TRAVERSE Issue 02 - October 2017 | Page 77

Back On The Chain Gang Tutoro Automatic Chain Oiler (part 1) up to where the oil reservoir is positioned, obviously out of the way of moving parts. Once the correct length, allowing for a little slack, is determined trim the hose and fit it to the nipple on the bottom of the reservoir. Several cable (zip) ties are supplied to hold the hose, and even the reservoir bracket, in place. And before you question the use of cable ties to hold the reservoir, they do seem to work and hold it in position quite firm. That’s it, the whole system in place and fitted within 15 minutes (plus allowing for the initial positioning). Very easy and almost self-explanatory. Along with the sup- plied Allen Key, you'll need an 8mm spanner, a pair of plyers and perhaps a pair of snips or side-cutters. Noth- ing more! The Tutoro oiler is easy to fill with the supplied oil, as is the priming of the system to get it flowing to the sprocket and chain. A little time is required to adjust the tap to allow the correct flow of oil however, we found that after 200 kilometres of mostly highway riding the flow, as suggested by Tutoro was perfect, the chain receiving the correct amount of lu- TRAVERSE brication from the onset. We believe this will change over time as the GS gets taken on more extreme roads and conditions, the movement of the bike will cause greater flow. Gravity and bike movement are what essentially pro- vides the oil flow; a weighted valve within the oil reser- voir opens with bikes movement over bumps and gravity draws the oil down and toward the chain. The bumpier the road, the more oil will flow. The beauty of the Tutoro is the simplicity of the design. Its construction is rugged and yet not over engineered or over weight. Will it work? We hope so. The varied Austral- ian conditions take their toll on chains and sprockets, so what better place to test it. We’ll have a full review of the results in Traverse in April. More informa- tion on Tutoro chain oilers can be found at www.tutorochainoiler.com where complete kits start from £72.00 (GBR) or approximately $124.00 (Aus). 77