So I was trying to lube my chain, but my 170lb computer nerd weakling self can't seem to get it on the center stand. I stand on the left side of the bike, grip the handlebars, push down the center stand, and try to yank it backwards, but I can't do it. Is there a trick to it?

muscle and profanity.. beer may help also.

saw this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDNqCMNau9A

gonna try that.

There has already been a whole thread on this question


http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=55740.0

Quote from: adidasguy on April 26, 2011, 10:31:12 PM
There has already been a whole thread on this question


http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=55740.0

i searched but didn't find it. thanks for the link.

You're welcome. We're here to help!

Quote from: adidasguy on April 26, 2011, 10:46:37 PM
You're welcome. We're here to help!

thanks. i used adidas' method and got it up first try. much better way to do it.

so to lube the chain i just sprayed a constant spray of wd-40 as i rotated the wheel. did 2 complete revolutions of the chain. am i done?

I find putting the bike in Neutral works the best.   If you're in gear and it won't move forward, it's almost impossible to get it onto the centre stand.

Quote from: epoxy.guy on April 26, 2011, 10:51:39 PM
I find putting the bike in Neutral works the best.   If you're in gear and it won't move forward, it's almost impossible to get it onto the centre stand.

yeah, i always have it parked in neutral.

Quote from: StevenDavisPhoto on April 26, 2011, 10:49:13 PM


so to lube the chain i just sprayed a constant spray of wd-40 as i rotated the wheel. did 2 complete revolutions of the chain. am i done?

Almost done, but I'd put it up on the stand and use some real chain lube. WD40 isn't going to do what you need.

The other thing I've notice people having almost as much trouble with is getting the bike off the center stand. I see a lot of people on here saying they need to get on their bike and lurch the bike forward because they're worried about it falling in the other direction if they try to put it down while they're standing on the left side of the bike. I rock the bike back slowly and then push forward. As soon as you feel it starting to rock forward on the centerstand you can grab the front brake with one finger. This will stop the bike there it is on the centerstand and lets you gently set the bike down as slow as you want. You can get it to the point where both wheels are on the ground before the centerstand pops up and lets you stay in control of the bike without worrying about it falling in the other direction. It's much easier than tossing the bike's weight forward and trying to catch it after it drops off of the centerstand.

Quote from: StevenDavisPhoto on April 26, 2011, 09:44:16 PM
So I was trying to lube my chain, but my 170lb computer nerd weakling self can't seem to get it on the center stand. I stand on the left side of the bike, grip the handlebars, push down the center stand, and try to yank it backwards, but I can't do it. Is there a trick to it?

I'm puzzled. Didn't you watch how it was done on my review video you commented on? I mean, I demonstrate the center stand at 8:22 on the video Before I show the luggage system and bag which you commented on  (I also talk about lubing at 21.20 in the video.)

Anyway. As for WD40... I used it on my first chain for the GS. Got 23,000km before the chain needed replacing. Needs doing after every tank full with WD40.

2nd chain. Started using Lanolin spray by Lanotec. It lubes well but is a tad sticky so stuff tends to stick to it and you need to Clean it more - otherwise the grit mixes with the lube and forms a grinding paste on the cogs. I've switched to Belray Super Clean and the chain is cleaner and smoother. So far got nearly 17,000 on this chain and there are no signs of any tight spots developing. So I'll get more than 23,000 out of this chain. I still lube it after every tank or two - more than recommended.

For cleaning the chain, use plain old kerosene. 

Michael

23,000 km seems like plenty. that's 13,800 miles. i only ride on the weekends so i will probably never get that many miles before i sell it. even the wiki says to use wd-40 as do many videos i've seen. seems fine to me.

Isn't WD-40 for cleaning the grease off? I use that to clean the chain then put proper lube on it kinda like the owner's manual says I think anyhow.

Mary

Owners Manual recommends Kero to clean it.

The WD40 has a cleaning - and - Slight lubing function. There are arguments the WD40 gets by the Orings and removes the lube inside of them. Maybe it does, maybe it doesn't. At the moment, that it gets by is conjecture only cause no-one has taken apart an oring chain to prove this is what happens they just repeat what they've read in a thread somewhere. So once the WD40 is sprayed on and full evaporation has taken place, the only thing left is a small amount of lube. As it's a small amount the chain needs to be redone frequently.

The thing with chain tight spots is that it causes additional wear on the cogs. So changing the chain means changing the cogs (I'd do both at the same time though others just change the front as that wears faster). Thus, the cost goes up.

If in doubt, read the "not to be used on" part from the WD40 can and then contact the chain manufacture to Ask what the oring is made of to make sure it is not made out of anything on the "do not use on" list. So if the WD40 can says "not on neoprene" and the chain oring is made of neoprene, then don't use the WD40.

Additional Info:

Here are the results of Oring Submersion in different fluids including WD40 http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=345397

Also found this letter from a chain manufacturer...



There are also a couple of letters floating around from the maker of WD40 in answer to the "will it wreck my chain" question. I cannot find them at the moment but the crux of their answer is, it will remove lube already On the chain (hence its cleaning ability) and one letter says it won't get by and the other says it may or may not get by orings and remove the internal grease.

When it all comes down to it, the biggest wear on the chain and sprockets is the grime turned to grinding paste due to lack of cleaning. Use whatever lube floats your boat. Clean and lube, clean and lube = happy chain and sprockets. 

Michael

Kerosene in a little hand spray bottle is what I use and a toothbrush. 

Quote from: Twisted on April 27, 2011, 02:52:49 PM
Kerosene in a little hand spray bottle is what I use and a toothbrush. 

yeah, might just do this. it takes so little time already, brushing it won't add much.

Funny, the letter in mister's post says to never use kerosene. It's what I use as well. What's their rationale?

Quote from: StevenDavisPhoto on April 27, 2011, 03:02:36 PM

Quote from: Twisted on April 27, 2011, 02:52:49 PM
Kerosene in a little hand spray bottle is what I use and a toothbrush. 

yeah, might just do this. it takes so little time already, brushing it won't add much.

Fights decay and cavities