Morning All, Got my 1198 booked in for servicing at Italia Moto next time home. Belts were technically due last end of February so wanted to get them done and also whilst there I discussed valve clearances which will be due at 7.5k... Bike is currently on 6k so it seemed logical to bite the bullet and get the clearances done whilst it's in for the belts and not pay twice for some of the labour involved. I have also opted to have the chain and sprockets replaced as although not in urgent need of replacement they are showing their age and chain slightly rusty... Had a good discussion around this with Italia Moto whilst there and have opted to go for Rental kit. Italia Moto advised that the Renthal kit was superior to original Ducati parts and also works out slightly cheaper over the long run too. Price including the conversion to Renthal comes in at roughly the same as Ducati replacements but in future will be cheaper as only need to purchase the carrier first time round obviously! That's basically the background for this thread covered! Now as I am going to have a nice shiny new chain and sprockets fitted I am contemplating which lubrication or wax to go for? I have used various products over the years on my GSXR but have never been able to maintain that nice clean look I desire! Certain products seem to be a nightmare for dirt and grime sticking to them... Perhaps it's how I have been applying the products which hasn't helped so any thoughts, opinions or guidance on this would be much appreciated too! Ben.
That was a nice and easy one then! Looks like just the ticket. How often and when do you use? i.e pre or post ride or post washing bike?? Ben.
I've had Renthal on the GSXR and liked it so was more than happy to follow recommendation from Italia Moto, especially given the price of the standard Ducati items, ended up being a no brainer really when considering it will save money in the future too!
The thing that many people overlook is the need to actually clean the chain regularly, rather than just keep spraying more lube on it. It's the lonly way your ever going to remove the gritty paste that will otherwise build up and destroy the seals and ultimately the chain. Loads of propriatory cleaners out there but I favour good old paraffin. It won't swell the seals like WD40 and easily removed old line and gunge. Just make sure you protect your tyre with a bit of cardboard or similar whilst your doing it, or you'll have a nasty surprise the first time you go round a corner! Once clean, run the chain through a rag gripped around it and dry it as best you can. Apply any decent lube (I prefer thinner racing type lube as it seems to attract less grit. However, you'll probably have to apply it more regularly though.) sparingly. Pay attention to the sideplates to keep the o-rings supple, that's what helps them keep the grease inside the link assembly and is the main reason for the lubrication. Finally give the wheel a good spin and wipe off any excess. Be prepared to repeat this every couple of hundred miles. You'd be surprised how many times I've heard people say that they never clean or lube their chains regularly. Then they wonder why they don't get about 15 or 20k out of a set!
Thanks for your detailed post and advice! I also have heard of many people stating they never clean or lube their chains. With regards to the paraffin cleaning, do you apply and clean with a toothbrush/paintbrush??
Definitely a braun electric one, preferably with the 5 megahertz sonic adapter and the contra rotating head, you need to get this complex and precise task just so, and leave nothing to chance.
Definitely paraffin clean and dry lube after every ride. I also have a piece of red tape wrapped around the toothbrush just in case. I love my bike but not at the expense of personal hygiene
Gear oil applied sparingly with a half inch paintbrush. Old skool! Keeps it clean without cleaning. Cheap. Flings a bit but wipes off just as easily. I switch to sticky gloopy stuff in winter on other bike as lasts longer so dont have to faff about applying in the dark after work. I wasnt happy with the dry lubes, too often wet up here and seemed to wash off quickly.
