Installing a chain lubrication system on a motorbike

Of all your motorbike's components, the drive chain and sprockets certainly have one of the toughest jobs to do, which is why they're subject to a lot of wear and tear. No wonder, really, because every time you open/close the throttle or hit the brake, the drive chain components are subjected to constant pulling and twisting.

Efficient lubrication and keeping your chain as free of abrasive dirt as possible will greatly reduce wear. But regular cleaning and re-greasing is not exactly everybody's favourite job, so it tends to get neglected. Even more so if your bike doesn't have a centre stand, so maintaining your chain also means dragging out the workshop jack – not even an option if you're out on a long tour. 

But the fact remains that if you want a long-lasting, smooth-running chain that doesn't waste any engine power, you need to bite the bullet and regularly give your chain a thorough clean with a special product to get rid of abrasive dirt and sand. Premature wear means the expense of a new chain and sprockets sooner than necessary. And the dirty job of changing the components isn't something that everyone looks forward to. So should you have bought a shaft-drive bike instead? Not at all. Because, believe it or not, a chain drive also has its advantages. For example, friction losses are considerably lower than with the technically far more complicated, and therefore expensive, driveshaft. Power transmission is more direct and your bike retains not only its full performance, but also its sporty look. 

The solution to this dilemma is an automatic chain lubrication system, such as the Scottoiler. This is permanently installed on the motorcycle and automatically cleans and lubricates the chain continuously, thus reducing your maintenance work to virtually zero. All you have to do is refill the oil reservoir every couple of thousand miles. The reservoir holds 50 ml, and that's enough for around 2,500 km (1,500 miles), depending on the setting and whether you fill it right to the top. Your chain will reward you by lasting for well over 50,000 km (30,000 miles), again depending on the type of bike and your riding style. So it's not only kind to your pocket, but also lets you concentrate on what you really enjoy – namely riding your bike.

The following section explains the set-up of a classic vacuum-controlled chain lubrication system. An electrical system (also from Scottoiler) is installed in a very similar way, except that steps 1 and 2 below can be omitted. Instead of a tube connected to the vacuum system, the E-system is cable-connected to the positive and negative terminals of the battery. 

With most models, the first step is to remove the tank or parts of the fairing, if you have one. The example illustrated shows a vacuum tube coming from the brass spigot of the intake port – this is where you will draw the vacuum required to operate the Scottoiler. Cut this supply line and insert the T-piece contained in the kit.

Now push the black vacuum damper elbow (included in the kit) onto the free end of the T-piece, and press the black vacuum tube of the chain lubrication system firmly into the other end of the vacuum damper elbow. Once you've installed the oil reservoir, insert the free end of the black vacuum tube into the rotary knob of the reservoir.

The Reservoir Metering Valve (RMV) can be installed under the seat, or on the frame, or wherever you prefer. You will find installation suggestions in the model-specific instructions on Scottoiler - Brand shop.

Avoid mounting it right next to the exhaust or any hot engine parts! The filler opening for the oil and the adjuster knob for the oil flow must be easily accessible, so if you opt for horizontal installation, make sure that they point upwards. Likewise, in the case of vertical installation, the reservoir must be installed with the adjuster knob uppermost. 

Once you've installed the reservoir, push the free end of the black vacuum tube firmly into the head section of the RMV. If the tube is too long, simply trim to the right length using a sharp knife. The vacuum connection is now complete.

To ensure that the oil is applied at the right place on the sprocket, the injector must be securely attached. On our example motorbike, you can use a small or shortened dispenser plate to attach the injector to the bobbin support (Scottoiler comes with several useful fittings). You will find installation suggestions for the injector nib in the specific installation instructions on Scottoiler - Brand shop.

The nib that supplies the oil should be lightly touching the sprocket, with the angled side facing outwards. The optimal feed point for the oil is between 5 and 7 o'clock on the outer face of the rear sprocket. Do not place the nib too close to the chain or to the bolts or cut-outs of the sprocket to avoid the risk of the injector nib catching and being pulled out of the tube! When you've finished installation, turn the wheel backwards to check that the nib does not catch on the chain or sprocket when you push your bike backwards! 

Once you've attached the injector, run the delivery tube along the swing arm. Choose a safe routing to the RMV, making sure that the tube is not too close to any moving parts, such as the chain, and that it has enough slack to allow for the movement of the swing arm. Also avoid routing it too close to the hot exhaust or engine components, which may damage the tube. Self-adhesive fixing pads and cable ties for the tube are included in the Scottoiler kit.

Before attaching the fixing pads, remove all traces of dirt and grease, using the enclosed degreasing cloth.

Attach the fixing pads to flat surfaces, e.g. on the swing arm. For routing the delivery tube along round tubes, it's best to use the cable ties. The final step is to connect the delivery tube to the brass spigot on the bottom of the RMV. If the delivery tube is too long, simply trim to the right length using a sharp knife. 

The filling spout allows you to fill the system in under a minute with no mess.

Bleeding the system couldn't be simpler. Press the rubber ventilation plug into the filler opening of the reservoir and turn the adjuster knob to maximum. Attach the filling spout to the ventilation plug and squeeze the bottle. The resulting air pressure will force the oil through the delivery tube until all air bubbles are expelled. It will also force a little oil out of the nib, which you can simply wipe away with a cloth. 

Finally, adjust the oil flow rate. To do this, start the engine and wait until it has warmed up. Set the adjuster knob so that no more than 1 to 2 drops of oil a minute flow from the injector – an initial setting of 1 drop every 60 seconds is ideal. Go for a short spin on your motorbike, then check the flow rate again and adjust if necessary. A flow rate of more than 2 drops a minute will result in excess oil being flung off the chain. 

The ingenious auxiliary tank for your Scottoiler kit. This flexible 200 ml tube tank will fit virtually anywhere and gives you an additional 9,500 km (6,000 miles). Further information on Scottoiler - Brand shop.