How often are you adjusting your chain?

[andyb]

Fun idea on sealed chains... does it need lubed or just cleaned?  The lubricant is in theory behind sealing rings, so lube on the outside is doing what exactly again? 

Recent WD40 convert here....

[Arnie]

Yeah, I agree the real lube is (hopefully) kept in the chain by the O-rings.  The added lube from the oiler keeps rust away, lubricates the O-rings, and cushions the engagement between the chain rollers and the sprockets.  WD40 or Kerosene works fine for cleaning but needs to be done frequently to keep it clean and the O-rings lubed.

Arnie

[jack02]

My FJ had 11,000 miles done when I bought it in 2002. At 14,000 miles I fitted a DID ZVM chain. The original one was knackered because the bike had been sitting for 7 years and the chain had corroded. When I fitted the new chain I was determined to look after it; they're expensive and a hassle to fit. Being a tight git I wasn't prepared to shell out on a lubing system,so I made my own. It's basically a small,oil-filled plastic bottle which is mounted in the fairing. A tube runs from the bottle all the way to the underside of the swinging arm,and outlets in the usual spot,right where the chain meets the rear sprocket. I fitted a tap midway along the tube,and secured it to the left frame rail which passes the cylinder head area. At opportune moments (ie waiting at traffic lights),I open the tap for no more than one second. Moving away distributes the oil evenly. That chain has now done 9,380 miles and I can truthfully,honestly,hand on heart say that I have never had to adjust it. I don't even clean it - it always looks almost new. I use regular 10/40 oil in the bottle,and really can't remember the last time I topped it up - it seems to last forever. At this rate,the chain will do,too.

[Dan Filetti]

The Brits go on and on about thier "Scott-Oilers".  I immaging a 10 second google search will get you a link, and a few more clicks and a credit card # will get one heading your way.  I seem to recall their not exectly cheap though....

Dan

[Arnie]

The Brits go on and on about thier "Scott-Oilers".  I immaging a 10 second google search will get you a link, and a few more clicks and a credit card # will get one heading your way.  I seem to recall their not exectly cheap though....

Dan

No, they're not cheap and are difficult to get set to provide the right amount of lube as they use a vacuum valve to open the flow.
There was a Long Distance Rider who used to ride an FJ (now FJR) who has an oiler for sale that uses a pump and push button control to give a shot of oil to the chain only when you want.
I'm trying to think of his name..... Laurentian ?? He holds the 2000mile in a 24 hr record.
Product name is "Hawk Oiler"  (from Florida IIRC)

Arnie

[racerman_27410]

I am running the Hawke oiler on my FJ and i like it..... it doesnt make a huge mess like the scott oiler can since you control when the oil is delivered to the chain.... like when i am pulling in for fuel i will hit the button 3 times (its a momentary switch) which pulses just enough oil out to get the entire chain covered without dripping off everywhere.


its not cheap but it's insurance... like was said before... quality chains arent cheap to begin with.


http://www.hawkeoiler.com/


KOokaloo!

Frank