oil change & chain maintenance

[warlock2008]

Today I bought 2 Liter of motor oil, oil filter and a lubricating spray for the chain. I have to buy from another shop something to clean the chain, before lubricate it.

Because this is the first time when I have to do this job, I'm thinking to do it at a suzuki service. I think also needs some chain adjustments.

I will make some pictures and technical data of these things will be shared on this forum. I know this is not a big deal, but if there is somebody beginner as I am, maybe it will be useful someday/someone.

[Water Warrior 2]

A cheap easy way to clean your chain. Buy a large aluminum pan/tray in a grocery store for cooking. Next but some kerosene, 1 liter will last a long time. Clean the chain with the kerosene and a soft brush to remove the grime. I place paper towels in the pan to soak up any grim from the chain when it drips. Wipe dry and use a good quality chain lube. Du Pont with Teflon is a very good product if you can find it. If you get a deeper pan it will also be handy for changing oil. Oh, before I forget, at the grocery store get a little funnel for pouring the oil into the bike. Cheaper than an auto store and works just as well.

[warlock2008]

OIL: IPONE 15W50 (4T) - last summer we had 40-45 deg celsius
FILTER: Hiflofiltro HF136 info here (http://www.hiflofiltro.com/17.0.html?&L=0&sel_uid=1129)
Chain lube: IPONE (with PTFE - teflon )



http://www.postimage.org/aVyDDWA.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aVyDDWA)

http://www.postimage.org/aVyDSUr.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aVyDSUr)

http://www.postimage.org/aVyE6Si.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aVyE6Si)

http://www.postimage.org/aVyEgQS.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aVyEgQS)

http://www.postimage.org/aVyElQ9.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aVyElQ9)

http://www.postimage.org/aVyEDi9.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aVyEDi9)

http://www.postimage.org/Pq1rJejr.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=Pq1rJejr)

http://www.postimage.org/aVyESg0.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aVyESg0)

[Water Warrior 2]

Warlock, looks like you have all the right stuff. And just where do you live ?? 40+ C is really warm to be out on a bike so drink lots of water.

[5th_bike]

I use an aluminum (=aluminium outside the USA) paint tray to catch the kerosene-and-dirt mix from cleaning the chain, and to catch any oil drips from the motor oil I brush on after the kerosene dries off.
Paper towels underneath the sprockets, and the garage floor stays pretty clean.

[warlock2008]

Warlock, looks like you have all the right stuff. And just where do you live ?? 40+ C is really warm to be out on a bike so drink lots of water.

It is "only" bucharest (romania). This is very a crowded town, (live pictires at http://www.livetraffic.ro/index.php ) and last summer we had over 40deg celsius. Sometimes in traffic, my car showed 45-47 deg.

I think also this summer will be very hot. Until the next change of oil i think this will be ok.

This is my first bike and only technical stuff that I experienced (with 2 wheels) is my bike(s). My studies: electrical engineer and now I'm a programmer.

so, any kind of advice .....

[Water Warrior 2]

" Only Bucharest " Don't down play your beautiful city. I am sure it has a history that is far longer and more interesting than anything we in North America can imagine. Would be on my list of places to visit if I had the money to visit Europe. Thanks for the traffic cameras in action. Good stuff.

[Jpsalvador]

Anybody got an idea on how to tighten the chain???

[primal]

Anybody got an idea on how to tighten the chain???

Download the service manual and follow the instructions for adjusting the chain?

[patrick_777]

Anybody got an idea on how to tighten the chain???

Download the service manual and follow the instructions for adjusting the chain?

Damn you and your LOGIC!

[primal]

Anybody got an idea on how to tighten the chain???

Download the service manual and follow the instructions for adjusting the chain?

Damn you and your LOGIC!

I know. It's a curse.

[Orpheus]

How difficult is it to take off the chain for cleaning? I usually just buy some of the spray stuff and use an old toothbrush to scrub it, then roll it forward a little bit to move the chain and scrub again. If it's easier to take it off, I'm all for that.

[Easy Rider]

How difficult is it to take off the chain for cleaning? I usually just buy some of the spray stuff and use an old toothbrush to scrub it, then roll it forward a little bit to move the chain and scrub again. If it's easier to take it off, I'm all for that.

Unless you have a replacement chain with a master link, that is not an option. You can take it LOOSE but not OFF.
Study it a bit and I think you'll see why.

IMHO, it is really not necessary to scrub the chain to clean it. Wipe with an old towel. If that's not good enough, dab on some kero or mineral spirtis and then wipe again.

[Orpheus]

Unless you have a replacement chain with a master link, that is not an option.

Oh yeah, I didn't think about that. :oops: