Chain maintenance

[Ndodd 8]

Coming from scooters looking after a chain is new to me so how often should I clean and oil it , any products people recommend 

[Gringo 5,064]

Until (if ever) I fit my ScotOiler I usually oil the chain every 200 miles or depending on riding conditions. I use gear oil and the toothbrush method. 

[RoyG 233]

As above, gear oil, paint brush, once a week.

[outrunner 4,457]

Lazy person here, Scotoiler for me.

 

Andy.

[Grumpy old man 4,670]

I use a loobman, cheap and cheerful and any remnants of clean oil I happen to have.

I also give it a quick wipe after every long ride. I can do the wiping bit because I don't use the bike for commuting, don't think I could be bothered after a day's work.

A centre stand makes chain maintenance a lot easier and DON'T be tempted to put the bike in gear and run it to clean the chain, that's a good way to loose fingers.

Edited June 28, 2021 by Grumpy old man

[davebike 943]

I also a scottoiler user 

Using gear oil or spray at least once a week /200 miles whichever is SOONER

despite what keyboard warrier say few if any over oil unless you getting LOTS on the tread not the sidewall you can use more

The more you lub the longer it lasts  simple  if you not making the wheel dirty you not using enough

[Jamesc 3,640]

At the moment I use some fancy dry lube from Halfords but I can't easily get access to that so I have a Loobman to fit

[steelhorseuk 1,690]

I have only been using WD40 Specialist motorcycle products for cleaning and lubricating using a chain-brush.

 

That said, I am experimenting with Motul's paste this month to see if it is as good as they reckon.

 

[PoppetM 16,828]

Wurth chain lube. After every long ride I apply it while the chain is still warm before covering the bike over. Haven’t yet cleaned this one, but I am no longer commuting and no longer ride in the rain, so it’s not that dirty. I use WD40 chain cleaner, spray on and watch the muck dissolve off (quite therapeutic)

One cheat for coloured painted wheels, rub WD40 on the rims, any chain fling will then wipe straight off. My NC had red wheels, and it was an utter sod to clean the rear one after winter commuting until I was told to do this!

 

And agree a centre stand will make your life a lot easier, both for applying lube and cleaning. I don’t have one on my current bike so use a roller under the rear wheel, it’s harder but for my needs is fine, centre stand will be so much easier for you. 

[MatBin 5,080]

To clean the chain I use paraffin on a cloth if the chain is filthy, much cheaper than spray on products. To oil I have been using spray on products for years which always fling off and cause the chain to become filthy (and the rear of the bike) but recently I purchased a Loobman oiler, not that easy to fit but the chain seems much cleaner and less fling.

[Steveg 1,021]

Combination of a loobman / toothbrush and gear oil , original chain now at 22k 

 

Chain slack slightly looser is better than too tight 

 

Cheers Steveg

Edited June 28, 2021 by Steveg

[RoyG 233]

5 hours ago, PoppetM said:

One cheat for coloured painted wheels, rub WD40 on the rims, any chain fling will then wipe straight off. My NC had red wheels, and it was an utter sod to clean the rear one after winter commuting until I was told to do this!

 

WD40 by far the easiest way to get the gunk off the rear wheel. First time I tried it I was amazed how quick and easy it was.

[Morph 257]

Have also used paraffin, a cloth, and a chain brush something like https://www.amazon.co.uk/motorcycle-chain-brush/s?k=motorcycle+chain+brush.  A pair of rubber or disposable gloves as usual for any gunk cleaning job.  As PoppetM suggested - do it after a ride so the chain is warm - the paraffin evaps quicker too - don't apply oil until its dry.  Have used gear oil, Wurth spray etc.  Pretty much the same to me.  Oh, and a center stand makes life much easier 🙂

[Spindizzy 7,109]

Cheapo Screwfix no nonsense penetrating  spray £4.99 for a huge can (its basically Kerosene as per the data label) give it a rub with a rag then I use drying Teflon spray. Attracts no crap and takes minutes to do.

 

Do what you want but personal opinion stay well away from very sticky chain lubes. Makes grinding paste and is an ar5e to clean.

 

If you ride in the wet then maybe a bit of Wurth dry lube which is a solvent that contains a light wax. I only ride in the wet when the weather report gets it wrong. Auto oiler maybe for the serious all weather mile muncher.

 

Edited June 28, 2021 by Spindizzy

[outrunner 4,457]

The proper Scotoiler oil just wipes off with a touch of Mr Sheen, I clean the rear wheel every time I come home from a run and it takes about 2 minutes.

 

Andy.

[Steve T 1,301]

Scottoiler for me on the NC (came with it fitted). Used Scottoilers on nearly all of my many bikes 🤪. I also lube the chain after a long run, when the chain still has some warmth in it from use. I dribble on gear oil from a Scottoiler bottle. I like to run my bikes chain wet with oil. If there is no oil dripping from the front sprocket cover, I haven't put enough on 😀

 

My F8GS has a tutoro oiler fitted and it works OK now its set up to my liking.

 

As already mentioned, parrafin and a rag to clean, toothbrush and gear oil to get into the hard to reach bits when wiping down with a rag.

 

And like outrunner Andy, a wipe down after a ride removes nearly all of the thrown off oil from the wheel.

 

Steve T

 

😎

Edited June 28, 2021 by Steve T

[Broady 33]

I have always used EP90 gear oil and applied it with a paint brush.

[Xactly 5,340]

Scottoiler for me. As for getting the crud off the rear wheel etc I still use Gunk. At least with oil the area around the front sprocket doesn’t get compacted with grease. There’s not much clearance in there.

With the electronic Scottoiler without the handlebar control as I have, I occasionally use the prime function to lubricate the chain by slowly turning the rear wheel (I have a mainstand), generally leaving the auto delivery on a lower setting. I don’t often clean the chain but I’m largely a non wet weather leisure rider nowadays.