Just wanted to share some tips on very simple maintenance for our bikes. Most bikes today will have either a single disc or twins on the front and a single on the rear. Many will never give these components any thought but in reality they need some care if for no other reason than to improve our stopping power. One easy step is to take a clean rag and impregnat it with methylated spirits and rub your disk. You will be surprised what comes off, and the improvement this gives to extending the life of the disk and creating improved stopping power, simple but it works. Next is your chain. This component endures harsh treatment every time we release the clutch. The power provided by the engine is transmited to the rear via the chain and sprockets. Many would not be aware just how many hundreds of dollars these parts cost. A simple way of extending the life of your chain is to keep it clean and lubricated. One easy way is to get a can of degreaser and spray the chain as you turn the rear wheel. Then its just a case of hosing off and allow to dry. This method rids the chain of grit and road grim and makes the chain operate better, but we must finish off the process with the adding of chain lubricant that normally comes in a spray pack. This very simple task will extend the life of your chain and save you some bucks. A little maintenance that will save you money and provide you with a better performing machine so as to enjoy the ride, that is what it's all about. Enjoy the ride Phil
Hey Phil! Thanks for the info mate but I got some questions for you How often do you do this? and also how do you turn the rear wheels when you are stopped? I do apologise for asking questions that seem really dum but I've only been riding for a month and a half =)
Hey b.feng91 You feel free to ask as many question as you like, that's what this Forum is all about, people helping each other. I take it your Megelli doesn't have a center stand, shame because they do come in very handy. Couple of ways of turning the wheel. 1) For the rear grab the tyre with both hands down low and pull up, doesn't move alot but it does move. This applies the same for the front wheel also, a little easier on the front. 2) Grab the handle bars and pull the bike over on the side stand until the rear wheel is off the deck, have a friend turn the wheel for you. 3) Invest in a stand that connects to your rear swing arm. These stands are great and not expensive, around $100.00. As for a time frame, well I do my disc's about every 2 weeks as it's only a 2minute job. Your chain will depend more on the kilometers you cover and the terrain, if I said once a month you would be fine. Hope this helps mate and remember to enjoy the ride Cheers Phil
Yea someone mentioned that stuff awhile back somewhere ..... I think all the inox range seems to get the
Great tips Phil in how to maintain the brakes and chain of our motorcycle. I will be doing this regularly as a preventive measure with my bike. But can you suggest a good degreaser and a chain wax besides "Inox" that would be very effective with very little mess and sling. Thanks
Hey Mike I am not familiar with products in America, here I tend to use a $2.00 can of degreaser from most automotive outlets. Also have used a 3 sided brush made for cleaning bike chains. I spray about half a cans worth and scrub with the brush until the chain looks pretty clean, quick rinse with the hose and the cleaning side is done. Let it dry. As for chain lube, there are so many available it's difficult to pick a favourite. For many years I used Putoline as it was very good and had very little flicker (sling). I've also used Motul, good product also. I'm certain there are many fine products in the states, just take your pick. Good luck.
I always find a little bit of chain lube often is way better that a lot of chain lube less often too. Tends to keep things cleaner.
I may be old fashioned, but I still like to take my chains off the bike about every six months and give then a really good scrubbing with kerosene and a stiff bristle brush. Then let dry and coil up and put into a tin of 'Duckhams" chain grease and sit on the stove. This heats the grease to a consistency of oil and the chain slowly sinks into it, ensuring the grease gets to all the moving surfaces. Remove from heat and hang chain to allow excess to drip back into the tin. Wipe any left on chain with kero soaked rag and fit to bike. This will usually last for several thousand Km's with just a bit of spray on lube to keep the rollers happy. Messy, yes but very effective.
I have done 'o' ring chains, but not 'x' ring. Would think they would work the same into the grease. Camping gas stove in yard.
