Oil again

[dodger]

Well said, a bit of common sense injected into this age old debate.

[spitfire]

There is no excuse for not using the manufacturers specified oils because straight 30 40 and 50 oils are readily available from several companys

[SPRIDDLER]

I'm no Philistine and I'm all for adopting the benefits of scientific advances: Anatomical design hasn't changed for millennia but pure common sense and practical experience have recently prompted me to give up using Izal toilet paper.
However ( ) the mechanicals in our bikes are not highly stressed and I suspect that few bikes do anywhere near the mileage or are thrashed hard enough to justify deviating from the easily obtainable oils recommended in the manuals. Too many shed dwellers are in danger of becoming part of what the medical profession call 'The worried well'.
Many show bikes and restorations that I've seen would probably run quite happily on Oil of Ulay.

(Where's that grumpy Noted Expert 'ITMA' when you need some support? )

[Mick D]

And when said manual was written; leaded paint, gas, and asbestos were all good ideas. The modern make up of new lubricants are far superior to what was available when the bike was built and manuals written.

Hi

Lubricants and machinery are developed in conjunction with one another, when our bikes were produced they were designed to use the currently available lubricants, and as I said earlier, if you deviate from the manufacturers recommendation you need to satisfy yourself that your chosen alternative is compatible.

I would advise the use of the manufacturers specified lubricants unless you have the knowledge to determine a better specification.

Regards Mick (still using leaded solder, easy flow, trichloroethane etc. because they're better )

[56G80S]

Sprid, you know Ken walked away a long time ago now.

I'm on the lookout for a supply of Sodium Chlorate to try and kill of the Mare's Tail that seems untouched by anything else. Apparently no legal sources anymore and my stock gone.

Johnny B

[SPRIDDLER]

Sprid, you know Ken walked away a long time ago now.

We are still in touch from time to time. He's had a new knee. My sympathies to the nurses.

I'm on the lookout for a supply of Sodium Chlorate to try and kill of the Mare's Tail that seems untouched by anything else. Apparently no legal sources anymore and my stock gone.

Maybe folk could send you their old 20/50 and EP90 to spray on it?

[39speedtwin]

Johnny Vinegar!

[SPRIDDLER]

Johnny Vinegar!

Ah, but the same as oil, you must use the recommended grade of vinegar :

https://goodgrow.uk/vinegar-kill-weeds/

Quote:

Not all vinegar will work. Specifically you're looking for ones with high acidity, many reports recommend over 10% in some cases even 20%.

Acetic acid is what makes vinegar an effective weed killer.​

Regular old household vinegar which is usually 5% acetic acid may wilt the weeds but they will quickly regrow.

[Mick D]

Johnny Vinegar!

I bet that makes your eyes water

[cfaber]

And when said manual was written; leaded paint, gas, and asbestos were all good ideas. The modern make up of new lubricants are far superior to what was available when the bike was built and manuals written.

Hi

Lubricants and machinery are developed in conjunction with one another, when our bikes were produced they were designed to use the currently available lubricants, and as I said earlier, if you deviate from the manufacturers recommendation you need to satisfy yourself that your chosen alternative is compatible.

I would advise the use of the manufacturers specified lubricants unless you have the knowledge to determine a better specification.

Regards Mick (still using leaded solder, easy flow, trichloroethane etc. because they're better )

Right, with the chemistry and knowledge of the day. Today is different. Even older machinery benefits from the massive advancements in lubrication science. There's endless "wear" videos such as demonstrating why these newer oils do so well

The only downside is price. It's expensive to research and develop these things, and the chemistry is complex requiring tens of millions in infrastructure to develop