long distance MZ trips

[bikerrandy]

What do y'all do to keep your chain lubed ?

[edfmaniac]

There are several chain oilers on the the market and I would advise you invest in one prior to starting your trip. Just google motorcycle chain oiler and you'll find multiple articles on commercial and diy oiling systems. I just purchased one that doesn't require you to tie into the vacuum or electrical systems on your bike but still shuts off the flow automatically when you stop riding. http://www.tutorochainoiler.com/ It hasn't arrived yet so I can't review it and I did notice when looking at my bike that the cush drive may get in the way of the dual output set up. It may take some re-engineering to get it to work right on a Skorpion.

[Norman Wade]

Like edfmaniac I would suggest a chain oiler. I've got a Scottoiler http://www.scottoiler.com/uk/ 'V System' with the 'Touring' reservoir that fits behind the numberplate. I would estimate that you get at least 4,000 miles /6,000 km per filling (I've never run it from full to empty on one trip). Have a look at the other chain oilers on the market and pick the one that suits best. Fill it before you set off and it's one less thing to worry about on your trip.

Norman

[djsbriscoe]

I'm using the basic Tutoro oiler on my RT125. I fill it with old engine oil from a previous oil change. The tubing looks a bit heath robinson wrapped around the footrest hanger but that because I did a temporary lash-up to see if it works. Seems to do the job in so far as oil appears on the chain/chainwheel. Problem is you have to turn it on and off manually but I just incorporate it into my cockpit drill before I get on the bike (you know fuel on, sidestand up, disc lock off etc).One thing I have noticed is that I've had to adjust the chain about twice since fitting it. Its good enough for the RT anyway. My skorp has a Motrax Lubetronic oiler on it but I can't fill it (parts missing) or confirm it's working (as it's not being ridden at the moment). I'll probably replace it with a Loobman or another Auto Tutoro, not decided yet.

[billr]

I'll add in the PD Oiler. Fill it at oil change and ride.
Best thing I ever put on the bike.
I'm not really fond of the applicator tube, but it works well keeping the chain just glistening with oil.
I'm looking at changing out to a Scottoiler dual applicator in the near future.
Bill R

[Norman Wade]

My Scottoiler has the Dual Applicator. I found that it works well if the tubes just touch the sprocket as the oil will then flow onto the chain.

I attached the Dual Applicator by drilling two small holes in the bottom of the swing arm and using self tapping screws (sorry it's so dirty - shows the oiler works!)

It should be fairly easy to use the Dual Applicator with a PD Oiler (or any other type) as long as the pipes are roughly the same diameter.

Norman

[Namikuz]

I carry an aerosol can of Chain wax and every 250 miles, give it a shot before leaving in the morning......

[bikerrandy]

I too have used chain wax applying it every 400 miles, but maybe not enough. I put in 400-500 mile days usually. The 15T front sprocket doesn't help.

[RiverDrive]

I put a scottoiler on my skorpion the last time I changed the chain and sprockets and I love it. It took me awhile to get the flow right, there 2 drop per min recommendation is way too much. Also, if I'm riding all day I'll turn it off for periods of time to avoid "fling off". Mine just has the single sided applicator and it works fine but, Norman, your set up looks sweet. I might try it.

[bikerrandy]

I'd like to know how many miles those that have added chain oilers get out of your chains/sprockets before replacement is necessary.

[RiverDrive]

I did 6000 miles before my first chain adjustment if that's any indication

[Norman Wade]

I fitted a new chain and front sprocket at the same time as my Scottoiler, and 20,000 miles (32,000 km) later, it's still looking fine. Chain life wasn't the major reason I fitted an oiler, it was more the convenience of not having to lubricate the chain. Each summer I used to take a 3 - 4,000 miles (5 - 8,000 km) trip and sprayed the chain each evening, which meant I had to carry chain lube and sometimes buy it when I was away which meant finding a bike shop and trying to work out what 'chain lube' was in an unfamiliar language! Fitting an oiler meant that this was 'one less thing to worry about'.
Whether an oiler would make your chain last longer than a strict lubrication regime is probably debatable, but we can't always guarantee that we will lubricate our chain, particularly on holiday. I've ridden more 500 mile (800 km) plus days in heavy rain than I care to remember (Central Scotland to the South of England to catch ferries to France), and I wonder how long spray lube stays on under those circumstances.
I'm with RiverDrive on the '2 drops per minute' recommendation being too high. I set mine at 'minimum' and it's enough to keep the chain just wet.

Norman

[handsomejackuk]

was given my scottoiler off a mate who didnt like it... i think its great... i usually coat the side plates of the chain with gold chain lube, and let the scottoiler do the rest... i filled it up the other day as it has not been used for a while but will have to get the flow rite again...

well recommended have my oiler bottle located in front of the airbox this is a great location easiy to fill and not too obtrusive.. also easy to adjust and a direct flow to the swinger.

[edfmaniac]

The Tutoro Auto showed up, is mounted and I'm getting it dialed in. Their dual output tip leaves a lot to be desired but probably works fine when you don't have a cushdrive in the way. The Scott applicator shown in a previous post looks like a very nice solution if you want to go that route but after switching back to the single tip on my Tutoro, I'm getting the impression that the oil still gets to all parts of the chain. I'll never own another street bike without an oiler.