Degreaser

my instincts say no, but hey let me know if that works. I got a similar problem and it sounds like the sort of half arsed fix-it job that'd suit me. <!-- s:alcoholic: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_all_coholic.gif" alt=":alcoholic:" title="Alcoholic" /><!-- s:alcoholic: -->

 

Do Not spray the chain with any type of degreaser. Everything else is okay. The degreaser will ruin the O-Rings in the chain and you'll end up buying a new chain in a short time. Take the time and clean it with kerosene.

 

as tim says, dont put that stuff near the chain, but put it on the rest, scrub it in goodo witrh a paint brush and hose it off, repeat as nessessary ...

 

Also avoid wd-40. It can also cause o-rings to deteriorate quickly. There is some website around that shows the effects of various cleaning agents on the chain - will try to find...

here it is: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.webbikeworld.com/t2/motorcycle-chain-lube/">http://www.webbikeworld.com/t2/motorcycle-chain-lube/</a><!-- m --> It emphasises that WD40 is a penetrant that will displace petrolium products, and if you displace petrolium below the o-rings then that is bad for the chain.

Still, some use it! But I have never heard of anyone bad-mouthing kerosene - so it may take a bit more time, but it it works without nasty side-effects.

 

boz, what exactly do u use kerosene for? what parts can you clean and not clean with it?

 

I really only use kerosene on the chain. I use Mr. Sheen (a household dust spray, Pledge would work the same I'm sure) to clean the plastics and tank, and I use brasso or silvero to clean the frame, swingarm, exhaust, etc.

I sometimes use kerosene on stubborn grease on other metal parts of the bike too - I often give my swingarms a 'once over' lightly in kerosene before I use the silvero/brasso.

I've never tried kerosene on plastics and other painted bits - I just assumed that combination wouldn't work.

 

cool, cheers for that, kerosene is cool to use on an o-ring chain?

 

Kerosene is the only thing I use to clean my chain.

 

In regards to this chain convo, what kind of chain lube does everyone use?

 

I currently use PJ-1, but will soon be switching over to a Pro-Oiler chain lube system.

 

That pro-oiler system looks very similar to the scott oiler (a system I have been thinking of), except that the pro-oiler allows for 'on the fly' adjustment with the control panel, and the scott oiler needs to be done manually... Hmmm...

As for chain lube I use "Shell Advance Chain Ultra".

 

The Pro-Oiler meters the oil based on how far you have driven. The scott oiler works on either time or gravity, neither are any good compared to distance.

I'm sold on it, now I jst have to find the funds to get it.

 

I've been using this stuff called "maxima chain wax" - its paraffin based (sprays on like any other brand) and doesn't fling off like normal lubes, which is helpful when you have white wheels (never again will i buy a white bike). not sure if its as good at protecting the chain as the normal stuff, though.

 

Good point re: distance vs. gravity. I may have to look into one sometime as well instead of the scott oiler... As for funds I think that is the bane of all riders - so much to want and get, so little money to do it.

 

im using some fuchs silkolene part synthetic chain lube, with some kinda anti-fling technologhy according to the can. my only problem with a scottoiler type system is that your chain keeps getting more oil, therefore attracting more dirt, i always clean my chain with petrol or spirits BEFORE i re-lube the chain to stop dirt staying on it. its for that reason that i would not use an oiling system

 

The thought behind the scott oiler etc. is that because it is constantly receiving new oil it actually keeps the chain in much better condition and clean than otherwise. People who I know who use the scott oiler indicate that they get about 5-6x longer chain life using the system (one guy is at 110 000 on the same chain now...).

 

well i cant really argue with 110000, is that miles or km? either way its very impressive. the standard chain on mine is fairly new but still only good for around 10000km, il probably replace it with an o ring chain, which im told should last twice as long once its well maintained

 

Non-ring chains usually last about 5000-8000km's; and no im not joking.
I've seen a non-ring chain on a VFR800 get chewed up and spat out after 1250km's! Lets just say that we (being mechanic friends) don't use yum cha chains any more.

O-ring chains that i've come across should be good for ~20-30k kms depending on the level of maintanence.
X-ring chains usually last a bit longer than O-ring chains, so a guess at maybe 25-40k kms would probably be about right.

Of course, on bigger bikes, with bigger chains & sprockets and of course more power; they go through chains & sprockets faster... but c'est la vie.

 

It's k's - he rides a diversion 900 and although he can push it sometimes he is usually just content to enjoy the scenery (Ulysses member as well). Regardless 100 000 k's+ is fantastic on the same chain.