Triumphrat

Leigh_at_ch9 · 04-01-2012, 08:37 AM

Gentlemen, I am reading with interest the current "Centre stand" thread. I don't really want to bolt extra stuff to my Speedy, but without one I find chain spraying to be a huge pain in the @rse, esp with the silencer stuck right where I need to spray. I'm actually tempted to buy one just to quickly bolt on without the spring etc each time I spray the chain! What innovative ways do u guys have to get the rear wheel off the ground for chain spraying?? I used to use a standstick on my bikes yrs ago under the right hand swingarm but on my Speedy the cans are in the way. Any ideas? Are any UK guys using a paddock stand successfully? Leigh

JasonSonofEd · 04-01-2012, 08:46 AM

Use a motorcycle lift and remove the exhaust makes it easy to clean and lube ! I got a lift from Harbor Freight for less then a hundred bucks ! Come in handy for washing oil changes chain tightening and cleaning and lube!!

vito · 04-01-2012, 08:50 AM

I had the dealer install a center stand, but it is a real pain to use it, and the rear wheel is only raised about an inch off the ground. With my prosthetic knees it is tough getting down that low to lube the chain, so I bought a bike jack from Sears that lifts the bike about 18 inches off of the ground. I'll admit it gets a bit hairy when I let the jack down, but so far this is the best way I found to relatively easily clean and lube the chain. Sometimes I'm tempted just to not bother with cleaning or lubing and just pay for a new chain every few years instead of having this chore every 500 miles or so.

JasonSonofEd · 04-01-2012, 09:05 AM

I'm lucky if clean my chain every couple thousand miles still going strong! Tried cleaning it every 500 miles but I give up! It's a Triumph it will be fine!

vito · 04-01-2012, 09:16 AM

Maybe I'll just pay the dealer to do it whenever I have another reason for bringing the bike in.

Leigh_at_ch9 · 04-01-2012, 09:46 AM

Thanks for the input so far guys. Using a lift and removing the silencer is a good way of doing it if you like your maintenance but I hate the job and just want to get it done in 2 minutes. Not doing it at all (or not very often) is an option as it's easy to spend more than the price of a chain and sprockets on cleaners and lubes if you're not careful. I have several mountain bikes and the amount of money people throw away trying to make a £20 bicycle chain last longer is comical. However, on a motorbike I cannot see myself getting many miles out of a chain with it running dry but maybe I'm wrong. I never ever clean a chain but I do like to lube it every 500 miles or so. These 2 ideas look good
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1306517916...84.m1423.l2649

or maybe - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4002872220...84.m1423.l2648

RonL · 04-01-2012, 10:40 AM

I use a lift. Also use the lift for general maintenance and cleaning. For lubing the chain, I use cardboard to protect the wheel/tire, and throw a rag over the exhaust to keep clean-up to a minimum.

Leigh_at_ch9 · 04-01-2012, 10:42 AM

Hmm. My wife just arrived home and that gave me an idea (no, not THAT idea

) Just get her to hold the bike up while I lube the chain

I'm joking. She keeps a small bottle jack in her car so with the bike on the sidestand I tried jacking the right hand frame tube (by the ctr stand pivot) slightly to raise the rear wheel just clear of the ground. It works great and will do me just fine. Thanks for the input

Leigh

JasonSonofEd · 04-01-2012, 12:29 PM

What's the point of lubing it if you not going to clean it? Does that dirt and road grim along with running it dry not to it any good? I just don't do it every 500 miles that would be every 2 weeks for me ! Yea no thanks!

Connel · 04-02-2012, 09:58 PM

Harbor Freight's jack works great for me.
Locks at certain heights so it doesn't rely on the pump to hold it up.
Solid with the tie down straps too.
Also, you can check this out.

http://www.nightrider.com/biketech/bikelift.htm