Follow all your videos, just did a deep clean on the chain per your advice, worked the best I've ever seen. I've been wrenching on bikes over 40 years & still learn from all your advice. Brake clean & changed, bobbins cleaned, oil change the works! You, Penny & the collective are my inspiration. An old fart still learning. Will always follow your excellent advice. Thanks guys.
Hi There Dave, good to hear from you buddy... that makes em so happy that you can use the videos to help keep your stuff up together.. thats why we make them.. Keep at it my friend, there's no need handing over all your money to shops when you can do it at home... take care, and thanks for your support.. Del.
I use oil to clean my chain about once a month as I like to keep it clean. Also when I'm done I pour it into a 2liter bottle then put a cloth over the end to filter out most of the dirt from the oil and then can used the same oil as last time to do it next time. If you use the same oil about 3 times it works out cheaper than chain cleaner.
hey, i just bought my first bike, gsxr 400, 1992. im pretty green mechanically. just wanted to say a BIG ty.for taking the time to make and post these videos..or what ever their called nowadays.
That's interesting, I might give it a whirl. I run an R6 as a toy, so won't run a scottoiler as it's a bit messy for my liking, and 100-200 miles a week, I can suffice with using a good spray lubricant. I know I'm coming up to needing sprockets but I'll check the chain, if it doesn't need replacing I'll just bath it in oil for a bit. Will any good motor oil do? I've got left overs from petrol and diesel cars, bikes and all sorts. I assume when cleaning, oil is oil?
Exactly that Adam, when cleaning, oil is oil as long as its new, many riders who just want their bikes for good weather fun use the Wurth Dry Lube as it has no build and leaves the chain clean....give it a go mate... all the best.. Del.
We used to make our own hot oil baths with a 50/50 mix of paraffin sealing wax and 80 weight gear oil. After cooking the chain for several hours, we'd put the whole pot in the fridge to cool overnight. Next day you wipe the chain down with a clean rag, and install it. I think this is still the best way to clean/lube a bicycle chain.
+Lee Johnson Your friend is right mate, diesel works great and being an oil based product, it will not harm, or dry out, the rubbre O-rings... you can also use paraffin or kerosine, if you can get it, just don't use distilled spirits!
+Moonfleet41 Absolutely, I use Dextron ATF as a overnight chemical bath for everything metal and greasy to clean, especially the hand tools after they get gunked up.
Great advise and just did this to my chain. Take a bit to scrub all the links but turns out great when its finished. There is quite a bit of excess though.
So I've always been told to change chain and sprockets, as an old chain will ruin new sprockets, and old sprockets ruin a new chain. Is this true? As I'm assuming for 40k you'd likely go through 3, 4 or more sprocket sets on one chain?
Not at all mate, by all means change the full set if they are all worn out, but I change 3 front sprockets to one rear (as being a 3-to-1 gearing it does 3 times as much work, so will wear out 3 times sooner)... and as your front sprocket never gets knackered and hooked then it doesn't start beating the chain, so the chain life is extended... you can check chain wear by flexing the chain, side to side, laterally to it's direction of travel, and pulling it off the back of the sprocket checks the overall wear of the full set... running a Scottoiler will also prolong chain and sprocket life... but generally, the worn out front sprocket is what will trash your chain, so replace them every 8-10k as they're only a tenner!
Hi Delboy, just wanted to make a quick request for whenever you get a chance, could you show the easiest way to get a chain off without having to break it and re-rivet it?
Hey Dan, the only way to get the chain off the bike without splitting it is to drop the wheel out, then the swing arm itself.....then the chain will just pull out.. its not hard, just need to check all the suspension fixings after you reassemble it.. check out the video we did on refitting the swing arm.. its all there mate. Del.
Wipe it off with a couple of rags. It wouldn't be a good idea to use gasoline, kerosene, brake cleaner or WD-40. All of which have the potential to seep pass the o-rings and/or deteriorate the rubber.
That's a good idea. I've had bicycles and motorbikes with chain cases and without and the difference a chaincase makes to chain cleanliness and durabilty is amazing, esp in Winter. An oil bath would of course be nicer like my timing chain has. These days I look at a chain drive and think it looks as old fashioned as exposed valve gear. My scooter has a drive belt with automatic tensioning and a fan to keep the inside of the drivebelt case clean :)
G’day mate, just watched this 10 year old video, I know I’m a bit behind hey 😂 I was just wondering do you still recommend this way of cleaning the chain or have things changed since Cheers mate, I just subbed 👍
Hi mate, no worries.. there are many products out now to help with cleaning chains, and they're all good.. but yeah, clean engine oil will still release and remove old grime, and won't leave the chain dry like some of the solvant cleaners can.. just a choise if you want to use it..!
I bought a little 250 Yamaha, and I went to lube it, noticed it was all rusted. Means they did not lube it at all. Then they left the bike setting for years. Its a old bike, 1988. Don't know how long its been setting, but runs great. I have been lubing it much when I saw how rusty is was. Some bikers don't know we have to lube a chain driven bike.
Re; Devon Melon's question as to check out your chain for wear. Take it off the bike, lay it out flat on its' side. Grasp one end and lift it, trying to keep it in the horizontal position, you'll find it will sag, a new chain has virtually no sag, the more wear the more sag, As to when it needs replacing? Check out the book length of the chain and compare it with your chain,there should be no more than 1% increase when it's extended out fully by pulling each end. P.S. chains don't stretch, they just wear.
Hi there. I don't own a bike yet but I really want to get one. I will use my bike for cheap commuting for all week days and all the models that I've liked had chain drives on them. How much do you think it would cost for the maintenance if I do it myself? How do I start maintaining my bike? Thanks in advance.
'How do I start maintaining my bike?' ... first thing you'll need is a bike, the a few basic tools and a place to work on it... get yourself a manual and start watching the videos , the rest develops from there!
Moonfleet41 I hope I will be able to the change brake disks and all that jazz on my own. It'll probably be enjoyable. You have great tips on your channel. Thanks for sharing.
my chain is ROCK solid jammed in the same shape as was on bike and quite rusty (no o'rings) .. whats best way to bring it back to life ? ... soak it in petrol or oil ?
Pulled my bike out the garage after 7 years. Changed fluids filter plugs fuel etc and cleaned out the calipers, but would this trick work for the chain, she is same DID gold type, a bit of flaking on some of the links, and a little stiff, still rides and passed MOT. Same goes for tyres , old but still meat left on them they lost a bit of air but re inflated ok before and since MOT. Just joined forum, will order a cap asap
Hi Scott, I would throw those tyres away... they will start to crack up before long after 7yrs sat still... only you can tell with the chain, it's important that every link is completely free and moving - any stiff, or frozen, links, then it's best to replace it !
Hi Del and Penny . Love your videos, so educational and entertaining at the same time . I watch them often for my 2003 Bonneville . Just a tad confused though ..at 0:50 this chain is referred to as a DID Regina gold chain . Two different manufacturers? Keep up the good work . Ride safe, Best wishes . Dave , New Zealand.
Yeah, sorry Dave, slip of the tongue mate.. it was an old video... much improved now days.. cheers for your support fellah, really appreciate your kind words, take care.. Del. . .
I have just got my self a triumph trident sprint 900 and I am looking to go out for my first ride with it . but I would like to meet up with fellows motorbike rides like yourself .
Great video as always. On the cleaning note, have you got a top tip for removing 3M double sided tape? I've got a Riderscan mirror attached to the windshield and need to remove it
Wow, amazing how much a good clean can do. I've got a fancy 3 sided brush for doing my chain, coat the brush in chain cleaner on the far side before running the chain through it. Lemon Bandit Update: Started off bad as I got carried away with the spray paint, Luckily WD40 removes both frost liquid wrap and Plastidip brilliantly so I've been able to save it. Having to do it so piece by piece over several days so rather than a video just taking pics of before and after, will stick them in a slide show type thing and upload them as a video so you can have a look. So far I have found that Muc off (pink spray), ACF50 and WD40 ALL (WD40 - then ACF50 then Muc-off in efficency) remove this wrap so be careful when it comes to winter cleaning
Would this help a siezed link by any chance. There was a DID chain on my bike when i bought it but it has a siezed link. Guy in the bike garage i use said outwith the siezed link the chain is in great condition.
Ayup Del.(that feels wierd typing that..lol).... with your chain buddy, you can lube and manipulate a frozen link to make it move... but rust is like cancer, you will never cure it..one rainy day and it will freeze up again..the only remedy is renewal...so if the rest of the chain is really good...why not buy a rivet link (used for joining a chain) and replace the rusted link with it....just separate the rusted one by grinding the heads off with a grinder..pull the buggered link out, and rejoin the chain with the new rivvet link...yes..i know people will argue that its not good to have two joints in a chain..but thats bollox mate..drag bikes with long swing arms have lengths of chain joined in to make up the length, and they run hundreds of horse power...so clean the whole chain..isolate the frozen one..and replace it mate... job done. hope that helps.. Del.
Hi I recently found your channel and have found your videos very helpful I even brought a scottoiler due to your advice 1 question I have is I cleaned my chain on my bike with a wurth chain cleaner before I installed the scottoiler and noticed parts of the gold started coming off is that normal or not I completely washed the bike down after I noticed incase it damaged other areas cheers
***** Hi Sean, it's possible that the anodising is corroding off the outer plates, can happen if the chain has been left with a salty crud on it, and this again is why spray on lubes are less effective than an oiler because what you put on there is sticky and holds the salt on the chain, this just builds up and festers, whereas an oiler washes oil through the chain, taking the dirt with it.. I've had my chain on for 6,500 miles, I;ve only adjusted it once, and haven't needed to clean it yet, to this day it's almost spotless and just oily, and the only cost of this is having to clean the back wheel more often... keep an eye on the chain, it sounds like it's just a bit of corrosion flaking off the plating... perhaps wire brush the outer plates with a fine spark plug brush and keep them oily...
Yes Jack...2T oil sis perfect mate...the runny oil is better than thick engine oil...i even use 2 stroke oil in my Scott Oiler to keep mine clean all the time..!!! get stuck in mate.!
Enjoyed the video, quick question, I'm a new biker and was recommended by a friend to use scottoiler but my chain seems to be getting rusty on the outer plates. I ride in all weathers, would you recommend a dry lube and if so which one?
+Lee Hine OK, so from your message, am presuming you have a Scottoiler and your outer plates are still getting rusty?? Certainly don't use a dry lube, as that's for dry weather, if anything, you would use a chain wax to keep the water off... you could also set the Scottoiler to run a little more oil in wet weather to keep the chain doused in lube... but if you really wanna be sure, then chain ax over the outer plates and keep the Scottoiler at normal levels,...
+Lee Hine Hi mate, ok, that oil is not designed for 'single' use...it will fling off in one ride and go dry... it's designed to be dripped on constantly as you ride, keeping the chain wet! If you don't have the oiler device and you ride in the rain, go with a weekly clean and application of chain wax...
+Moonfleet41 Thanks for that. just watched your video on the scottoiler. Found it very interesting and made a lot of sense. I'll look at the v system soon I think. Cheers
Diesel may get the dirt off really well, but thats because its a solvent mate...and i made that point, the solvent will ingress the chain and stay there, then dilute and wash out the new lube with centrifugal force when you ride it.. clean oil will just help keep it lubed.!!
Al S Hey, come on down buddy, the more the merrier, its the "Triumph day" tomorrow, but all bikes are welcome...so see you there. ride safe on the way down... Del.
hi dellboy qeustion to you ive replace my swing arm on my bandit 1999 x i was wondering how important the plastic chain guide is its still on but my chain doesnt seam to be inline with it its off center but the tyre is fine its all straight and in line with the front sprocket will its just make a groove for the chain to hug or will it have to be moved
safy87 HI buddy, if you replaced the swing arm, is that maybe the old chain guide from the donor bike?...did you keep the old chain guide from your original swing arm, can you maybe fit that to the new swing arm ... just a thought.. !it should be ok as long as the chain isnt rubbing on it..!
First of all thanks for all the helpful videos that you put up! really helped me on a couple of occasions. Quick question, I am going to replace the chain and sprockets on my bike (95 bandit 250cc of awesomeness :P) any tips? mainly with regards to lubrication? it is a DID chain. Do I need to add extra lubrication or something along those lines?
Hi mate, nothing special on the lubrication.. the chain should come with a coating of white grease on it.....so once you finish fitting it, just give it a spray with some good quality chain lube... or maybe fit a Scott Oiller so you dont have to worry othet then to top it up once a month...!
Just another quick question, my bike has an o or x ring chain on it (from what I can find it comes like that from the factory). Can I replace this with a standard non-oring chain? I'm asking you this cause i cocked up in the order and got a non o ring chain. Should I bite the bullet and buy another chain? Or will it be fine if I lubricate it with an oiler? (I built one over the weekend for around 10 euro rather than the price of a scottoiler)
kieli Hi Kieli... i would always say to use an O-Ring chain for the road... as the non-Oring type will dry out too quick...but as long as you fit an oiler and keep it working...thne its fine...no need to waste money...use it up and get the right chain next time... Cheers, Del.
As I live in the US I'd like to do the mods you go over with the Bonnie, but pounds to dollars throws me a bit, and US suppliers are probably a bit different. Clearly I need to join the idiot collective:) Any suggestions on getting the Bonnie parts in the US
Hi Mike, there is a great supplier for aftermarket parts and they have a US agent over there... check 'em out, they are... www.tecbikeparts.com ... very reasonable and top quality stuff!
OIL! Genius! I use wurth dry chain lube, seems to have served me well , And i have to admit I tend to just layer it on rather then clean it every now and again, and when i do... I do use WD40. So maybe some oil is the better idea
WD40 is great for now and again to keep it looking bright, but it does have solvent properties which will loosen the lubricant and help it fling off... clean oil is by far the best releasant for dried on chain lube... just wipes off afterwards and you can go back to your Wurth dry lube afterwards!
The best chain lube I've used is cheap old SAE50 motor oil, applied liberally with an old-fashioned oil can, followed by wiping off the excess with an old rag. It both lubes and cleans the chain in one go. It flings off a bit more than dedicated chain lubes, but I figure that just pulls more dirt off the chain instead of keeping it stuck there.
NO, certainly NOT.. gasoline is too harsh, it will dry out the rubbers and maybe even perish them... but on the other hand.. Kerosene, or Diesel is fine and will do a better job of cleaning it too..!
That's some expensive oil to be cleaning a chain! Lol, when I first saw the motul jug (I assumed it was 300v), I thought "I'm too cheap for this nonsense" I run the 300v in my bikes and cringe every time I go to buy it. I'm a newer subscriber and enjoy the vids, great stuff! Thanks for sharing
Hi Matthew, it was probably, indeed, a posh choice, but I changed over to another brand of oil and had about 1.5litres of this left, which I only use for top-ups... any engine oil will do, as long as it's clean!
I do this on the bike if I don't have the swingarm off. I take a half-liter soda bottle, cut a cup out of the bottom of it, pour some oil in the cup, then take a toothbrush and get to work on the chain. I do frontside, backside, top and under. And most important, I feel, is to get the outside faces of the inner plates, because that's where the dirt is closest to the o-rings. Afterwards, just take a rag and wipe off the excess oil.
Like dissolves like. Oil - diesel - kerosene all work great for O-ring chains. Use what you have. No need to buy specialty aerosolized chain cleaners. Not a fun job but I love that first ride after a good clean.
You have to bear in mind that most oils attacks rubber given enough time, The engine oil you are using is providing a medium and the agitation of the nylon toothbrush is doing most of the cleaning, This is safe enough and will doubt clean the chain, But you are being far to paranoid towards paraffin or WD40, Yes left to soak for too long it will start to attack rubber, But like the engine oil your using it would take hours, You also have to look at cost, Say a high quality chain is around sixty quid, You just poured in a litre of oil, My castrol oil was twenty seven quid for four litres, Paraffin at a local garage pump is 65p a litre
This oil was the left overs from the last couple of oil changes, so whilst it was 'new' in the sense it was un-used, it didn't cost my anything, it was just sat on the shelf, not only that, thin solvents can seep in under the O-rings and stay there with the new chain lube being too thick to flush it out, it then becomes the only lubricant on the pin and being too think, leads to excess wear... so thick fresh oil is always the best...
I'd take care of a chain like this, if the motul oil wasnt more expensive than the chain I'm cleaning it with, keep up with a chain, but just replace it if it gives you problems. It's a wearable item and it was always meant to be. A DID gold chain with 120 links (520) is around 80 dollars, it's not worth spending 30 to get expensive supplies that will last you 3 or 4 cleanings.
Dell I need some help to get my bike back. A gang of motorcyclists should picket Seatrans Byron Road Felixstowe one Saturday soon. My bike is impounded there in a bonded warehouse along with all my gear helmet and jacket. Back in May I had a major accident I rolled a lorry on to in side just off j25 M25. I damaged a rib and had two back eyes and heavy bruising on my back and right leg. I am feeling better now but the rib is taking its time. Neil
First Neil, what's the link between your accident and the bike? Why was it impounded and by whom? (the Police?, Bailliffs?, your employer?,who?)... if it's a bonded warehouse under what terms is it held there and how do you think picketing the place will help?... is it held under a court order and in what way was it involved with the accident? Were you riding the bike or driving the lorry... need more information mate
I didnt realise modern chains had "O" rings, i can see why you use just oil now :-) Dont forget to use a nice white towl to plonk it on to drain ha ha, i can see penny cringing :) lol.
Im all for cleaning and looking after things myself mate its half the fun, who let that chain get like that? And 20k id say its done its job! The orings wont be the best now anyway, i would just buy a new one to be honest, gota be better then using £40 worth of 4l oil on it, my chains stay 100% tho, i clean them after each ride 👌🏻👍🏼 take it easy
I'm an idiot!!!! .. LOL!! .... "My tipple or my danger?" ..... Hmmmmm I honestly thought you said "Nipple" ... Where the hell is my mind at?! ...... Find those cams yet?!?!
going to join the idiot collective now! heard from a few people that oil cleans chains well but I forgot the main part don't use own toothbrush, use the wife's! lol keep the vids coming bud :D
That motul 4t is quality and dirt cheap off of ebay. About 20 notes for 5l. Half the price Halfords will pinch out your wallet for their own brand stuff.
Follow all your videos, just did a deep clean on the chain per your advice, worked the best I've ever seen. I've been wrenching on bikes over 40 years & still learn from all your advice. Brake clean & changed, bobbins cleaned, oil change the works! You, Penny & the collective are my inspiration. An old fart still learning. Will always follow your excellent advice. Thanks guys.
Hi There Dave, good to hear from you buddy... that makes em so happy that you can use the videos to help keep your stuff up together.. thats why we make them.. Keep at it my friend, there's no need handing over all your money to shops when you can do it at home... take care, and thanks for your support.. Del.
I forward all your videos to my buddies who own harleys as well! I love my little 600 bandit, perfect for me & my wife.
I use oil to clean my chain about once a month as I like to keep it clean. Also when I'm done I pour it into a 2liter bottle then put a cloth over the end to filter out most of the dirt from the oil and then can used the same oil as last time to do it next time. If you use the same oil about 3 times it works out cheaper than chain cleaner.
hey, i just bought my first bike, gsxr 400, 1992. im pretty green mechanically. just wanted to say a BIG ty.for taking the time to make and post these videos..or what ever their called nowadays.
That's interesting, I might give it a whirl. I run an R6 as a toy, so won't run a scottoiler as it's a bit messy for my liking, and 100-200 miles a week, I can suffice with using a good spray lubricant.
I know I'm coming up to needing sprockets but I'll check the chain, if it doesn't need replacing I'll just bath it in oil for a bit. Will any good motor oil do? I've got left overs from petrol and diesel cars, bikes and all sorts. I assume when cleaning, oil is oil?
Exactly that Adam, when cleaning, oil is oil as long as its new, many riders who just want their bikes for good weather fun use the Wurth Dry Lube as it has no build and leaves the chain clean....give it a go mate... all the best.. Del.
We used to make our own hot oil baths with a 50/50 mix of paraffin sealing wax and 80 weight gear oil. After cooking the chain for several hours, we'd put the whole pot in the fridge to cool overnight. Next day you wipe the chain down with a clean rag, and install it. I think this is still the best way to clean/lube a bicycle chain.
Fancy doing a video on organic, ceramic and/or sintered brake pads sometime? I'm new to this game and don't know what's right for my bike. cheers.
Nice videos fella, keep it up.
BTW if you'd left the chain to soak in diesel for 48 hours it would be spotless.
A friend said to me clean my chain in diesel, what do you think? Learning so much from you, thanks
+Lee Johnson Your friend is right mate, diesel works great and being an oil based product, it will not harm, or dry out, the rubbre O-rings... you can also use paraffin or kerosine, if you can get it, just don't use distilled spirits!
Moonfleet41 of
Does it matter what engine oil I use to clean the chain?
Got some Castrol Mgnatec 5w30 from my car, there's 3 litlres left ...
Anything thats clean is good..even Dextron ATF, the oil will release all the sticky black stuff and leave it clean and lubed.
+Moonfleet41 Absolutely, I use Dextron ATF as a overnight chemical bath for everything metal and greasy to clean, especially the hand tools after they get gunked up.
Great advise and just did this to my chain. Take a bit to scrub all the links but turns out great when its finished. There is quite a bit of excess though.
yeah it does tend to 'bleed' the oil off for a while.. i just keep wiping it over and over till it stops running off.
So I've always been told to change chain and sprockets, as an old chain will ruin new sprockets, and old sprockets ruin a new chain.
Is this true? As I'm assuming for 40k you'd likely go through 3, 4 or more sprocket sets on one chain?
Not at all mate, by all means change the full set if they are all worn out, but I change 3 front sprockets to one rear (as being a 3-to-1 gearing it does 3 times as much work, so will wear out 3 times sooner)... and as your front sprocket never gets knackered and hooked then it doesn't start beating the chain, so the chain life is extended... you can check chain wear by flexing the chain, side to side, laterally to it's direction of travel, and pulling it off the back of the sprocket checks the overall wear of the full set... running a Scottoiler will also prolong chain and sprocket life... but generally, the worn out front sprocket is what will trash your chain, so replace them every 8-10k as they're only a tenner!
Brilliant Del, ill give this a go … Cheers
I'm a little late but can I use transmission fluid to do this since i have that left over?
Ooh I actually need to give mine a clean ( only got 3 weeks worth of lube on) interested too see the methods
Hi Delboy, just wanted to make a quick request for whenever you get a chance, could you show the easiest way to get a chain off without having to break it and re-rivet it?
Hey Dan, the only way to get the chain off the bike without splitting it is to drop the wheel out, then the swing arm itself.....then the chain will just pull out.. its not hard, just need to check all the suspension fixings after you reassemble it.. check out the video we did on refitting the swing arm.. its all there mate. Del.
Moonfleet41 Cheers Del!
How do you clean the oil off afterwords?
Wipe it off with a couple of rags. It wouldn't be a good idea to use gasoline, kerosene, brake cleaner or WD-40. All of which have the potential to seep pass the o-rings and/or deteriorate the rubber.
That's a good idea. I've had bicycles and motorbikes with chain cases and without and the difference a chaincase makes to chain cleanliness and durabilty is amazing, esp in Winter. An oil bath would of course be nicer like my timing chain has. These days I look at a chain drive and think it looks as old fashioned as exposed valve gear. My scooter has a drive belt with automatic tensioning and a fan to keep the inside of the drivebelt case clean :)
brandywell44 All Harley Davidsons run on belt drive, and in the future, we'll see increasingly more maufacturers using it... !
G’day mate, just watched this 10 year old video, I know I’m a bit behind hey 😂
I was just wondering do you still recommend this way of cleaning the chain or have things changed since
Cheers mate, I just subbed 👍
Hi mate, no worries.. there are many products out now to help with cleaning chains, and they're all good.. but yeah, clean engine oil will still release and remove old grime, and won't leave the chain dry like some of the solvant cleaners can.. just a choise if you want to use it..!
@ thanks mate, I’m going to give your oil trick a go
Cheers 👍
I bought a little 250 Yamaha, and I went to lube it, noticed it was all rusted. Means they did not lube it at all. Then they left the bike setting for years. Its a old bike, 1988. Don't know how long its been setting, but runs great. I have been lubing it much when I saw how rusty is was. Some bikers don't know we have to lube a chain driven bike.
Re; Devon Melon's question as to check out your chain for wear.
Take it off the bike, lay it out flat on its' side.
Grasp one end and lift it, trying to keep it in the horizontal position, you'll find it will sag, a new chain has virtually no sag, the more wear the more sag,
As to when it needs replacing?
Check out the book length of the chain and compare it with your chain,there should be no more than 1% increase when it's extended out fully by pulling each end.
P.S. chains don't stretch, they just wear.
Won’t this wash the grit into the o-rings causing premature failure?
Hy.could i clean chain with diesel??
Hi there. I don't own a bike yet but I really want to get one. I will use my bike for cheap commuting for all week days and all the models that I've liked had chain drives on them. How much do you think it would cost for the maintenance if I do it myself? How do I start maintaining my bike? Thanks in advance.
'How do I start maintaining my bike?' ... first thing you'll need is a bike, the a few basic tools and a place to work on it... get yourself a manual and start watching the videos , the rest develops from there!
Moonfleet41 I hope I will be able to the change brake disks and all that jazz on my own. It'll probably be enjoyable. You have great tips on your channel. Thanks for sharing.
my chain is ROCK solid jammed in the same shape as was on bike and quite rusty (no o'rings) .. whats best way to bring it back to life ? ... soak it in petrol or oil ?
No chance mate,, its scrap... once its rusted solid, thats it.. just get a new one buddy.!
Pulled my bike out the garage after 7 years. Changed fluids filter plugs fuel etc and cleaned out the calipers, but would this trick work for the chain, she is same DID gold type, a bit of flaking on some of the links, and a little stiff, still rides and passed MOT. Same goes for tyres , old but still meat left on them they lost a bit of air but re inflated ok before and since MOT. Just joined forum, will order a cap asap
And yes it's the Duke in my profile pic, shame on me for ignoring her so long I know.
Hi Scott, I would throw those tyres away... they will start to crack up before long after 7yrs sat still... only you can tell with the chain, it's important that every link is completely free and moving - any stiff, or frozen, links, then it's best to replace it !
Hi Del and Penny . Love your videos, so educational and entertaining at the same time . I watch them often for my 2003 Bonneville . Just a tad confused though ..at 0:50 this chain is referred to as a DID Regina gold chain . Two different manufacturers? Keep up the good work . Ride safe, Best wishes . Dave , New Zealand.
Yeah, sorry Dave, slip of the tongue mate.. it was an old video... much improved now days.. cheers for your support fellah, really appreciate your kind words, take care.. Del. . .
Very good vid thanks 4 posting Im gonna try to clean my chain like this 4Sure
Cheers mate, thanks for watching.
Good tips yet again my friend, RS Bud.
Another good video, I have some leftover oil in my garage and I will try this thanks!!!
I have just got my self a triumph trident sprint 900 and I am looking to go out for my first ride with it . but I would like to meet up with fellows motorbike rides like yourself .
Great video as always. On the cleaning note, have you got a top tip for removing 3M double sided tape? I've got a Riderscan mirror attached to the windshield and need to remove it
WD-40
Greg Gregorski
Agreed....!
deeping in oil is good after deep wash is diesel or petrol. I use to wash chain in xylene.
the stuff like boot polish referred to at 1.40 ish was "link life". brings back memories lol
Wow, amazing how much a good clean can do. I've got a fancy 3 sided brush for doing my chain, coat the brush in chain cleaner on the far side before running the chain through it.
Lemon Bandit Update: Started off bad as I got carried away with the spray paint, Luckily WD40 removes both frost liquid wrap and Plastidip brilliantly so I've been able to save it. Having to do it so piece by piece over several days so rather than a video just taking pics of before and after, will stick them in a slide show type thing and upload them as a video so you can have a look.
So far I have found that Muc off (pink spray), ACF50 and WD40 ALL (WD40 - then ACF50 then Muc-off in efficency) remove this wrap so be careful when it comes to winter cleaning
So does furniture polish and silicone mate..dissolves it like warm chocolate..good luck with the tennis ball paint job, cant wait to see it...! Del.
Wait.. clean. Does this include rust, or this is after rust is off?
No, this is to clean off road grime and lube gunk... if your chain is rusted you should think about replacing it.. corrosion makes it weak !
Would a sonic cleaner with fresh oil do the job without the scrubbing? Would it hurt it any.
Thanks mate will go have a look
How do we should now witch way the chain goes??
Would this help a siezed link by any chance.
There was a DID chain on my bike when i bought it but it has a siezed link. Guy in the bike garage i use said outwith the siezed link the chain is in great condition.
Ayup Del.(that feels wierd typing that..lol).... with your chain buddy, you can lube and manipulate a frozen link to make it move... but rust is like cancer, you will never cure it..one rainy day and it will freeze up again..the only remedy is renewal...so if the rest of the chain is really good...why not buy a rivet link (used for joining a chain) and replace the rusted link with it....just separate the rusted one by grinding the heads off with a grinder..pull the buggered link out, and rejoin the chain with the new rivvet link...yes..i know people will argue that its not good to have two joints in a chain..but thats bollox mate..drag bikes with long swing arms have lengths of chain joined in to make up the length, and they run hundreds of horse power...so clean the whole chain..isolate the frozen one..and replace it mate... job done. hope that helps.. Del.
is it possible to electroplate bike chains? or would it be bad for the seals
Hi I recently found your channel and have found your videos very helpful I even brought a scottoiler due to your advice 1 question I have is I cleaned my chain on my bike with a wurth chain cleaner before I installed the scottoiler and noticed parts of the gold started coming off is that normal or not I completely washed the bike down after I noticed incase it damaged other areas cheers
Hi Sean....what gold is coming off mate?....do you mean the metal chain links.?
Hi mate Yea the actual chain links I'm only asking as it's never happened to me before
***** Hi Sean, it's possible that the anodising is corroding off the outer plates, can happen if the chain has been left with a salty crud on it, and this again is why spray on lubes are less effective than an oiler because what you put on there is sticky and holds the salt on the chain, this just builds up and festers, whereas an oiler washes oil through the chain, taking the dirt with it.. I've had my chain on for 6,500 miles, I;ve only adjusted it once, and haven't needed to clean it yet, to this day it's almost spotless and just oily, and the only cost of this is having to clean the back wheel more often... keep an eye on the chain, it sounds like it's just a bit of corrosion flaking off the plating... perhaps wire brush the outer plates with a fine spark plug brush and keep them oily...
Alright Del boy
Would 2 stroke semi synthetic oil be ok to do this? I've got some left over from an old bike and the chain needs some serious love.
Yes Jack...2T oil sis perfect mate...the runny oil is better than thick engine oil...i even use 2 stroke oil in my Scott Oiler to keep mine clean all the time..!!! get stuck in mate.!
Enjoyed the video, quick question, I'm a new biker and was recommended by a friend to use scottoiler but my chain seems to be getting rusty on the outer plates. I ride in all weathers, would you recommend a dry lube and if so which one?
+Lee Hine OK, so from your message, am presuming you have a Scottoiler and your outer plates are still getting rusty?? Certainly don't use a dry lube, as that's for dry weather, if anything, you would use a chain wax to keep the water off... you could also set the Scottoiler to run a little more oil in wet weather to keep the chain doused in lube... but if you really wanna be sure, then chain ax over the outer plates and keep the Scottoiler at normal levels,...
+Moonfleet41 not using an automatic oiler, just the oil. I just find it doesn't offer much protection at all really. so maybe go for a wax?
+Lee Hine Hi mate, ok, that oil is not designed for 'single' use...it will fling off in one ride and go dry... it's designed to be dripped on constantly as you ride, keeping the chain wet! If you don't have the oiler device and you ride in the rain, go with a weekly clean and application of chain wax...
+Moonfleet41 Thanks for that. just watched your video on the scottoiler. Found it very interesting and made a lot of sense. I'll look at the v system soon I think. Cheers
heya del I use red diesel to clean chain then cover it in oil red diesel is about 70p a litre at the moment
Diesel may get the dirt off really well, but thats because its a solvent mate...and i made that point, the solvent will ingress the chain and stay there, then dilute and wash out the new lube with centrifugal force when you ride it.. clean oil will just help keep it lubed.!!
Well, I was waiting for the 'trick' with the hammer on the chain join but I guess we can wait some more :-)
Enjoy the ACE you guys!
Cheers Al', shame you guys cant make it tomorrow...have a good day.. Del.
Moonfleet41
And the Hammer thing??...You cannot ditch us now ya know :-)
Moonfleet41 Could i join you guys in Ace Cafe if I will make it from Warwickshire tomorrow? Please?
Al S
Hey, come on down buddy, the more the merrier, its the "Triumph day" tomorrow, but all bikes are welcome...so see you there. ride safe on the way down... Del.
Moonfleet41 and what time you all staying till? Because im working till 2 pm today.. :/ and it looks like a lovely day today..
hi dellboy qeustion to you ive replace my swing arm on my bandit 1999 x i was wondering how important the plastic chain guide is its still on but my chain doesnt seam to be inline with it its off center but the tyre is fine its all straight and in line with the front sprocket will its just make a groove for the chain to hug or will it have to be moved
safy87 HI buddy, if you replaced the swing arm, is that maybe the old chain guide from the donor bike?...did you keep the old chain guide from your original swing arm, can you maybe fit that to the new swing arm ... just a thought.. !it should be ok as long as the chain isnt rubbing on it..!
Cool forum.. jumped in
We are not worth Sir... Welcome and thanks for joining Milo... see you in the threads.. Del.
I'm in there looking at the paint that is conductive and lights up .. oh what have you started now Del..stay the course!
First of all thanks for all the helpful videos that you put up! really helped me on a couple of occasions. Quick question, I am going to replace the chain and sprockets on my bike (95 bandit 250cc of awesomeness :P) any tips? mainly with regards to lubrication? it is a DID chain. Do I need to add extra lubrication or something along those lines?
Hi mate, nothing special on the lubrication.. the chain should come with a coating of white grease on it.....so once you finish fitting it, just give it a spray with some good quality chain lube... or maybe fit a Scott Oiller so you dont have to worry othet then to top it up once a month...!
Thanks for the response :)
Just another quick question, my bike has an o or x ring chain on it (from what I can find it comes like that from the factory). Can I replace this with a standard non-oring chain?
I'm asking you this cause i cocked up in the order and got a non o ring chain. Should I bite the bullet and buy another chain? Or will it be fine if I lubricate it with an oiler? (I built one over the weekend for around 10 euro rather than the price of a scottoiler)
kieli
Hi Kieli... i would always say to use an O-Ring chain for the road... as the non-Oring type will dry out too quick...but as long as you fit an oiler and keep it working...thne its fine...no need to waste money...use it up and get the right chain next time... Cheers, Del.
cheers for the reply
Have you ever used Wurth chain cleaner/dry chain lub?
Yes i use Wurth dry chain lube on the Scrambler now it has a gold DID chain..
As I live in the US I'd like to do the mods you go over with the Bonnie, but pounds to dollars throws me a bit, and US suppliers are probably a bit different. Clearly I need to join the idiot collective:) Any suggestions on getting the Bonnie parts in the US
Hi Mike, there is a great supplier for aftermarket parts and they have a US agent over there... check 'em out, they are... www.tecbikeparts.com ... very reasonable and top quality stuff!
OIL! Genius! I use wurth dry chain lube, seems to have served me well , And i have to admit I tend to just layer it on rather then clean it every now and again, and when i do... I do use WD40. So maybe some oil is the better idea
WD40 is great for now and again to keep it looking bright, but it does have solvent properties which will loosen the lubricant and help it fling off... clean oil is by far the best releasant for dried on chain lube... just wipes off afterwards and you can go back to your Wurth dry lube afterwards!
Thankyou sir, you have just saved me some money aswel! cuse WD40 aint cheap
The best chain lube I've used is cheap old SAE50 motor oil, applied liberally with an old-fashioned oil can, followed by wiping off the excess with an old rag. It both lubes and cleans the chain in one go. It flings off a bit more than dedicated chain lubes, but I figure that just pulls more dirt off the chain instead of keeping it stuck there.
Can one just trow the chain in a bath of gasoline to clean the chain?
NO, certainly NOT.. gasoline is too harsh, it will dry out the rubbers and maybe even perish them... but on the other hand.. Kerosene, or Diesel is fine and will do a better job of cleaning it too..!
Well ok thank you, I will try it with some diesel then.
That's some expensive oil to be cleaning a chain! Lol, when I first saw the motul jug (I assumed it was 300v), I thought "I'm too cheap for this nonsense" I run the 300v in my bikes and cringe every time I go to buy it. I'm a newer subscriber and enjoy the vids, great stuff! Thanks for sharing
Hi Matthew, it was probably, indeed, a posh choice, but I changed over to another brand of oil and had about 1.5litres of this left, which I only use for top-ups... any engine oil will do, as long as it's clean!
I do this on the bike if I don't have the swingarm off. I take a half-liter soda bottle, cut a cup out of the bottom of it, pour some oil in the cup, then take a toothbrush and get to work on the chain. I do frontside, backside, top and under. And most important, I feel, is to get the outside faces of the inner plates, because that's where the dirt is closest to the o-rings. Afterwards, just take a rag and wipe off the excess oil.
Del I tried joining the forum, long before I found your TH-cam channel. It failed to respond to the request. IE no email after registering.
Thats odd....not had anyone fail to get reg'd, try again here mate, should take you straight to it.. bikers.boards.net/
JOINED.
Thanks Bloke !
Really stuped question sorry guys whats the name of the forum mentioned and where can i find it??????
madmarkuk1 Link here buddy... bikers.boards.net/
Thanks mate will go have a look
Like dissolves like. Oil - diesel - kerosene all work great for O-ring chains. Use what you have. No need to buy specialty aerosolized chain cleaners. Not a fun job but I love that first ride after a good clean.
You have to bear in mind that most oils attacks rubber given enough time, The engine oil you are using is providing a medium and the agitation of the nylon toothbrush is doing most of the cleaning, This is safe enough and will doubt clean the chain, But you are being far to paranoid towards paraffin or WD40, Yes left to soak for too long it will start to attack rubber, But like the engine oil your using it would take hours, You also have to look at cost, Say a high quality chain is around sixty quid, You just poured in a litre of oil, My castrol oil was twenty seven quid for four litres, Paraffin at a local garage pump is 65p a litre
This oil was the left overs from the last couple of oil changes, so whilst it was 'new' in the sense it was un-used, it didn't cost my anything, it was just sat on the shelf, not only that, thin solvents can seep in under the O-rings and stay there with the new chain lube being too thick to flush it out, it then becomes the only lubricant on the pin and being too think, leads to excess wear... so thick fresh oil is always the best...
Hi fella, I like that vid, informative, nice one - have fun keep safe - cheers Nige
Thanks Nige, good to hear form you mate..
Thanks for showing me i new to bikeing u got new sub
You are now the Jamie Oliver of the biking world ;-)
Pukka (pronounced with tongue out lol!)
One job I have always hated,,, don't know why but it is !!! Good job,,
Ride Safe....
And one of the reasons i LOVE Harleys...no chain...(or valve clearances to check)..
Wise to take the opportunity now that it is off. Should be good for another 20 Hp
Ha ha, it offsets the cake you know..!
Nice 1 Dell but I'm confused :In some replies you say desil good,then in others you say it's bad?
Which is it mate,good or bad [mostly?]
You're really lucky...my wife wouldn't let me use her toothbrush to clean a chain.
I know....and our cat wouldn't let me use his latrine unless i upgraded him to posh new one either...
R u going to reuse the toothbrush to brush your teth
What this GLOVES on are we getting PC lol
No mate, its called Dermatitis....lol
I'd take care of a chain like this, if the motul oil wasnt more expensive than the chain I'm cleaning it with, keep up with a chain, but just replace it if it gives you problems. It's a wearable item and it was always meant to be. A DID gold chain with 120 links (520) is around 80 dollars, it's not worth spending 30 to get expensive supplies that will last you 3 or 4 cleanings.
del can you please tell me the idiot website thank you randy
Hi mate, link here for you: - bikers.boards.net/
thank you very much
Dell I need some help to get my bike back. A gang of motorcyclists should picket Seatrans Byron Road Felixstowe one Saturday soon. My bike is impounded there in a bonded warehouse along with all my gear helmet and jacket. Back in May I had a major accident I rolled a lorry on to in side just off j25 M25. I damaged a rib and had two back eyes and heavy bruising on my back and right leg. I am feeling better now but the rib is taking its time.
Neil
First Neil, what's the link between your accident and the bike? Why was it impounded and by whom? (the Police?, Bailliffs?, your employer?,who?)... if it's a bonded warehouse under what terms is it held there and how do you think picketing the place will help?... is it held under a court order and in what way was it involved with the accident? Were you riding the bike or driving the lorry... need more information mate
And why does the video feel like it was filmed in like 1994 😂
Linklyfe:
happy days of tar like deposits on my Mum's kitchen floor and the ensuing thick ear that always followed
Was that from cooking your bike chain, or those Pontefract cakes you like so much..!
I didnt realise modern chains had "O" rings, i can see why you use just oil now :-)
Dont forget to use a nice white towl to plonk it on to drain ha ha, i can see penny cringing :) lol.
Don't worry about the towel, it's her toothbrush she needs to worry about lol!
I have a bike, i have a hat, i'm an idiot. Cheers! Lol.
Looks like the cat will have to hold on for 48 hours!
Yeah, and Penny needs a new tooth brush now too...!
WOW , now a hole groupe of...ME !!
ha! turns out duke dyson is 25 mins up the road from me on the map!
There you go, thats what the map is for...drop him a PM, and make a buddy...!
if you are going to submerge a chain to clean, this is how. please don't do this with kerosene or chain cleaner.
Im all for cleaning and looking after things myself mate its half the fun, who let that chain get like that? And 20k id say its done its job! The orings wont be the best now anyway, i would just buy a new one to be honest, gota be better then using £40 worth of 4l oil on it, my chains stay 100% tho, i clean them after each ride 👌🏻👍🏼 take it easy
I'm an idiot!!!! .. LOL!! .... "My tipple or my danger?" ..... Hmmmmm I honestly thought you said "Nipple" ... Where the hell is my mind at?! ...... Find those cams yet?!?!
Found the cams...they were in your old video with a bolt snapped off in them..!
going to join the idiot collective now! heard from a few people that oil cleans chains well but I forgot the main part don't use own toothbrush, use the wife's! lol keep the vids coming bud :D
Welcome aboard Mr Benson.....see you on the forum, and maybe at a meet if yer able to come along... all the best.. take care. Del.
all joined up and reading through it all lol im in the north east and rather busy but I will at some point come to a meet ;)
That motul 4t is quality and dirt cheap off of ebay. About 20 notes for 5l. Half the price Halfords will pinch out your wallet for their own brand stuff.
Its not even all Motul, theres some castrol GTX in there and even a bit of EP90....which is why its for cleaning things only....lol
Lol... apparently you never tried kerosene.
i cant stand when people use stupid strategies to gain followers instead of just earning as a good likeable channnel
Which way do I take that buddy?
use diesel to clean it
To destroy it. My buddy did it on his zx9 and basicly had to throw the chain away, it was destroyed, orings disolved.
+Jason Singh Good way to fuck your chain up straight away. Don't give advice if you don't know what you are on about.
How do you clean the oil off afterwords?
Rags 🤷🏻♂️