Featured Who needs a Scottoiler?

The subject of chain maintenance has cropped up recently in a number of threads and as it's the time of year when we all try to get some miles in, I thought I would write a short piece about my experience with the auto-lubing device called Scottoiler.

Just to wet your appetites : I have had my Scottoiler for 15 to 20 years, have covered perhaps 200,000 mls, have fitted it to maybe 4 different bikes over that period and have found the same, excellent results each time. I have never needed to buy a chain and sprocket set and never needed to adjust my chain between services. The only thing I do on a regular basis is to remove the sprocket cover and clean in and around it.

OK, so what are we talking about? It's an automatic chain lubing system driven by vacuum from your engine.

See linky : http://www.scottoiler.com/

This is mine on the bike :

My installation is not the prettiest in the world but it works perfectly.

So on to installation. The first thing to do is to find the vacuum points on your carbs or false carbs (EFI bikes). This is the point where the Scottoiler gets connected to the motor to get it's vacuum to operate the device. The Scottoiler kit is supplied with lots of different pieces of piping and connectors so everything you will need is included.

Run a vacuum line from the carbs to wherever you plan to install the reservoir, leaving some surplus for 'wriggle room'.

Now install the reservoir itself. I put mine on the RHS frame upright - as seen in the piccy - and fixed it with the kit provided.

After that is the delivery pipe. Coming from the bottom of the reservoir, under the swinging arm to a point on the rear sprocket equivalent to 7 or 8 'o clock. Cut this pipe to length and affix to swinging arm. Adjust the end injector so it is just above the chain links and almost resting on the sprocket.

Finally the reservoir breather pipe should be installed on the reservoir and parked somewhere suitable.

All you need to do now is fill the reservoir with Scottoiler's own oil -comes with the kit - set the adjusting knob on top of the reservoir to Full on to drag the oil right through, then set to perhaps 1 and check/adjust from there.

Scottoiler official instructions for an EFI Bonneville are attached.


A bit long-winded I know, but once you've used a Scottoiler you'll never go back to aerosol cans of gunk.

 

To be honest mate it's a no-brainer. I have nothing whatever to do with the sales and marketing of this product, it's just that when you find something really good you want to share it around, no?

 

It depends. There can be fling-off if you don't set the adjusting knob correctly. I get some oil on my rear spoked wheel (which protects it beautifully) but I have NEVER had a problem with it on the tyre and causing hairy moments.

It might be useful to note that when set on the minimum setting (which is pretty-much where I have mine) there is ONE DROP OF OIL EVERY 30 SECONDS - we are not talking torrents here.

The rear wheel gets a bit of oil but comes off with kitchen towel - takes about 30 seconds tops !

Everything in life is a compromise isn't it? Careful adjustment reduces the fling-off to a minimum which is easily cleaned, but I never buy chains and sprockets.

 

No mate, they are my previous TEC basic shocks - about £50 the pair.

 

Hi Jamie, I have considered the dual injector but tbh there hasn't been a problem sufficiently large, to solve - if you know what I mean?

I run mine on the lowest setting and still get a tiny amount of oil fling on the rim, but it takes about 30 secs to remove with kitchen towel (on it's own, no product req.)

Bare in mind that all chain lube products are not actually there to lube the links that is done by the factor-installed grease and 'O'-rings), more just to protect the chain from rust and keep it clean.

The fact that the Scottoiler uses non tacky oil rather than the wax in aerosol "non-fling" cans actually helps to keep it clean.

 

Actually you are. What I was trying to say is the the main lubing of the links is not affected positively by anything an owner could do. The links are pre-loaded with grease by the manufacturer and the 'O' rings job is just to keep that grease in. Using the Scottoiler will lube the 'O' rings therefore keeping them soft and supple for longer.

Also we shouldn't forget that it's not just the chain that is lubed,but the sprockets as well.

Bottom line is, if you run with a Scottoiler and keep the reservoir topped up your chain and sprockets will wear MUCH less.

Just give the chain a rub with a rag from time to time to ensure grit doesn't collect and affect those 'O' rings.

 

Enjoy

 

Great idea.

 

Hi Crispey, as far as I know the reservoirs are all the same size (the non-electronic ones) it's just the chain end fitments that can be different. Just remembered there was (don't know if there still is) a larger reservoir model for touring purposes. This seems to fit under the rear number plate.

I'm not absolutely sure so take what I'm saying with a pinch of salt, but I think the supply needs to go on the inside of the chain - easy to do on the rear sprocket, not so easy on the front but anything's possible.

Have only ever seen them working on the back though.