 |
|
17 May 2007
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: London
Posts: 1
|
|
|
Scottoilers - worth the money?
Hi,
I was wandering if Scottoilers are worththe money? Do they really get good even coverage on the chain? Or are you better off to take note of your milage and oil periodically? If so, how often do you oil the chain?
Thanks,
Wes
|
17 May 2007
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Edmonton, Canada
Posts: 246
|
|
|
How faithfull are you
I have a scott and it is the best extra I have ever put on a bike. Having said that I am not the most faithfull when it comes to recording mileage or remembering to carry oil and lube my chain.
I find with the tour pack on my oiler I go thousands of Kilometers before refilling is required. It applies ample lube and I am a happy camper.
I am sure that others are going to advise about the evils of oiling a chain in case you pick up sand or grit however for me and my style of riding I couldn't ask for more.
One note is that the bottom of my left hand case is usualy covered in oil so care needs to be taken before tossing it on the wifes clean bed spread to unpack after a trip.
Rick
|
19 May 2007
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Kandahar Afghanistan
Posts: 160
|
|
|
The dogs mate I have had one on my bikes for the last 2 and the curent one is on 27 000 still the original chain and adjusted it once in that time. left side a bit oily but well worth it.
|
20 May 2007
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Nantes, France
Posts: 392
|
|
Yep, me too - doubles the life maybe. On a big trip a Scottoiler will pay for itself pretty quickly.
Simon
__________________
Simon Kennedy
Around the world 2000-2004, on a 1993 Honda Transalp
|
20 May 2007
|
 |
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Norfolk, England
Posts: 155
|
|
|
It's a you and your bike thing
Lots of 'for and against' points, but as ever it comes down to you and your attitude.
If you want to 'fill and forget,' then I think these devices are excellent.
If you like to check your bike over personally after every days riding, use the best products available for servicing, and more importantly, have the room to carry them all with you, then nothing beats this approach.
As mentioned oil can turn into a grinding paste in some locations, and a dryer ceramic lubrication product will be better here. But it needs applying by hand and will you remember to do it?
I've never been sure though why anyone would pay so much for a simple device that they made complicated. A small plastic drinks bottle, length of tube and an empty bic pen worked just as well on my Yammy XJ550, but then, I never took her across the beach!!!!
|
20 May 2007
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Langholm,Scotland,UK.
Posts: 155
|
|
For the cheapskates amongst us (that includes me;o) try these LOOBMAN - manual chain lubrication system for all motorcycles with regular, O-Ring and X-Ring chains I have had one fitted to my Triumph for approx 4.5 years, my first chain lasted 30,000 miles, which for a 1200cc rode in all weathers isn't bad, also it is very easy and simple to set up and repair/modify if needed  Just give it a squeeze when you feel like it/remember, no such thing as too much oil on a chain.
After a while I modified mine with a small piece of copper brake pipe to drip the oil on the chain, the plastic zip ties did wear out, the copper pipe is more robust 
Trophymick
|
20 May 2007
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
|
|
|
I made my own chainoiler a few years ago (before I'd even heard of Loobman et al) and it has significantly extended the life of the chain on my CCM (600 single). Previously no matter how much spray lube I put on it all seemed to have vanished by the next stop - particularly on wet days
The only problem is that the chain on the CCM is on the opposite side to the stand (ie the chain is on the right, the stand on the left as you sit on it) so that when you park drips from the oiler fall on the tyre. Most other bikes seem to have the chain on the same side as the stand and the drips fall on the ground.
As it's DIY I'll eventually redesign it but even commercial ones would have the same problem.
|
8 Jun 2007
|
 |
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 87
|
|
|
Should've kept it on
I bought a used Triumph Trophy a few years ago with a Scott Oiler with tourpack already fitted (basically just a bigger reservoir) which was great but it kept getting air locks which stopped it working, The clever thing to do would have been either spend the time to make it work, or remove the big reservoir and just use the standard one, remembering to fill it regularly. Instead I threw a hissy fit and gave up completely and returned to spray on lubes. I'm convinced chain life suffered as a result
|
8 Jun 2007
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: sunny England
Posts: 790
|
|
|
mine kept getting airlocks, but the nozzle on the end had a leak. once that was sorted its been working fine, my chain still looks new after a year, no rust at all, and when its adjusted properly there is very little gunk on the wheel, another thing most "antis" like to tell you. a lot less gunk than normal chain lubes, in fact.
and i didnt bother with the dual sided adaptor, my chain oiler only has the one nozzle and the whole chain gets oiled, including the inside plates that dont usually get sprayed with a can.
the only thing about it for long distance work is the regular size resevoir has only enough oil for about 400mi, so youve always got to carry a bottle of oil. go for the bigger ones if you can fit them. i couldnt fit the touring resevoir to my sprint but they do a "tube" resevoir now.
__________________
dave
|
9 Jun 2007
|
|
|
|
Aside from relieving the chore of lubricating the chain I think it pays for itself over the long run.
I think the kit with the large touring reservoir is about the same cost as a chain and sprocket set. With a Scott oilier I get more than twice the life out of a chain so the pay back is about 25,000 miles for me.
I think the oil sold by Scott oil is expensive, so I tend to use gear oil. The touring reservoir lasts around 4,500 miles between fill ups.
I did have a problem on a KTM that a lot of oil drops ended up on the rear tyre, never quite solved that problem, I think it was something to do with the air flow around the rear wheel, but that happened if I used sprayed oil aswell.
Steve
|
12 Jun 2007
|
|
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Connecticut, USA
Posts: 58
|
|
|
To oil or not to oil?
I'm new to the world of motorcycling and am getting confused about when and when not to oil the chain. I have an O-ring chain on my DR650 and will be putting an X-ring on before my trip. I've been told to simply clean the chain with a nylon brush and a mild soap, and not to oil it. In other places I hear to install a scott-oiler and oil the chain continuously. Is this one of those debates where some people do it one way and others do it another way, both feeling that they are right? Or is there a general agreement on when to and when not to oil the chain?
Jeff
|
13 Jun 2007
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Cairo
Posts: 187
|
|
|
I use a Scottoiler. Requires a bit of maintenance from time to time (clearing blocked discharge pipe, prime out air locks etc.) but generally does a good job. Saves worrying about the chain, especially on long trips. It does spray a bit of oil over the wheel and rear guard (I have rigged up a plastic chain guard to catch most of it). Back-up service is excellent.
|
13 Jun 2007
|
 |
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
|
|
Loobman!
Jeff, read the loobman website. Their explanation is the best I have seen. I have two Loobmans (Loobmen??) fitted and they are great, and about 1/4 the price of a Scottoiler. The only downside is if you are the sort of person who forgets to use it, then it doesn't take care of itself, like the Scott. They say that you can use any kind of oil, which is handy, but I tend to use chainsaw bar oil as it is pretty clingy and much cheaper than motorcycle chain oil.
Regards
Nigel in NZ
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with  . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
|
13 Jun 2007
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
|
|
|
scotties are great......
Until they break. I gave mine a hammering, ity worked really well on european roads but I had problems in the desert. To get the sand off the chain I refilled with ATF (low cling, higher viscosity, higher flow rate). This seemed to work OK but required regular cleaning of front sprocket etc. Chucking the bike down in the sand ripped the dual feed thingy in half, bodged repair and it kept on working.... then the scottoiler itself melted! To be fair this did happen when my rear cylinder stopped firing, dumped a load of fuel in my exhaust and turned the bike into a flame thrower
Unfortunatly I never tried any alternatives. My chain did for nearly 20,000km but was utterly buggered by the end (needed tightening every hour of the last two days). I think that on balance Scottoilers are great for bikes. Sand is not.
|
14 Jun 2007
|
 |
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DogZone Country
Posts: 1,218
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by wesleylthirkell
Hi,
I was wandering if Scottoilers are worththe money? Do they really get good even coverage on the chain? Or are you better off to take note of your milage and oil periodically? If so, how often do you oil the chain?
Thanks,
Wes
|
Chain oilers are one of the most important developments for bikes in decades. I like the Scottoiler and am currently on a 30,000 miles chain and sprockets, as others report too. I use EP 80 gear oil.
I fancy the Loobman for my city bike however as it only does short trips.
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-14
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
See all event details
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
