im so pathetic... (maintenance related)

[Sev]

Why are you paying someone to do something that simple? That's like.. $20 that could be rolled into... I don't know, a new can, race lessons, paint for your scratched fairing, or any number of things.

Plus you gain the knowledge that you can take care of stuff like that, which is a big confidence booster in life in general.

[VermilionX]

yeah i know... i should learn how to do it.

but like i said, i've only seen it done w/ the stand and i thought it would be too much of a nuisance w/o using a stand.

thanks for your tip, it will be longer but i'll have to learn something this simple sooner or later.

also, im having other stuff <possibly done> at the shop, so that's one other reason i wanna take it there.

[JCS]

After you clean your chain you will need to lube it. What kind of chain lube to use can start hours of debate but I use Maxima Chain Wax. You do realize that for any lube you need to have the chain warm when you apply the lube, right? Also, have you checked the tension on your chain? You need to do this periodically. A too loose chain can lead to premature wear on the chain and sprockets. Too tight leads to its own issues.
All of this can be done without a stand but is easier with one. Checking your chain should not be done at 600 mile intervals. It should be part of your pre-ride inspection every day. Just give it a quick once over. You do a pre-ride inspection, right?

[Ninja Geoff]

600 mile intervals? Lucky, i gotta do it every 3 rides or less on my bike.

Note to self, clean/lube chain on dirtbike.
Got a 525 or 530 chain? This may help you:
http://www.bing.com/jsp/product_c ... Id=&mmyId=

[JCS]

Geoff, I have one of these gadgets. Way too easy to use and no messy overspray. It works. Mine was not from a Harley accessory catalog but the same thing.

[Wizzard]

I 2nd the Maxima Chain Wax and I would never use WD40 on any part of my scoot . If you think you absolutely have to clean your chain then by all means get your self a can of GUNK and clean it with that . Spray on , let it sit . Rinse off . It is that simple .
Regards, Wizzard

[Ninja Geoff]

I 2nd the Maxima Chain Wax and I would never use WD40 on any part of my scoot . If you think you absolutely have to clean your chain then by all means get your self a can of GUNK and clean it with that . Spray on , let it sit . Rinse off . It is that simple .
Regards, Wizzard

No WD-40 eh? That's stuff's a miracle worker to me

I havn't yet used it on my chain, but i was thinking of using it, as my chain has no o-rings, x-rings, or any rings made of ruber whatsoever.

[Ham Hock]

I found this to be a very helpful gadget if you don't have a pit stand or way to turn the wheels.

It really cuts down on the time it takes to do chain maintenance.

http://froogle.google.com/froogle?hl=en ... a=N&tab=wf

[VermilionX]

i know about checking the chains if it's too tight.

that rollastand looks good. does it really work as good as it is advertized?

no WD-40? now im confused on what materials to use.

[runsilent]

OK folks, here's a chance for you all to get on my bandwagon. I have never had a bike without a centerstand and never will. If everyone refuses to buy bikes without centerstands they will soon put them back on all bikes.

Clean a chain? Really? I knew I forgot to do something. Actually I just lube them and keep on going, adjust when necessary. If the rollers look shiney when I get home I throw the bike up on the centerstand and lube it. It's then ready to go the next day.

Really don't understand cleaning and lubeing a chain by milage, like every 600 miles or whatever. If you ride only on warm sunny days that might work out, but the lube can be completely washed off in a half hour or less in the rain.

As far as not buying a bike without a centerstand goes, I would consider one of the many that now have aftermarket centerstands available. Twisted Throttle has them for Sv650, Stroms, 599, 919 and many others I'm not recalling at the moment. From a European source of course.