Triumphrat

Treehugger · 02-11-2006, 09:12 AM

Im trying to keep my S4 in top condition, she sits outside all year round and I use her everyday through inner city. I keep her clean as best as possible but I'm worried that all the cleaning leaves joints and cables clean from thier appropriate lubes. I look after the chain, I used to use wax until i discovered the nasty build up it creates in the sprocket housing, of thick wax and small stones! chain destroyer. now i use a different lube recommended by my dealer.
I was wondering what other lubes people use on parts like brake/clutch levers, clutch cable (both ends). Ive had a clutch cable snap on me from possible lack of lube and I'm keep to avoid this! I was at a set of lights and i ended up being dragged into oncomming traffic

not fun.
I know its the thicker gunky stuff but as you can tell I dont know my lubes lol anyone have tips for keeping everything slick and smooth?

ta

Ozz · 02-11-2006, 02:37 PM

Id also be interested in what people recommend as my bike sits outside most of the year too. Two things Id recommend are 1st, a scot-oiler (or lubeman) for the chain. They really do work, as long as you remember to refill it! Also if you dont already have one, get a bike cover, it doesnt just keep it dry but will put off bike thieves if they cannot see what bike is underneath, also stops anyone scratching it (big worry for me as I live in Glasgow and have the roulette green S4, some Rangers fans really are sad enough to scratch it cos its green (celtic))

Treehugger · 02-11-2006, 06:53 PM

actually in winter i do cover her up and i have a chain big enough to anchor an oil tanker wraped around it and a lamp-post, but anyway lubes....

Will · 02-11-2006, 06:54 PM

I typically use PJ One (I think that is what it says on the can- the can is blue). Keeping the chain lubed and really well aligned keeps it from stretching much. I just adjusted the chain for the first time in about 5K miles. I tend to run a bit of slack to avoid putting stress on the chain and countershaft. Since it has been dumping down rain in near record quantities lately, I haven't lubed the chain as much as it needs, and the chain probably won't last as long as it should because of that.

Oh, and I washed the bike today. Turns out it is red and sliver and is a Triumph. Nobody would have known!

hardboild · 02-12-2006, 01:37 PM

Will, i am now inspired to wash my bike after 3 months of rain! it's brown right now and soon to be back to black:

NAPA cable/chain lube for the chain
WD40 to make the bolts and joints happy
Engine Brite for the wheels - goodbye road grease
Ivory Dish soap for the body
TurtleWax to make it all shiny and good
Windex for the pipes, glass and mirrors
Armour All for the seat and grips

Fill with 89 octane, remove from sun after an hour, add leathers, helmet, and enjoy!

Treehugger · 02-12-2006, 02:43 PM

yeah but whats the gunky lube thats usually in the clutch and brake levers?..

btw i used to use all sorts of fancy waxs and polish, now i use 1 thing, a can of mr. muscle multi surface polish

and carplan wheel cleaner too of course

http://i1.tinypic.com/nnti5c.jpg

not bad for 2 years in inner city, day in day out.

but the lube?...