The Scottoiler

The Scottoiler is a device many of us have heard about but, in most cases, we have little knowledge about the actual operation and utility to the Dual Sport world. The purpose of this article is to present information about the Scottoiler as outlined by the USA Distributor, ActionStations, Inc.

This author has no first hand knowledge of the device but was impressed enough by recommendations from friends living in the UK to contact ActionStations and ask them to provide the information provided below.

Presently, the factory in Scotland is shipping 600 units a week to customers in the UK and Europe! This has to mean something is "right" about this product. All those "blokes" (the author's attempt to sound British!) can't be wrong!

The author has ordered a Scottoiler for his Triumph Tiger and will present a critique of the device after a trip to the Baja in April.

Scottoiler Installation on the KLR650


Since 1985, Scottoilers have provided reliable, precision lubrication to chains of motorcycles in the UK & Europe. Now available in the North American market, you can look forward to perfect chain condition through regular oil injections of 1 to 2 drops a minute. Saves trouble, chain wear and mess.

What is the Scottoiler System?

A gravity system that cleans and lubricates the chain as you ride. Developed over ten years, it absorbs no power, has no wearing parts and is easily fastened to any motorcycle. The traditional method of using grease to lubricate chains attracts dirt to form an abrasive paste which reduces chain and sprocket life. When a very small amount of oil is applied to the chain regularly, optimum lubrication and extended chain and sprocket life result. Increases chain life between 2 to 5 times.

 



How Does It Work?

The Scottoiler system is switched on and off automatically by a simple connection to a carburetor balancing screw. This design enables accurate flow adjustment when the bike is stationary enabling correct chain lubrication without excess oil.

Where is the Scottoiler made?
Scottoilers are made in Glasgow, Scotland, where the product was designed and developed. The name
comes from the founder of the company, Mr. Fraser Scott.

Why A Chain Oiler?
If you are used to oiling your chain with a spray, then isn't a mechanical chain oiler an overkill? On
first impressions, maybe - but consider the cost of a replacement chain. If a regular application of a
very small amount of oil keeps it in tip-top condition and reduces the need for chain adjustment, isn't
that worth something? Not to mention the vastly reduced mess caused by throw-off, and the bother
of spraying.

Tried & Tested Over Years
New to the US market the Scottoiler is now very well established and successful in almost all of
Europe. Sold to ardent motorcycle enthusiasts for more than a decade, it passed the 'novelty' test by
years - in fact 1997 was an all time sale record for the Company.

Safe & Reliable
A product like this has to be engineered correctly to be reliable and safe. The Scottoiler has German
TÜV Standards approval, which is regarded by many to be the toughest Standards Organization in
the world. Oil only flows through the RMV unit when there is a vacuum in the inlet manifold tube i.e.
when the motor is running.

How Much Oil?
Most people are surprised how little oil is used. The object is to maintain the chain in a slightly moist
condition, and a of 1 to 2 drops per minute is adequate. This provides a protective, lubricating film
over the chain, including the 'O' rings, and also the sprocket to chain interface.

"O" Ring Chains?
Yes 'O' ring chains still need oiling! It's true that when manufactures, grease is secured in the rollers and held there by 'O' rings. But any rider will have seen how dry and raw those 'O' rings get. And what about friction? - have you ever tried to push rubber across a smooth metal surface? 'O' rings are made of rubber which has a high coefficient of friction. Unless the surfaces are kept moist, the rubber will harden and crack, exposing a link-pin to dirt causing wear. In summary 'O' ring chains still need some lubrication to maintain life and reduce sprocket wear.

How Much Longer Will The Chain Last?
Two to five times longer depending on present maintenance, area grit hardness
and riding style.

Does The System Do Away With All Chain Maintenance?
As the chain is automatically cleaned and lubricated, only chain tensioning is necessary which is at much longer intervals due to reduced chain and sprocket wear.


Does Fitting The Scottoiler Affect The Engine?
No. Only 3cc of air moves back and forth in the engine intake actuating the diaphragm-valve.
The engine side of the diaphragm is 'closed' so no air can be drawn in.

Will It Put Oil On The Rear Tire?
A flow rate of between 1 to 2 drops per minute will provide an oil-film which will not pollute the running surface of the tire and will give a dramatic improvement in chain life. In conditions where high levels of dust, sand, salt or heavy rain are present -more oil flow will be necessary to extend chain life. More oil flow can increase the risk of oil on the running surface of the tire, it is important therefore, that the tire be monitored for oil contamination if the system is set to deliver more than 2 drops per minute.

Where Does It Fit?
The heart of the system, the Reservoir Metering Valve unit (RMV) can be mounted anywhere on the motorcycle and works at any angle up to and including horizontal.

How Often Does It Need Filling?
The Reservoir Metering Valve takes 10 seconds to top up with 50cc of oil which should last approx. 500 - 1000 miles. Using the Magnum High Capacity Reservoir increases capacity to 400cc, enough for 4,000 to 8,000 miles.

Easy To Fit?
Part of the appeal of the Scottoiler is that it's a straightforward job to fit at home. Alternatively your
dealer can fit it for you - 50% of those sold in the UK are also fitted by the dealer. As there are no
electrical connections, there's no danger of causing damage to the bike! You can fit one in an hour or
so, but most people enjoy taking the trouble to conceal all the feed tubes etc and make a factory-type job of it.

All Types Of Bikes
Scottoilers can be fitted to all chain drives of any age, and the same benefit applies to all bikes. In
the UK the Honda VFR750 and Yamaha FJ1200 are the most popular applications, in Europe dual sport bikes are very popular. In the USA we are also seeing high sales to VT1000 Super Hawk and
NT650 Hawk riders. Naturally the more miles you cover, the greater benefit you will receive through
not having to spray your chain at regular and inconvenient intervals.

Touring Kit
For those who travel L-O-N-G journeys, we strongly recommend the Touring kit which has a high
capacity reservoir - enough for 4,000 to 8,000 miles! This is even easier to fit, as it locates on the rear
license plate bracket.

For more information contact:
ActionStations Inc,
USA & Canada Distributors of
Scottoilers and Knox Body Protection
Telephone: (530) 898 9269
Email: "Paul English" action@actionstation.com
Web Site: www.actionstation.com


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09/05/01