Chain oiler question

[ZiggyCol]

Looking at mounting a chain oiler on the Multi - probably the Cobrra Nemo 2. All installation instructions and videos I've seen (for any oiler) show positioning the drip feeder just in front of or actually alongside the rear sprocket which necessitates locating the feed tube along the swingarm. On a previous bike (Fazer 1000) I installed a Scottoiler and managed to position the drip feeder so it dripped onto the chain just behind the front sprocket. To my mind this provided a neater installation - the reservoir was under the seat, the tube behind the frame and the dripper behind the front sprocket cover - thus the whole thing was effectively hidden. I also thought it was less likely if maladjusted to spray any excess oil towards the rear wheel. It seemed to work fine and I had no problems.
So the question I have is this - does anyone know why all instructions advise as they do, or do you know of any specific disadvantages/problems with mounting as I've described? All I can think of is that it may not easily be possible on many bikes to mount as I suggest so the rear sprocket solution is just more generically doable and so that is what the manufacturers advise. Any thoughts?

[buzzardbilly]

ZiggyCol - not sure if it is feasible to place the drip feed by the front sprocket but it certainly sounds a good idea . I fitted a Cobrra Nemo2 about a year ago on the recommendation of TheNozzle (who had previously fitted the Tutoro) . And am really pleased with it

To be honest I think chainoilers  tend to get a bike messy and I prefer drylube but I use the Cobrra  when touring

There is a real neat place to mount the reservoir (which is a compact unit anyway) using an existing bolt above the gear change (forget now what is it already attaching) . I just has to make a small U bracket to distance the reservoir from the engine casing . Hardly notice it is there and you can run the feed tube inside the frame from there with cable ties

[ZiggyCol]

Thanks BB.
Yes I've seen the thread on other installations which has given me some food for thought although I'm considering a location a bit higher and further forward - don't really want it on the handle bars. I'll have a play around when I get the unit. I'll probably go for a front sprocket dripper location and see how it goes unless anyone can come up with a good reason why not.

[buzzardbilly]

ZiggyCol - agreed , handlebar location is not the most attractive location .  If you get a front sprocket success please post a note as I will probably relocate mine - cheers

[Dave G]

Originally Posted by ZiggyCol

Thanks BB.
Yes I've seen the thread on other installations which has given me some food for thought although I'm considering a location a bit higher and further forward - don't really want it on the handle bars. I'll have a play around when I get the unit. I'll probably go for a front sprocket dripper location and see how it goes unless anyone can come up with a good reason why not.

Great original post ZiggyCol.
One reason why I don't have an oiler is that I hate after thought fitted items. Tubes / Cables / zip ties. etc everywhere make any bike look naf.
I think the front sprocket feed is a great idea but not sure where the end can be fixed.?
I took my cover off recently to remove the excess grime build up so I know there is some room in there....good luck and hope you can post photos of your work.

[Conman]

There's two reasons to put the oil feed onto a sprocket (usually the rear). Firstly a drip of oil onto a chain is not very effective; it's in freefall so not accurate, it'll splash and possibly even drip between the links. Far better to introduce the oil to the side of the sprocket and let centrifugal force push the oil onto the chain/toothed region. Secondly sealed o-ring chains don't need so much oil anyway..  but..  where the chain hits the sprocket there is a significant impact/rubbing effect that does need oil. I prefer to look at it as oiling the sprocket not the chain.

OIling the front sprocket is not as important because it's generally covered so grit and water are kept away. It also spins significantly faster so oil will be thrown off much more. However there was one Ducati (can't remember which now) that had to have the drip feed onto the drive sprocket (according to Scottoil), probably something to do with a single sided swingarm.

I had a design project that involved oiling chains   

[ZiggyCol]

Conman - I take your points.
It's probably a bit academic now anyway as, having taken the front sprocket cover off for a look, I'm struggling to see how I could fit the drip tube in there. Managed it on my Fazer but can't see a way on the MT.
Back to the rear sprocket then  . . .

[bmw_al]

Fitted an X-System Scottoiler to my Multi back in early October.  I've had many V-systems over the years but fancied a change, although not the price....    I have to say it works really well, far less fling than V-systems on previous bikes, with enough oil getting on the chain.

The main benefit is that it doesn't need a vacuum pipe as its a self contained pump unit connected directly to the battery.  It came with a self adhesive mount for the delivery nozzle, although that didn't last too long as my winterising ACF50 efforts managed to give it a reason to give up on hanging on.....so now I've bolted the delivery pipe to the rear of the threaded bobbin mount, and done away with the self adhesive mount (earlier pic shown below).

Reservoir is mounted in the usual place (same as V-System).  The only issue I had was the non-return valve wouldn't fit directly beneath the pump (not enough room to route the delivery hose/ but it seems happy and works OK where it is.

All was going well until todays ride out, when the main unit packed up, so I've had to return it so Scottoiler under warranty.  I'm hoping this is just a one off, as it works really well....when it works    I'll keep you posted. 

[Conman]

That's a tidy installation Al  I don't like where mine is of the front RHS but can't decide where it should go  The main problem is the terrible up and down route the oil takes to get to the sprocket. It only half empties the gets air locked  There's no real obvious place closer on the LHS with enough slope/drop for the gravity fed system. I've almost decided to strap it to the crash bar but it'll look crap. Well, that's one of my Xmas jobs 

[bmw_al]

Gday Conman - cheers it took a bit of doing.  I've since slightly tweaked the position of a couple of pipe clips and return valve position so it looks a little better now.  I'll post another couple of picks when the repaired reservoir is returned and fitted.  Do you have a V-system or another type?  Mine is on the LHS as you can probably work out......  

The other benefit I forgot to mention is that the X-System only dispenses oil when the bike is moving, rather than all the time the engine is running.  It is also pumped which must help, but I am sure a V-System would work in the same location as I'm sure others have that version fitted (and thats the location shown for the Multi 950 on Scottoilers website for the V-System)

I only hope the X-System works long term as if it goes wrong again, I'll go back to the old faithful V-System!