima Pro Plus+ 4T Full synthetic, ester, JASO MA2 — for powerful 4-strokes. View Pro Plus+ →

Syn Blend — semi-synthetic with excellent value

Maxima Syn Blend is a semi-synthetic, ester 4-stroke oil that exceeds the API SL and JASO MA2 standards. It offers excellent protection at any temperature and reliable clutch engagement at a sensible price — ideal for regular service intervals and recreational riding. An even more affordable alternative is Premium 4T.

Two-stroke? Formula K2 for everyday riding

For regular 2-stroke riding, Formula K2 is a great choice — clean synthetic with minimal smoke and deposits, suitable for premix and for the oil pump. Always follow the mixing ratio specified by your bike's maker.

Castor 927 — the only one with castor, a cult legend from the USA

Maxima Castor 927 is the only oil in the whole range built on a castor-oil base — combining highly refined castor with exotic ester synthetics. It's an ashless racing formula for premix only (PREMIX ONLY), not for the oil pump.

Maxima Castor 927 — castor-based racing 2T oil
Maxima Castor 927 (2-Stroke, Premix) Castor base + ester synthetics — top protection for racing 2-strokes. View Castor 927 →

What does castor do? Castor oil has an exceptional property that synthetics can barely match — enormous film strength and adhesion to metal. It literally "plates" itself onto cylinder walls, pins and bearings and holds the lubricating layer even at temperatures where ordinary oils give up. That's why it protects in the most critical moments — at full throttle, high revs and extreme load.

  • Resists carbonisation and evaporation — protects cylinder walls and bearings at higher temperatures than other lubes.
  • Better ring seal = more power and lower friction.
  • Less maintenance — reduces ring sticking, carbon and power-valve upkeep.
  • Prevents corrosion and oxidation, and is biodegradable.
Why it's a legend in the USA: castor has been a racing lubricant since the dawn of motorsport — even the name "Castrol" comes from the word castor. Castor 927 is a cult classic across the ocean, rated #1 in independent surveys, and its distinctive smell on track is, for riders, simply "the smell of racing". Note: use it for premix only.

A middle ground between castor and pure synthetic is racing Castor 927 for race days and Formula K2 for training and everyday riding — many riders keep both at home.

Golden rule: change oil by engine hours, not "when you remember". In motocross the interval is much shorter than on the road — clean oil = longer life for the engine and the clutch.

A few more aces up the sleeve

For complete care, add Air Filter Cleaner for foam air filters and Suspension Clean for fork tubes — a clean fork works better and lasts longer.

Frequently asked questions about Maxima

Why doesn't Chain Wax fling off?

Thanks to the ParaFilm™ paraffin formula. The spray penetrates between the links while still liquid, but once dry it sets into a solid wax film that clings to the metal and won't fly off even at high revs.

Is Clean Up for the whole bike or just the chain?

Clean Up is a cleaner developed specifically for chains (including sealed O/X/Z-ring). Don't use it on plastics, paint or anodised aluminium — for those, reach for a gentler care product.

Pro Plus+ or Syn Blend?

Pro Plus+ (full synthetic) is the choice for powerful, modern 4-strokes and hard use. Syn Blend (semi-synthetic) is great value for everyday riding and service intervals.

Is SC1 suitable for matte plastics?

Yes, it works on glossy and matte surfaces. On matte parts it deepens the colour — if you want a fully matte look, apply only a very thin coat.

Where to buy Maxima in Slovakia

We stock the whole Maxima range — SC1, Chain Wax, Clean Up, Pro Plus+ and Syn Blend oils and other care products. Browse the complete Maxima range and give your bike the care it deserves.