Chain lubing advice

[pauljh]

Hi Folks,

I'm in need of general advice on chain lubrication i.e. how to do it / how often / recommended products?
My bike is fitted with a centre stand so all looks easy to get to, but I'd really appreciate any general pointers or recommendations   

[54K+]

Well non scientifically, it depends on how often you use the bike and in what conditions. Rain and dust would require more frequent cleaning and lubing.

Having previously used a scottoiler , a little and often should work well. Put the bike on the centre stand start in and pop it into 1st gear. lube the bottom section of chain from above ( i.e. the inside links of the chain) with a squirt from any proprietary motorcycle chain lube, and allow it to work in a short time before engaging neutral and switching off and allowing it to full dry.
If dusty grimey use a chain cleaner ( or parafin) on a stiff brush to clean first. Keep your fingers away from the moving chain. 

Hoping i'm not teaching you to suck eggs.

[wedge]

Or if you prefer your hands attached you can (and should) turn the rear wheel by hand.

[pauljh]

Feedback much appreciated. 
Are there are particular cleaners or lubricants considered best/better?

[Si Click]

Why not fit a Scottoiler?  The standard system does just fit under the seat, held under the rubber bands over the C Spanners.  The lube system can run along the swing arm down to the rear sprocket, but you cannot use the dual delivery system and must feed the outer link allowing the oil to spread to the inner by itself.  All you do is top up the reservoir every 500 miles or so.

You can adjust the rate depending upon conditions, but I find one drop every 45 seconds keeps the chain lubed properly throughout the year without creating any mess.

I fitted one from new to my VFR 800Fi and never needed to adjust the chain and only replaced it and the sprockets at 40,000 miles because I felt I should not because of any obvious wear.

[pauljh]

I had a Scottoiler on my last bike and it did save me worrying about chain maintenance, although I had to faff about to get the flow right as it flung oil about to start with 

I almost certainly will fit one at some point but thought I'd have a go manually for a while to see how I get on.

[54K+]

Ah wedge, typing this with my elbows, all that's left after 40 years of motorcycling 

Yes you have to be careful but please don't       for it.

[Gain]

I've just done the wife's bike today and I used engine oil through an oil can onto the inside run,
wheel turned by hand as I didn't have the hey to hand. I usually do this at about 400 miles, I clean it as required, I've never had to adjust the chain in 13k miles. I keep meaning to fit a chain oiler.

[54K+]

Only down side with engine oil (whilst cheap) it does fling off faster than proprietary lubes, but certainly regular lubing has benefits for chain and sprocket life!

[Gain]

Aye, your right there about oil fling.