Chain drives can be a pain to maintain, especially if you drive in the wet frequently. I've been using DuPont teflon lubricant on my DR's chain... cheap stuff and doesn't attract dirt like chain waxes
I've looked at the Scott oiler but If I was so inclined, I would rather use the Tuturo oiler system, less complicated and would be the ideal solution for me if I ran in the wet.
https://www.tutorochainoiler.com/
21 years Army (retired)
...been everywhere, seen everything, done almost everything.
IBA 80537
Just get an R1200GS Adventure and be done with it.Originally Posted by willtill
No thanks. A BMR is just like a Harley to me. Absolutely no interest in them. Not only that, BMR maintenance costs are atrociously high.
I want a bike that requires minimal maintenance; and I can easily work on myself.
21 years Army (retired)
...been everywhere, seen everything, done almost everything.
IBA 80537
I have a new CB500X that I purchased in May of this year, and although it is a great bike all around, having to clean the chain after doing dusty roads or gravel roads, they just sort of are a pain in the arse at the end of the day! If you don't clean them, they make a lot of noise and wear quickly. I would purchase a new Triumph Bonneville T120 if it had a belt drive for sure.
I have used an automatic chain oiler system when I had a Kawasaki W650 years back. I can't remember what type of oil I used in the system, but it was always throwing oil off the chain and on to the chrome wheel. So I would constantly be wiping off the wheel because the oil would attract dirt like a magnet. What I did like about the system, is that it would fling off dirt from the chain, and the chain always looked clean and was well lubbed. I had used the recommended oil for the system, and had it turned up to the max setting for automatic oiling of the chain. Oh well, if someone would just come up with a belt type system that would fit right on the stock sprocket system, I would be all over that one!
Regarding the DCT. I had considered trading in the F6B for a VFR1200X...very rare cross touring bike. I was going to buy one with the DCT, then I started getting the complication of adding electronic cruise control, so I bailed out and didn't buy the bike. I may go with the Triumph 1200 Tiger, since that has cruise control available. African Twin IS KULE though!
Yes, I think that there is a certain amount of finesse required, when setting up an automatic chain oiler. I've really researched them on other M/C message boards at length... and have seen successful operation of them with minimal mess. The secret is to just getting the flow right. Too often people want instant gratification with oiling the chain = instant mess.
Slow and sparingly is the key to the metering out of the oil in these systems. Ultimately it produces less fling and is very adequate in keeping the chain clean.
21 years Army (retired)
...been everywhere, seen everything, done almost everything.
IBA 80537
I run a Pro Oiler on my CTX700 DCT. Flawless operation. Easy connection and routing, I use the tach input rather than the GPS module. It dispenses a preset amount of oil every X miles, and you can easily adjust the amount of oil you want to use. I run it fairly low most of the time (weather in Ventura is rarely wet, and rarely are the roads that dirty), but turn it up with a few button pushes when I do hit rain or dirt. It's a positive displacement system, so it works with just about any oil - I use the leftover 10W40 from my oil changes (a change takes 3.6 quarts, and 0.4 quarts will last me about 8000 miles - time for a new oil change!).
Love the unit! Idiot proof, and I got 34,000 miles out of my chain - unheard of in the Ventura area (the dealer was astounded - even the sprockets still looked good). Yeah, I have some oil fling on the rim and the underside of the bike, but I ride - it's not a weekend show piece (36K miles so far, in 2 years - with 10 of those 24 months having me overseas and not riding).
unsub, I'm with you on the shaft drive. I really don't even consider a bike unless it's shaft.
The Africa Twin is just so freaking cool..! Yamaha is my # 2 choice as far as ultimate reliability.
The Super Tenere has proven to be pretty much bulletproof. Shaft, cruise, electronic suspension.
Very seriously considered getting one, then Honda brought the Crosstourer to the US , and the Africa twinn came out.
For now I wanted to own just one bike. Ultimately I went to the bike I've been in love with for several years... the "B".
Test ride a 1200 Crosstourer..., shaft, single sided swing arm, available DCT and a marvelous engine, I guarantee you'll fall in love with the motor..! Lack of cruise , lower body protection & standard accessories turned me away though.
That's why I keep going back to "look" at the Super T. To me so far, it checks all the boxes. I'm eager to read will's thoughts in a report though.
Never say never.
I traded 2014 Ten for my '14 B.That's why I keep going back to "look" at the Super T. To me so far, it checks all the boxes. I'm eager to read will's thoughts in a report though.
Never say never.
The Ten is an awesome bike. Tons of addons available. Super reliable.
Needs a couple fixes imo.
1) Better windscreen--Madstad fixed that.
2) I got numbness in my right hand. Cruise control helped some.
3) Seat wore on my butt by 200 miles.
3.5) Can't turn ABS off readily. Screws with locking up rear tire for slides.
4) Biggest problem--I found myself riding on lone, gravelly or rutted dirt roads by myself. It's too damn tempting in the Ten kitted with knobbies and bars to explore. I got bit hard last year when I fell and injured my shoulder. Knew then and there that that bike was going to get me maimed or killed.
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