XmisterIS Posted June 3, 2009 Share Posted June 3, 2009 (edited) Hi all,My bike will soon be due it's first chain re-oil (I've done about 400 dry miles on it since I got it).What do you think is best out of scottoiler/manual oil/spray lube?My bike currently has oil on the chain - I am considering the following three options:1) Scottoiler - although you still have to clean the chain to the get the abrasive grit off.2) Oil it manually (I have a rear paddock stand, so no probs there). Which type of oil should I use?3) Use some of that spray-lube. I used to use that on my 125 and it did the job nicely, but it is the filthiest, gunkiest, messiest crap known to man, and it sticks to EVERYTHING!!!!Also, how much should I be putting on of oil/spray-lube? I think I may have got in a sticky mess with the spray-lube because I was putting too much on. Edited June 3, 2009 by XmisterIS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Voodoo Posted June 3, 2009 Share Posted June 3, 2009 All oil seems to come off your chain and end up on the back wheel regardless if its a spray in a can stuff. This is why I always use old engine oil because its so much easier to clean off. I always do it manually with one of these Oil Cans Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill_on_a_bike Posted June 3, 2009 Share Posted June 3, 2009 http://www.dsn2006.org/catalog/pics/High_Pressure_Oil_Can.jpgGet yourself one of these and some engine oil. Apply oil with the chain moving, on the sides/plates/all nooks and crannies, then wipe off the excess with a rag.Best to do this just after a ride, and then to take it for a ride, to work the oil in to the chain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Voodoo Posted June 3, 2009 Share Posted June 3, 2009 As Bill said you can do it with your wheel moving but make sure you only turn it with your hand and do it slowly, otherwise you can trap your fingers between the chain and sprocket, which is really not pleasant! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XmisterIS Posted June 3, 2009 Author Share Posted June 3, 2009 Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 3, 2009 Share Posted June 3, 2009 A few people on here swear by the Loobman..http://www.themotorbikeforum.co.uk/view ... 32&t=20987 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XmisterIS Posted June 3, 2009 Author Share Posted June 3, 2009 Thanks for the link.My main concern about automatic oilers is that they don't get rid of the grit that collects on the chain and accelerates wear - so you'd end up having to clean the chain as frequently as if you oiled it by hand anyway, and since cleaning is the hard part but oiling is the easy part, I don't see the benefit of an automatic oiler.'tis merely my opinion! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 3, 2009 Share Posted June 3, 2009 I have a Scottoiler fitted (pressie from my Wife) and while it does indeed work the way it says (similar to Loobman), I cannot help but think it's the wrong solution for chain care. It seems to me that oiling the chain is only 50% of the care.As I clean the bike most weekends anyway, it is already on the stand, and it would take very little time for me to use an oil can filled with some Scottoiler oil to check and lube the chain. Doing this would also help me identify any potential problems, and spot any wear and tear early on.Instead, I have a Scottoiler dual feed to do it for me. So I carry a small amount of oil in the RMV, and the pipe work feeds the applicator at the rear sprocket. Every weekend I still have to check the applicator for blockages. I still rotate the rear wheel checking the tyre, chain, sprocket, disc and pads, so I feel in many ways that the money is wasted. A bottle of oil, a £3.50 oil can, and some rag would not only do the same thing, but get me closer to the mechanics of the bike, and the bits that wear out.On top of this, road grit and dirt build up actually get stuck to the chain as the oil is applied. Effectively making the chain a sanding block for my sprockets.This is just an observation - those who are a lot more mechanically minded feel free to correct/enlighten me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill_on_a_bike Posted June 3, 2009 Share Posted June 3, 2009 Chain oiling is such a simple task, i see no reason to have a scottoiler day to day. However, if I was touring, doing big miles day in day out, i'd definately want some kind of automatic luberication, because you would get very bored of lubing a chain all day.To be honest, if I was touring, I'd want a shaft drive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XmisterIS Posted June 3, 2009 Author Share Posted June 3, 2009 Here's a little device for someone to design:Something that cleans the chain as well as oiling it!Sounds like a real engineering challenge! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 3, 2009 Share Posted June 3, 2009 Here's a little device for someone to design:Something that cleans the chain as well as oiling it!Sounds like a real engineering challenge!Take you front sprocket cover off, give a clean, and install some brushes, Dragons Den.. anyone.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XmisterIS Posted June 3, 2009 Author Share Posted June 3, 2009 I think that would just move the dirt around, and would need to be taken out and cleaned quite frequently ... what's required is a self-cleaning device that scrapes the dirt off and deposits it back onto the road before applying fresh oil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex Gold Posted June 3, 2009 Share Posted June 3, 2009 You mean a kettenmax chain cleaner? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 3, 2009 Share Posted June 3, 2009 Take you front sprocket cover off, give a clean, and install some brushes, Dragons Den.. anyone..Hmmm - I'm just sketching some ideas out for something that would remain on the bike and keep the chain clean/lubed up.Bill - I agree with you about the touring - how do people who do it clean their chain though? Hundreds or thousands of miles with just lubrication and no cleaning would leave it a bit of a mess I would imagine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Posted June 3, 2009 Share Posted June 3, 2009 I suppose if you're able to tour hundreds of thousands of miles then you'll have the money to just carry spare chains and sprockets with you anyway!I use a Scottoiler. I do what it tells me and just top it up when need be and forget about it the rest of the time. I clean the chain every now and then, only when it's looking like it could do with a spruce up though, no regime to stick to.Scottoilers are great, and really do lengthen the life of the chain and sprockets in my opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XmisterIS Posted June 3, 2009 Author Share Posted June 3, 2009 You mean a kettenmax chain cleaner? That looks great! do you use one? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill_on_a_bike Posted June 3, 2009 Share Posted June 3, 2009 Take you front sprocket cover off, give a clean, and install some brushes, Dragons Den.. anyone..Hmmm - I'm just sketching some ideas out for something that would remain on the bike and keep the chain clean/lubed up.Bill - I agree with you about the touring - how do people who do it clean their chain though? Hundreds or thousands of miles with just lubrication and no cleaning would leave it a bit of a mess I would imagine. All you need to clean a chain is a toothe brush and some parrafin. But touring on a bike even with all the luggage you can fit on, you're bound to be tight on space once you've got clothes+tent+shoes ect. There's probably some kinda spary on solvent in a handy little bottle you can buy.Like I said, shaft dirve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill_on_a_bike Posted June 3, 2009 Share Posted June 3, 2009 You mean a kettenmax chain cleaner? That looks great! do you use one?http://themotorbikeforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=21360Dan's gone the whole hog with a video. Looks very simple and very effective. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 3, 2009 Share Posted June 3, 2009 I think that would just move the dirt around, and would need to be taken out and cleaned quite frequently ... what's required is a self-cleaning device that scrapes the dirt off and deposits it back onto the road before applying fresh oil. I have enough cr&p on the road, with cows, horses, HGVs etc, it would need to be a nice clean contraption, that you empty.. Shaft Drive anyone..?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XmisterIS Posted June 3, 2009 Author Share Posted June 3, 2009 I think that would just move the dirt around, and would need to be taken out and cleaned quite frequently ... what's required is a self-cleaning device that scrapes the dirt off and deposits it back onto the road before applying fresh oil. I have enough cr&p on the road, with cows, horses, HGVs etc, it would need to be a nice clean contraption, that you empty.. Shaft Drive anyone..?? Yes, quite! Typed in haste! bill-on-a-bike - ty for the link Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 3, 2009 Share Posted June 3, 2009 I've used a Scottoiler on my last two bikes, and think they are good. If like me you sometimes forget to oil the chain or think 'I'll do it later' after a long run, and then never do, then they are ideal. Fit and forget (apart from topping up the oil now and again) On the bike previous I never used one and would forget to oil, and then get tight spots in the chain...more chain wear..Like anything its what suits you...worth giving scottoilers a try though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest akey Posted June 3, 2009 Share Posted June 3, 2009 Having tried a whole heap of things, the loobman is the best of the bunch for money. it uses normal engine oil and keeps the chain pretty clean as well because its not the sticky stuff out of a tin.I have just done about 4k miles without adjusting the chain and still dont need to.Oh and you really need to lube your chain more often than 400 miles! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XmisterIS Posted June 5, 2009 Author Share Posted June 5, 2009 Well, I've just ordered the Kettenmax thing - Dan's videos and the ones on the Kettenmax website have convinced me! Plus its German, which has got to be good!... (waits patiently for the heckling) ... Anyway, I have decided to try some dry lube with it - I've ordered a can of Wurth High Performance Dry Chain Lube. Again, its German, which has got to be good!... (waits patiently for more heckling) ... The dry lube seems to have nothing but good reviews, and I am attracted by the fact that being dry, it won't attract the crap thrown up from the road.EDIT: I've just noticed that the Kettenmax is actually Austrian, which is not so good ... Hitler was Austrian! Boo! Never mind, I'm sure the product is good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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