► Chain failures: 43 so far and still counting

  • Thread starter Thread starter Elvie
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+1 :thumb2 for Scottoiler fed from a Lubetube in the rear compartment..
when set-up correctly it's good for 3,500 > 4,000 miles

Got a scotoiler and was thinking of getting a lube tube, how big are they? and by the rear compartment do you mean under the seat? was wondering where I could fit one.
 
Therein lies the problem.
People forget to re-oil the chain after washing the bike.
BMW have had a few issues with the C&S sets on their bikes so 12000 is a good distance.
The japanese have had decades of practice with the drives of their bikes so I would expect them to last better.

In short;
Chain maintenance; Every time you roll the bike out of the garage or fill it up, dab a few drops of (cheap) engine oil on the back of the chain/sprocket. Keep an old eye-drop bottle with oil in it handy (pocket, bum-bag, under seat, etc). Clean the chain/sprocket and surrounding area like the rim with degreaser (real engine-type-degreaser), apply with a brush. Wash off with normal bike degreaser/wash. Then lube up chain with a bit extra oil, wipe excess with a rag (don't use the engine to spin the wheel!!). Result is "unlimited" mileage.
 
Got a scotoiler and was thinking of getting a lube tube, how big are they? and by the rear compartment do you mean under the seat? was wondering where I could fit one.

He's got it squeezed up at the rearmost compartment (where my bl**dy alarm is), you know, under the luggage rack. I saw the bike yesterday. :thumb2
And the size of the lube-tube depends on how much oil you have in it. :D
 
Got a scotoiler and was thinking of getting a lube tube, how big are they? and by the rear compartment do you mean under the seat? was wondering where I could fit one.
He's got it squeezed up at the rearmost compartment (where my bl**dy alarm is), you know, under the luggage rack. I saw the bike yesterday. :thumb2
And the size of the lube-tube depends on how much oil you have in it. :D

As pointed out, by The Joker, I have my Lubetube in the rear seat compartment, where the alarm resides, if you have one - I don't.

The Youtube link shows a Lubetube being fitted to a F800 GS, they squeeze the tube into the framework, behind the rectifier.
I found the suction tube was just long enough to reach the rear compartment, which was my preference.

I think the trick with the Scottoiler is spending a bit of time to get the drip rate set up correctly, I found the rate changes (reduced) after fitting the Lubetube.

I find lying on the ground next to the bike, timing the drips, to very therapeutic after a hard day's work :augie


http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=GB&v=Mv2e1hR7Ym0

BikeLubetube1.jpg
BikeLubetube2.jpg


BikeScottoiler.jpg
 
Thanks for the reply, very helpful. As for timing the drips not enough patience! just go by how wet the chain gets, worked out how much flow I need when wet/dry although I found that when the roads are covered with salt and crap not enough lube reaches the inside of the chain so I am thinking of getting a dual nozzle kit.
 
What seat are you using there thomo57, and how comfy is it? Looks expensive though.

Lunchbox, it's the BMW Comfort Seat..
It's a bit higher and wider, than the standard seat, and for me, it does what it says on the tin :thumb2
 
I did over 800 miles, in one day,my arse was very happy.
Try your dealer, some have seats to try, I know NOG have one avaiable.
 
a question about degreasers. Is a bog standard degreaser from Halfords ok or should I get something more specialised? I guess it doesn't have to be specifically for motorbikes?
 
a question about degreasers. Is a bog standard degreaser from Halfords ok or should I get something more specialised? I guess it doesn't have to be specifically for motorbikes?

From Halfords you can get Gunk, it's OK, but a bit overpriced IMO. You can get "real" engine degreasers from smaller auto-parts store. Say you're going take an old engine apart or something and they'll give you the good stuff.

Just washed my bike on Friday evening and the whole area came up squeaky clean. Just used about 20mm in the bottom of a small glass jar and a brush to apply it, on the rim, the sprocket, chain, swing arm, centre stand, etc. Washed it off with water.

Then I used the Castrol Greentech (expensive, but pretty good) to wash the area again. Usually spray a bit on the area directly or onto a £1 IKEA dish brush.
 
From Halfords you can get Gunk, it's OK, but a bit overpriced IMO. You can get "real" engine degreasers from smaller auto-parts store. Say you're going take an old engine apart or something and they'll give you the good stuff.

Just washed my bike on Friday evening and the whole area came up squeaky clean. Just used about 20mm in the bottom of a small glass jar and a brush to apply it, on the rim, the sprocket, chain, swing arm, centre stand, etc. Washed it off with water.

Then I used the Castrol Greentech (expensive, but pretty good) to wash the area again. Usually spray a bit on the area directly or onto a £1 IKEA dish brush.

Can we just turn up or do we have to book a slot?

:beerjug:
 
From Halfords you can get Gunk, it's OK, but a bit overpriced IMO. You can get "real" engine degreasers from smaller auto-parts store. Say you're going take an old engine apart or something and they'll give you the good stuff.

Just washed my bike on Friday evening and the whole area came up squeaky clean. Just used about 20mm in the bottom of a small glass jar and a brush to apply it, on the rim, the sprocket, chain, swing arm, centre stand, etc. Washed it off with water.

Then I used the Castrol Greentech (expensive, but pretty good) to wash the area again. Usually spray a bit on the area directly or onto a £1 IKEA dish brush.

Great advice, but I think they would look at me and think..you are not taking an old engine apart...

the brush is a great idea, Ive always thought using the spray isn't good as some of it always misses
 
Great advice, but I think they would look at me and think..you are not taking an old engine apart...

the brush is a great idea, Ive always thought using the spray isn't good as some of it always misses

You can come up with a suitable lie. Just go in with a piece of paper and say it's for your brother in law or something. :thumb2

Sorry if this is turning into a washing thread!:(

I've found that when it comes to washing, tooling is crucial. I use dish brushes, toilet brushes, toothbrushes, etc, anything. The degreaser I apply with, I think 1", paint brush. Etc, etc.
 
chain reaction

Chain failed at 3000 mls on my sons 2009 GS 650.
Found 2 plates cracked through middle and not at rivet points as you would expect.
Total apathy from Cooper BMW at Boldon.
Changed to X ring at my expense and all is well.
 
final boring cleaning question from me..can a chain oil/lube be applied with a brush also? if so what would you recommend? seems much more sensible than a spray
 


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