Chain lube retry

Okay okay.. Perhaps Ive nailed it this time. To comprehend deeper, lets take a look at the parts of an O-ring chain.

O rings help in lubricating the latches Only. Period.

I love using WD-40 for detailing the chain.

1. Assumption 1. Solvent does not damage the O-rings.

2. Light mineral oil left by the Evaporated wd40 is sufficient.

So the challenges are.

Lubrication between the roller and latch and sprocket teeth

So today, I drip each roller with a drop of gear oil.

Experimenting with chain lube application

Its a very beaten down subject similar to engine oil.
Lets have a holistic approach to this subject.

O/X ring chains are sealed with grease. So, it is ur job to keep the o-rings supple and the exposed metals from corrosion.
Yes, solvents should be avoided as they might affect the life of the O-rings. But sometimes, its a choice between the "might" and the grinding paste.

An ideal chain lubricant should have these properties

1. Tackiness (adhesive/cohesive properties) – excellent adhesion to the gears or drive train to be resistant to fling off
2. Resistance to water washout and spray-off
3. Load-carrying capability to protect against friction and wear
4. Protection of the gears against wear and corrosion
5. Cushioning ability (vibration reduction)
6. Sprayability and/or ease of dispensability
7. Alleviation of housekeeping and maintenance problems eg buildup in the roots of the gear teeth

         WD-40 or similar products does a superior job in many aspects except point 1,3 and 5.

         Therefore the other product you use have to be great in the lacking aspects. Also, these  

          aspects is needed only in the rollers, bushings an sideplates meeting the O-ring. In short,           the middle of the chain and not the sideplates.

Its a dirty time consuming back wrenching job.

First step is preparation.

Plain ahead and prepare items.

After coming home from a ride,

1. Soak the chain in a WD-40 or a similar product.

2. Let it sit for a minute or two.

3. Use a rag to detail the chain and gears. Allow solvent to dissipate. 

4. Use a small paint brush with the bristles cut to a length of about an inch. This is to stiffen it up and aiding in precision application.

5. Depending on your conditions, choose a chain lubricant to suit your riding conditions. My favourite is the 80-90w gear oil. Spray that lubricant or gear oil into a small cup. Dip your brush in the solution. Apply a very thin coat onto the rollers and o-rings. A rule of a thumb is to only have to re-dip the brush once and apply only a single coat. 

You are done. If possible, let it sit overnight.

UPDATE(It rusted within a day on the top links. Probably becaused I wiped off the wd40.
ARGH!)

How to wash a motorcycle vehicle or car

So you come home from a ride and you have fingerprints from your friends touching your bike and dirt starting to appear on your chrome.

If done properly, washing a vehicle regularly helps remove impurities that will cause corrosion.

What is the right way?

Well, there may be many ways to do it but here is how I do mine

Things needed.

1.Shampoo/Wash and Wax

Avoid dish washing liquid looking cheap shampoos.

Dont get the most expensive on the rack too.

If you must go cheap, go for turtle ZIP wash and wax as a benchmark. Cheap and good.

2. A wash mitt

Get the cheap as hell wash mitt with the long things coming out. This helps to prevent scratches. Also, with your hand in, you are able to regulate your strength better and work on difficult corners better as compared to using a sponge.

3. 2 Water buckets and a scoop

20Liters or more

When we talk shampoo pails, liquid goes for a standard mix of 30ml of shampoo and 1Gallon (3.78L) of water. In short, your pail should be about 7L so you have place for the suds.

4. A brush

Go for soft brushes if you have coated wheels or soft plastic surfaces.

5. A chamois

That weird looking bottled cloth helps absorb water efficiently which is one of the most important steps after washing the vehicle.

6. Scapegoat Rag

So lets start.

1. Wash your vehicle only in the early morning or late evening or if you are in a well shaded area. Preferable to have a cool vehicle.(This is to prevent things from drying too fast)

2. Give your vehicle a rinse of water to rid of impurities and cool down the surface. Volume is key.

3. Put on the wash mitt and dip it into the shampoo bucket. Work where you need it to be the cleanest first like the tank, mirror or bonnet. Work fast.

4. Use the scapegoat rag to wash dirtier places like rims, lower fairings(use a soft rag) and near your drive train or swing arm. Work fast.

5. Give your vehicle a rinse and allow water for  flow down instead of splashing. Volume is key.

6. Wipe dry with the chamois. Skipping this step will give you water spots all over your vehicle.

Cheers and bling.

Detailing

Well, gone were the days when I used detergent powder to wash my bike.

I have used Armorall wash and wax(BLUE), Turtle Zip Wax Liquid Wash , Zip Wash and glow and lastly, Meguiars wash and wax and Meguiars Gold Class.

Well its a rather surprisingly short list because previously, I ventured into using glare and aerosol type products to achieve my finishes. Lately, I find that it is more fulfilling to just wash the bike... the right way only takes 10 minutes the most and it is more eco friendly.

Well here is my verdict

Outstanding : Turtle Zip Wax Liquid Wash, Armorall wash and wax

Normal : Meguiars Wash and wax, Meguiars Gold class and Zip wash

Meguiars

Well Meguiars Wash and wax and meguiars Gold class had all the raves. Priced at $37 SGD, I got it at a clearance sale where I jumped on it I believe it went for $13??

Although I appreciate the specific products Meguiars had come out with, I felt that I was left disappointed everytime. They seem to be pushing the multi-step process which is not only time and money consuming for a show room finish that would not last 2 days on my chrome and black paint parked out in the sun and ride on dusty and rainy weather in short, the everyday rider.

There were suds and they had the nicest of smell but they just did a so-so job in washing the vehicle.

Turtle Zip Wax Liquid wash

Awesome.
So I passed my gas station and this small 16oz bottle was going for $3.20.
I expected a single coloured like liquid but out came a pleasant citrus smelling and an visual obvious mix of shampoo and wax. The lathering is fantastic and leaves a fantastic sheeting action upon the final rinse. Its PH friendly and gentle. It nourishes the current wax on your paint. I looooveeee this..
Didnt gave a second thought on ordering when I saw a 2000ML bottle going for about $5usd online.
This would be my staple for a while.
Alike the meguiars, this product is biodegradable.

I dont understand why people slam turtle wax brand. I am a big supporter of their products because they make quality detailing affordable. They have been around forever. They must be doing something right.

Armorall

I had this bottle lying around for 3 years.
Im happy I had it around because I could compare with my new stocks.
This must be one of my favourite washes. I got it for $9.
I believe it is mild alkali wash that is an effective cleaner. It leaves a protecting film.
It leaves your paint squeaky clean.
Therefore.. Its so squeaky it will make your windscreen wipers hop instead of sliding! Cages might wanna avoid.
I read the Car wash alone worked well for some people. They are the same price by the way.

They have the ultra shine series which I have yet to try.

Zip Ultra Glow

Bought it for $2 a liter.
Not worth writing a review.
Will still use it when broke.

Editors note Oct 2014

Round and round trying different brands EVERY wash. Ive concluded the ultimate best Ive used is Zip wash from turtle wax. Shines the vehicle well and keeps it that way longer.

In search of the perfect Chain lube

Im annoyed to the fact that finding the "ideal chain lube" for motorcycles are such a daunting task.
Orings are internally lubricated but you will have to keep the chain plates from rusting and the external O-rings supple.

What are we expecting?

A clean chain.
A non sticky lube that attracts sand.
A non wax lube because it accumulates crap at the front sprocket and is difficult to remove.

Here are my reviews for the ones ive ran through

Gear Oil(Transmission fluid)

Believe it or not, this is what the manual calls for.
This is great stuff but like high end chain lube, it attracts dust(not sand)
A tip is to leave it on the chain over night and it will hardly fling the next morning.
Or.. use a non absorbent cloth to wipe off the excess after use.

Elf moto chain lube

Pure crap that flings and black in colour.

Maxima chain wax

I actually really like this. Just dont over spray it.

Has a nice smell and keeps the chain clean.

However.. It does not lubricate the rollers well. 

The lube is hard to clean off too.

Dupont Chain Saver

Behold!! This was well liked by many.

Dupont has a great reputation.

These are one of my favourite actually.

Goes on dry and clean to use.

However, it attracts dust really fast!

I would love to try out their multi-use lubricant.

Plain OLD WD-40

Call me crazy but it was interesting that many had success by using it without any lube.  I just had to try it.

In short, Its perfect in many ways. Cleans a warm chain like a dream. Chain looks the best ever.

Chain gets smooth. Self cleaning.

However... Its lubricating properties are rather "light". Which results in a noisy running chain.

No, it does not ruin the O-Rings(only possible with prolonged soaking and not possible by spraying)

It is not a kerosene!

The drawback I could think of is that sprockets get worn due to the lack of film strength. And it has to be applied more often.

Thats about all folks!

Im still experimenting!

Degreaser(Think WD-40)

Oh yea time for a new WD-40 Spray.
Here are my reviews
I have some kerosene left but they are not really friendly to work with and they stink.
It bothers my cat when I want to cuddle with him

Went to a mall and selected a few to compare

WD-40 - 400ML at $8
The Benchmark in such products
3 different sizes.
Found it rather pricey to be priced close to Gt-85

GT-85 - $10 for 400ML
This will probably be the best due to it containing teflon but it was too expensive.
Might inter fear with chain lubes

Plain oil Kerosene $3 for 500ml
This stinks.

Loozen (didnt check price)
No brand recognition but seen it being used at a motorcycle workshops.
Also, printing seems like they were a WD-40 wannabe.
They failed and it looks bad

3M 400ML $6-7
No doubt it would be a trusted product but its spray was indifferent. It was like OFF mosquito repellent spray so i question the spray ability to pinpoint a chain and reduce overspray.

Selleys
about $6 for 350ml

Double-TT

$4 for 400 ML and made in the UK
Took effort in the design and I loved the straw holder(We all know how often we loose them)

Went for the Double TT!!