Cheaper alternatives to Scottoil

[FatFreddy]

I know I’m being a skinflint here, as running costs go, scottoil is hardly a financial burden but I have been told that using EP80 gear oil is a cost effective alternative to using genuine scottoil.
Apparently it’s basically the same stuff ?? but works out less than half price.
Anybody know if this is true?

[Cone]

Doubt it, i suspect EP80 will end up all over the bike!

[hotbulb]

EP80 (or 90) is usually a "hypoid" oil, and is therefore incredibly smelly. (I've an old LandRover so have got through gallons of the stuff )
In my opinion, a very good reason NOT to use it!

[AlanHolt]

Most motorbike handbooks recommend using ep80/85/90 for chain lubrication.

[Craig-SM]

I use the PD Oiler and it uses chainsaw oil. I’ve had minimal fling with this. Not sure if it’s the oil or the oiler but much better than my Scottoiler.

[Toe]

EP80 would be fine, just adjust the Scottoiler accordingly.
Someone did a test on it and blogged about it which in itself has further links.

[bowber]

Here we go again

I use new engine oil, ATF, gear oil etc, basically anything that's a lubricant. You'll need to adjust the flow but you need to anyway when the temperature changes.

Steve

[WIBO]

I've been using chainsaw oil for the least seven years on my moto. Cheap as chips for 5L

[mr_diver]

Yep.
Chainsaw oil for years.

It's designed to not fling so much.

But watch it when the temperatures change. Your chain will either be very dry or the bike and rear tyre will be covered.


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[DaveCon]

Here we go again

Quite agree, you would have thought this had been done to death

Anyway, any old oil will do but something with an anti-fling component like chainsaw oil is better. Ive used slideway oil which seems OK except it goes quite black a "dirty" looking. Anti-fling is better than thick oil like EP80 because it's quite runny so comes out of the dropper but sticks. You can also mix different oils. My favourite is XXL40 monograde with Aztek 60 slideway oil in hot weather. Cold weather I go for a pure 32 slideway oil. Anything lower than 32 and the "tacky" component won't stay in suspension.

When my stock of this lot runs out I have a tub of red chainsaw oil, which I think is identical to what Scotoil sell.

I think the key is don't use nothing and don't use anything that incorporates a solvent. So for me, anything out of a spray can in a no no. Also anything that becomes a wax (or in other words a grinding paste) is a no no.