|
|
19 Dec 2007
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sax, Spain
Posts: 901
|
|
ahhhhhhhh LYNKLIFE!!!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lone Rider
as a teenager, making my Mom mad because I'd use one of her cooking pots, pour some oil in (probably some kinda junk SAE 30, don't remember that) and bathe my bike chain in warm oil over a burner. Then the messy chain was placed in a plastic bag and put in the freezer overnight.
|
Remember LYNKLIFE? the black wax stuff in the 12" across flat round tin?
clean the chain in paraffin, coil onto the block of LYNKLIFE and then onto the stove for half an hour... that stuff used to stink the garage out! i used an old Primis stove and then you would hang the chain up overnight to cool and it would be as stiff as a frozen snake. come to think of it, it must have worked because I dont EVER remember replacing a chain on my old bikes as a kid.
|
19 Dec 2007
|
Gold Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 77
|
|
Quote:
In fact, I've known riders who've matched the mileage of Scott Oiler equipped bikes, riding the SAME bike, and they only ever used WD40. Of course type of riding, conditions and rider aggressiveness all figure in.
|
A note of caution; I find WD40 works well to disolve spattered chain lube when cleaning the bike. I suspect it would do the same to the factory grease on an o-ring chain if it seeped past the o-rings. Just guessing - never tried it.
|
28 Dec 2007
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Burton On Trent England
Posts: 134
|
|
ive heard from various places that WD40 doesnt soak into the o-rings on the chains like real lube either. meaning that the o-rings wear out quicker than they should.
|
28 Dec 2007
|
|
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
|
|
Running a chain dry or with WD40 only should still see the O rings lasting quite a while.
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 08:17.
|
28 Dec 2007
|
Gold Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 77
|
|
Thanks for "busting the myth" around WD40 for chain lube Patrick. I will definately give your advice a try when off road.
Cheers
|
28 Dec 2007
|
|
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
|
|
Dirt riders here in the US don't use chain lube....but most aren't going RTW.
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 08:17.
|
16 Jan 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Saintfield N Ireland
Posts: 148
|
|
I would think about taking at least a spare chain, as heard of a few people who have had them snap just for no reason. But if weight/space is a real issue then as someone else said bring plenty of chain links so you can at least fix the broken chain and get to a bigger town where you might be able to get one sent out.
As for oiling the chain most people have answered that but i really dont like the sound of a dry chain with sand. I think i might try the opposion of over oiling it to try and flush the sand out. but dont know yet because i havent tried any sand riding yet.
|
17 Jan 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sax, Spain
Posts: 901
|
|
Hello.....
Quote:
Originally Posted by maxwell123455
i really dont like the sound of a dry chain with sand. I think i might try the opposion of over oiling it to try and flush the sand out. but dont know yet because i havent tried any sand riding yet.
|
Maxwell123455 PLEASE listen to people who KNOW.... Ie have experience......
The 'O' rings or better still 'X' rings keep lube IN where its needed.... and keep sand OUT... all you do if you oil that chain on sandy territory is turn the sand into GRINDING PASTE...... a Dry chain will not let any sand stick to it, and if you keep it clean with a rag, and WD40 it wont wear much either.
The HUBB is here as a knowledge database to let you and me and others learn from other peoples experiences, both good and bad, so we dont have to have the same heartache/ stress/ cost/ pain in the ass they had.
Oiling the chain WILL KILL IT IN THE SAND... over oiling it will make a HUGE MESS!! ..and a lot of crap to clean up...
Mollydog (Patrick) knows what he is talking about, he wasnt behind the door when brains were being dished out.... so listen to his advice!
|
17 Jan 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Martynbiker
......Oiling the chain WILL KILL IT IN THE SAND... over oiling it will make a HUGE MESS!! ..and a lot of crap to clean up...
Mollydog (Patrick) knows what he is talking about, he wasnt behind the door when brains were being dished out.... so listen to his advice!
|
Yes, but.....
Over-oiling a chain, while being messy, actually does clean it of solids. True...
|
17 Jan 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sax, Spain
Posts: 901
|
|
im not disagreeing
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lone Rider
Yes, but.....
Over-oiling a chain, while being messy, actually does clean it of solids. True...
|
yeah, i know it does clean it if, and only if, you turn your oiler up high ( in my experience, others may differ or have used thinner oil...so dont flame me, OK? )
I hate cleaning the overspray of oil off the bike, the wheel, and the tyre! not to mention that when you do get on to the Tarmac road there is so much oil on the rubber it can be Dangerous. I know this because about 6 weeks ago i NEARLY slid my back end round to meet the front because my (home made) chain oiler was set too high....... also the mess both on the bike ( and nearly in my trousers) was a nightmare......
Martyn
|
19 Jan 2008
|
|
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
|
|
If you do oil....oil lightly and clean
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 08:17.
|
19 Jan 2008
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,971
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog
Yes, it is counterintuitive running the dry chain...but its the way to go...(snip). If you know and understand how an O ring or X ring chain work and why....then you know you really do not ever have to lube them. And many sports bike riders never do. ....and still get 20,000 miles out of a chain.
If you do oil....oil lightly and clean frequently with WD40.....but never oil in sand or loose dirt, just makes grinding paste.
Patrick
|
I understand the rationale for avoiding sticky oils when riding in sand or dirt. However, my 520 x-ring chain begins to squeak and chirp at me shortly after I clean with WD40—within maybe a hundred miles or so. When I lube with some form of spray (recently a can of spray lithium grease because that's what I found in a shop in Italy, previously a can of foaming chain lube which was confiscated as "dangerous cargo" by the airline which shipped my bike), the chain runs silently for 3, 4 or 500 miles before it starts making the same racket. All that squeaking sounds like it's got to represent something bad happening; is this wrong?
Thanks for any and all insights.
Mark
|
19 Jan 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
|
|
Maintenance of the chain is important.
IMHO it is smart to carry a set of chains and sprockets or have a set at home that someone sends to if when/if you need it. After all it is 15-25kkm and you will probably not lube it in northern Africa. When (if) you start to lube it when the deserts end everything can happen…
I have met several overlanders in Africa waiting for chain and sprockets. Some has got sprockets made in a local workshop but the quality varies.
|
19 Jan 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
|
|
The next time you lube your chain, feel the effort needed to spin/turn the wheel before lubing and then after. It's a marked difference.
|
19 Jan 2008
|
|
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
|
|
Don't misunderstand guys....I do not advocate running a dry chain on tarmac
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 08:18.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 2 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 2 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.
|
|
|