Everybody knows the benefits of a well-lubricated chain; more power, smoother transmission, longer lasting chain and sprockets. Trouble is, it's a pain having to keep oiling it.
Just
as we were swapping the chain
and sprockets on the Africa Twin, the man
from Scottoilers called and asked if we wanted to try one of
their chain-saving devices out - remarkable coincidence huh?
Anyway the deputy Ed doesn't get paid much, so we thought it best
to try and make his chain and sprockets last as long as possible,
and he's always in favour of anything that reduces the amount of
maintenance he has to do...
For the uninitiated, Scottoiler have been making their chain-oiling device for donkeys years now. In fact the latest version we have here is the Mark 6, though the concept hasn't changed since it's inception. Basically the Scottoiler is a reservoir which contains the specially formulated Scottoil, and a small bore tube which reaches down to the chain to drip feed it with clean oil. However the clever bit is the regulator valve which is controlled by the vacuum take-off from the bike's inlet manifold, so that oil only comes out when the engine is running. The flow of oil is also controlled by a knob on the top of the unit; Scott recommend a very low flow of one drop every minute or so, depending on the weather - this is sufficient they say to lubricate the chain whilst avoiding plastering the bike with oil and wasting money.
We've highlighted the kit in red in the picture
(left), because you wouldn't see it otherwise!
The Universal kit is extremely comprehensive - it contains not only the Scottoiler and oil, but dozens of different brackets, bolts, bits of tubing and even a tube of superglue, offering several different methods of mounting the device where you prefer.
To mount the thing, you first select a suitable place - behind a fairing, on a frame tube, in fact anywhere you like. We found a suitable engine case bolt and just bolted it straight on. Next you have to sort out the delivery tube run and the mounting for the delivery tube itself; this was more tricky, as placement of the end of the tube over the chain can be difficult and can look obtrusive. Fortunately the latest version of the kit allows mounting of the tube either above or below the swinging arm, which will obviously tidy things up for sports bike owners.
Finally the vacuum
connection is made - Scott supply several different adaptors and
it's simply a matter of finding the one that fits into one of the
carb vacuum takeoff on the inlet stub - despite the lack of space
in the Twin's engine compartment, this was surprisingly easy.
Then you fill up with oil, prime the system (by squeezing the filler bottle) and away you go. Time to fit - about an hour. How's it work? Well so far no complaints, and we'll give you an update in a few months time once the winter's tried to do its worst.
Scottoiler - Mark 6 Universal kit, including all fitting bits and 500cc of Scottoil (good for 5000 miles, they say) - £59.95 including VAT, post and packing. Available from your local dealer, or direct from Scottoilers Ltd., 106 Clober Road, Milngavie, Glasgow, G62 7SS. Telephone 0141 955 1100, Fax 0141 956 5896.
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