What Cleaning stuff/maintenance stuff is needed for a bike?

[Paul the 6th]

Originally Posted by rictus01

Before you go spending money of this or that cleaner it's more important to keep it working properly.

So as Chris said, top up oil (10/40 semi), chain lube (keep it lubed at all times), if using spray stuff then every 250-450 miles, dependent on weather conditions you've been riding in*.

Penetrating oil for cables, grease for bolts/lever pivots.

After you've made sure it'll actually work properly then you can use as much riding time as you like rubbing bit's with anything you like.




* get a scottoiler, set to minimum and fill every 1,000 miles with used engine oil, job done.

Cheers Mark.

Just bought a scottoiler off girth & yet to fit, but can you really use old engine oil?

[rictus01]

Originally Posted by Paul the 6th

Just bought a scottoiler off girth & yet to fit, but can you really use old engine oil?

well I have for over 600,000 miles, my last SV chain lasted 54,000 miles, Of course if you like the pretty red or blue scott oil feel free......

Cheers Mark.

[Bibio]

Aldi microfiber cloths the 2 in a pack ones they come in yellow, blue and green. they are cheep. use once for polishing then bin. if they fall on floor while polishing bin it and use a fresh one. car washing sponges cut in half, again if they fall on the floor while washing bike bin it and use a fresh one. even the smallest piece of grit will scratch your beloved paint work.

polish of your choice, MER, Autoglym, Simoniz what ever you like.

and as YC mentioned oil and grease. my favourite of all greases for day to day use is white spray grease, use on all pivot areas after washing bike e.g. brake and clutch levers, gear leaver etc etc.