Real basic questions
 

Hi there - I need to get a chain (ie. to chain up the bike) which doesn't weigh too much and is tried and tested. Anyone got any recommendations?

Also, now that my baby has been out in the wet, could do with getting some wax or something. Can anyone recommend good stuff? Also, guess I need something on the paint and then some protective stuff on the exhaust & other metal bits (?) - recommendations for that too would be most welcome.

Sorry re basics qu.s, I'm about as tecchie as a frog and this is my first experience of machinery (not counting the kettle).

Cheers

Look for a chain with a sold secure sticker, a U lock or other with a tubular lock should be avoided. I use a Oxford Boss disc lock for the rear wheel and a JCB disc lock for the front. Both go under my seat cowl no problem.

Use WD40 or other spray oil to counter corrosion. Do NOT spray brake discs or calipers!

I tend to use an oxford monster chain and lock. Bikes with disc locks only, just get lifted...ya need a chain to fasten the bike to something ideally

There was an article in MCN I think the other day saying that some of the Oxford Products ( I can't remember which ones ) could be opened with a pen.. not sure how much of what was said was true though

Yeah, its the ones with the cylinder locks...and it took me about 10 seconds on the one I was using, so I went out and bought a different one.

Re: Real basic questions
 

I bought a basic chain from Lidl for £8.99. It weighs a couple of kilos
and fits under the seat (just). Problem is you have to know in advance
(from Lidl leaflets) when motorcycle accessories are to be sold and come
to the shop on the appropriate day early in the morning when the doors
are being opened.

Of course, at work I use a more massive chain, but I don't have to carry
it around so the size and weight don't matter.

I wouldn't rely too much on "sold secure" or similar stickers. As far as
I recall the locks which can be opened with a ball pen had all the right
stickers.

To prevent corrosion use Scottoiler FS365 - spray it everywhere after you've washed the bike down (except the brake discs of course :D )

For locks, I use an Oxford Omega disc lock on both front & rear wheels, and I've also got an Datatool System 3 alarm. The disc locks fit under the pillion seat.
As for chains, they may deter the more casual thief or joyriders, but the professionals will either use the mother of all bolt-croppers, or pour liquid nitrogen onto the chain/lock, and then simply shatter it with a hammer :cry:
With a chain you'll need something to secure it to the bike whilst you're riding along - some of the chain manufacturers sell them with a bag that straps around the pillion seat, or you'll have to buy one.

Whatever route you take, avoid any locks that are opened using a round hollow key - an unfortunately large number of these can be simply opened by stuffing the end of a biro in the opening and working it about until the lock opens :shock:

As for polish etc, I like Autoglym products, but Mer is also very good.

Rule #1 - don't use washing up liquid to wash the bike, it's got salt in it and it strips wax polish off (which you don't want). Use some car bodywork shampoo (I use Autoglym bodywork shampoo, but many others are fine). Every few washes give the bodywork a coat of Autoglym Resin Polish or similar. I have no connection with them.

They also do a "Motorcycle Cleaner" which is great for really stubborn muck but I use it only when really necessary as it's pretty aggressive and really does need waxing afterwards.

Autoglym Vinyl&Rubber Care is great for spraying over engines/throttle linkages etc, not high protection but does ward off the moisture and is totally harmless to plastics. Good on black plastic (doesn't go white).

As for security chains, Almax were recommended on this site some time back
http://www.almax-security-chains.co.uk/shop/
I haven't used them but the write-ups are good.
To some extent you get what you pay for, and from what I can see all decent security stuff is HEAVY! At least the Squire security grade locks they recommend/offer are decent bits of kit (not opening with a pen-top!)

O.K. Paintwork

Having just finished giving my car its twice yearly going over, I would recommend the same products for a bike. My bike will be getting the following treatment as soon as I get it (the countdowns getting closer every day, as they say)........

Carplan Triple wax
followed by
Turtle wax Gloss gaurd
Both products were voted 1st and 2nd by Auto Express, although i feel the Gloss gaurd is more like Autoglym Gold and should be used to seal in the previously applied wax.
If the paintwork is in need of reviving use Autoglym Renovator which has a slight cut in it.

Then when your washing the paintwork add Turtle wax, Zip wax (wash and wax) to the water.
Chamois off after rinsing.

I have tried loads over the past 20 years and the above are the best and the ones I stock up on when Halford's do a 2 for 1 or 1/2 price offer.

Happy cleaning......but feel free to try the other recommendations.

Tks for all the advice :D