Oil the Chain?

[Ribenapigeon]

Ive booked my Yammy WR125X in for its first service as i`ve now done 600 miles on it. Should i oil the chain before putting it in for the service? also should i buy an chain oiler device? In fact any advice on oiling the chain is welcome

[Derivative]

I've only done a motorcycle chain once but I did road bikes quite a bit.

It all depends on how much life you want to get out of your chain really.

If it's covered in bits of grit etc then you might want to give it a go with a brush and degreaser to try and get as much out as reasonably possible without taking it off the bike. Then use a rag to get off as much grime as you can.

On the CG I dropped the back wheel and just took the chain off to do it, but I don't think it was necessary, more of a tarty thing of having it look perfect for a bit.

You are aiming to grease the links to lubricate them, not cover it in oil to prevent rust. So you want to put a drop or two on each chain link, roll the back wheel along (IN NEUTRAL), do the next link, etc.

Easy with a centre stand, not sure about without.

If you can get replacement chain/sprockets cheap or can justify buying new ones often then don't bother cleaning it hardcore, just make sure the oil is on there.

[arry]

If it's looking dirty or dry then clean it and oil it. Wouldn't bother with an oiler TBH

[carvell]

An aerosol 'chain lube' would be easiest.

Just hold it over the chain by the back sprocket, then spray and spin the wheel. 10 seconds - job done.
____________________
Yamaha TDM 850

[Ribenapigeon]

Yup i will just spray some on tomorrow when i get home from work.

[Ed Case]

If you're using your bike in all weathers, leaving it outside at work , using it as a 'workhorse'..........check out 'Loobman' on the net....I've got one on my CB250RS which with no discernable cush-drive + being a single cylinder it gives the chain a bloody hard life...works for me.

[tomh]

If you're going to use chain lube in a spray can, hold a piece of kitchen roll underneath the chain and spray from the top. This way will mean you don't end up with excess oil all over your swingarm/wheel.

[neil.]

Get hold of some paraffin - sold as Parasene lamp fuel in places like Homebase. Put it in a squirty bottle and spray the chain with it. Use a 'gunge brush' 3 sided brush and give the wet chain a good scrubbing, then rinse it off with more paraffin and dry it with a rag. Next grab some engine or gear oil and apply it to the bottom run with a paint brush. When you've finished, go over the chain with a rag to aviod any excess fling.
____________________
CBT February 2008 | A2 June 2008 | Yamaha YBR125 (written off) | Honda CBF125 (current)

[Ribenapigeon]

The loobman looks good, nice and simple and not too expensive.

[Taught2BCauti...]

+1 for the Loobman - cheap and easy to fit. I use a mix of car gearbox oil and STP to reduce flinging.
____________________
Honda Varadero XL125(V8)
www.TheFutureIsHere.eu