Having just taken possession of my first chain-driven bike, an Aprilia RSVR Mille, I am thinking about chain maintenaince, and asked my neighboor about “Scottoiler”, which this forum always sings the praise of.
He mentioned that a friend of his, had a minor leak from the reservoir, and whilst negotiating a left-hander, he spilt the bike, so he advised me not to.
My question is:
How common or unusual is it?
And which system, if I go for it, should I ask my dealer for?
This forum’s help and knowledge is always greatly appreciated…
They’re the sort of thing that if looked after the chain is well oiled and lasts longer. To be honest for everyone who says a scotoiler is the ducks danglers there’s just as many who say a regualr check of your chain and application of lube yourself works just as well.
Not heard this problem before but a common complaint is if you don’t have the flow just right it gets really messy.
I’ve used scotoilers but to be honest the one on my current bike is empty as I prefer to check the chain and lube it myself and relying on the oiler on my last bike made me a bit lazy at times with checking the chain condition.
I don’t rate them as the other posters said preferring to carry out manual checks and lubing. Might be okay for high mileage ‘working’ bikes (Couriers, Police etc) but for your average fair weather thrasher like myself just a waste of money and time.
No doubt others have different views - it’d be a boring old world if we didn’t
Got one for my commuter and is awesome to be honest, chain has stayed in very good nick and I’m sure will last longer.
Can’t see much point for fair weather bikes though, much easier just to check now and then instead, plus they can sometime leak a bit when stood still for a long time.
if you play about with the flow and get it right you could use it effectively on a fair weather bike or commuter.
You should always check your chain. regardless if you have an oiler or not. Scott oilers dont stop your chain from failing or keep it at the right tention.
I’ve ridden bikes with 'em on and if set up properly they’re ace
Set up wrong, and they’re the ones that people notice and remember
You generally adjust your chain less with one as the lube never gets too dry like when you think you sprayed your chain recently, when in fact it was 2000 miles ago and it’s stretched again
Of course if you only ride now and then and you’re pretty good at your checks, then what’s the point?
I had two scottoilers on my previous bikes and was more than happy with them. The chain did not require any adjustments after a few thousands of miles. As I sometimes forget about things like chain lubrication the Scottoiler was a very good choice. I never had any leaks and everything was just fine.
Can never understand why riders think that Scottoilers are a bit “Sam Brown Belt and slippers” image wise. Anything that prolongs the life of a chain with no effort is worth it. Phase One Endurance use one on their race bike, and have stated that the chain needs no attention for the first 17 hours of a race.
I’d like to see the evidence of where a Scotoiler leak caused someone to crash-think it is another Urban Myth bandied about by those that don’t like them.
Ive just bought the ‘touring kit’ off fleabay - got a good deal too! Its suposed to hold enough lube to last 3 -4 times linger than the usual scotoiler, so thats me sorted for the year then!..
I noticed on the news section on here actually, that theres a new ‘slipperblock’ which is desgned to both clean and fully lube the chain - It just plugs into the end of the existing scotoiler… at £20 it might be worth a punt…
