As a new owner I've done this job for the first time and I have to say what a PITA! Not hard, but why oh why did Triumph so totally obscure all the important bits with silencers?? This is a quick job on the Thruxton, not so here. If I've missed a trick or need some tools to make this easy I'm happy to be informed!
Hi I use this to clean and lube the chain: https://www.louis.eu/artikel/kettenmax-louis-edition-chain-clean-lube-device/10003114 Nothing special, but it helps to apply the lube on the right spots and avoids a mess on the floor and on the back wheel rim. I also use a cloth to clean the chain after applying the de-greasing and before the grease. Center stands helps to make this much easier of course.
This is one of those jobs where you need a cranked spanner to access a recessed nut in the swingarm behind the silencer. Forget the sizes but you need one of each for either side..... All part of the tool collection game!
Or you could use a Scotoiler and never need to clean/grease your chain again- - EVER !! https://www.scottoiler.com/ Fairly expensive at £100 but I've never had to buy a chain or sprockets on any bike I've fitted with one on these bad boys.
Never have to clean again? Really? I always thought they were messy. Is it the v system universal you use? Must read on then...
Hi FlashP, yes it's the V- system I have used for the last 21 years, on various bikes. It's an adjustable drip flow device, so when you first install it you'll get some fling on your back wheel. So you just turn it down a bit and Voilà ! all is good. It really does what it says on the tin, all bikes that I've had with a Scotoiler fitted, I've never had chain or sprockets problems, never needed to replace them. Never needed to worry about them. The oil reservoir last about 500mls and topping up takes about 30 secs ! What's not to like ?
I basically agree that chain maintenance is a bit of a hassle. I have a new Street Twin and it is my 1st Triumph and 1st chain. I'm learning as I go. All my past bikes have been Japanese cruisers w/ shaft drive. But I'm getting used to the routine chain maintenance work. It gets easier and quicker each time. On the Street Twin I can lube the chain with the silencer on, but it is just easier to remove the silencer. It comes off and goes on quite easily. And to keep chain spray where I don't want it I use a cut up brown paper bag and place it behind the chain. This prevents overspray on to unwanted bike parts. Works for me. I also use a lube product BelRay Super Clean chain lube. Good product and does not fling off. I have used Motul Road in the past. Good lube but does have some fling off. I like the BelRay lube better. But with all that said I's happy to now be a Triumph owner. Chain maintenance and all. Not a big deal as time goes on.
Scottoiler never clean again??? You must be riding somewhere that is sterile and completely dust free. I ran one on both my Tigers and loved them, but the chain still needed periodic cleaning. On my Bonnie there's no good place to hide the oiler and it just doesn't look good out visible. Now I use a dry lube chain spray and when cleaning is needed I take it to a diy car wash and use the high pressure spray. Probably violates all sort of rules but my condo doesn't allow me to work or wash the bike where I live. Center stand does make it all much easier.
I squirt chain lube into small pot and use a small artists brush to paint it on to the chain. Never had such a difficult chain to get at (T100) but using a brush means you don't put too much on and you can get it on the rollers properly.
I squirt chain lube into small pot and use a small artists brush to paint it on to the chain. Never had such a difficult chain to get at (T100) but using a brush means you don't put too much on and you can get it on the rollers properly.
i thought using high pressure on your chain was a no no as it takes away any lube between the links and o rings,each to their own i use scottoiler but still give chain the odd clean and if lying for more than week or so quick spray of (top reviews) wurth dry lube,never had to replace a chain or sprocket for over a decade as all bikes scottoiler fitted.
Yes I know that’s conventional wisdom, but I use this on both of my tigers and still got close to 25,000 miles out of the chains and never a failure. chains are a whole lot better made than they used to be.
I discovered that getting the right hand silencer wad difficult, a very tight fit. Putting it back on was a complete pig. I had to undo two other bolts and pull the outer cover off the pipe to get the silencer slotted back over pipe. I had to have my headers changed out under warranty and concluded that the dealership have 'done' something in this process. I've resolved to change the pipes for a Zard system that finishes under the bike, or something like it. Might push the boat out and de-cat with re-map/PC5 at the same time.
Flashp, Just posted a piccy of these old spanners I modified with a Dremmel elsewhere, but with these there's absolutely no access problems to the adjusters 'hidden' behind the silencers. .
I could have wept when I realised what a pain to access the chain. Thought 'ah well' when the exhaust came off quite easily then despaired at what at pain it was to get it back on. Oh and almost forgot that I splashed out on a centre stand for chain maintenance! 8-(
I fitted one of the compact scottoiler on my Bonnie https://www.scottoiler.com/product/vsystem-sport/ This can be located behind the left side panel so there’s nothing to see I’ve only adjusted the chain once in 9000 miles but thats a doddle due to my upswept Remus cans
Interesting, any chance you could put a photo or two up of your installation? If I could hide it I'd be interested I think.
