Oinker Chain Oiler

Everything You Need to Know Before Getting This Motorcycle Chain Lubrication System

Riding a motorcycle is an exhilarating experience. The feel of the wind, the roar of the engine, the freedom of the open road – it’s no wonder so many people love to ride. But there’s one thing that can put a damper on the fun – a poorly maintained drive chain. Keeping your chain properly lubricated is absolutely essential for safe riding and maximum chain life. This is where a high-quality chain oiler like the Oinker Chain Oiler comes in.

What is an Oinker Chain Oiler?

The Oinker Chain Oiler is an automatic chain lubrication system designed specifically for motorcycles. It continually applies oil to your chain while you ride to keep it protected from dirt, debris and corrosion. The Oinker has an internal oil reservoir that holds up to 16 ounces of chain lube. As the rear wheel turns, it activates a piston pump which draws oil from the reservoir and applies a fine mist to the chain.

How does the Oinker Chain Oiler work?

The Oinker uses a very simple and effective system to keep your chain lubed. Here are the basic steps:

1. Fill the internal reservoir with chain lubricant. Make sure to use quality oil specifically for O-ring or non-O-ring chains.
2. Mount the Oinker unit on the swingarm pivot bolt. This places it in ideal position to spray lube directly on the lower chain run.
3. Adjust the flow control knob to regulate the amount of oil dispensed based on riding conditions. Turn clockwise to reduce flow or counter-clockwise to increase flow.
4. As the rear wheel turns, a small internal piston is activated which creates pulses to pump the oil. Faster wheel movement = more pumps = more lube applied.
5. The oil is fed through a tiny jet that mists it onto the chain rollers, plates and seals. This “fogging” effect ensures full coverage.
6. Continue riding as normal and enjoy the peace of mind knowing your chain is continuously lubricated.

Where can I buy an Oinker Chain Oiler?

The Oinker Chain Oiler is sold by the manufacturer direct through their website at OinkerProducts.com. It retails for $119.95 with free shipping in the continental US.

Oinker also sells the chain oiler through authorized dealers like RevZilla, CycleGear, Amazon and JP Cycles. Shopping through a dealer may give you more purchasing options like bundled discounts or financing plans. However, availability can vary so checking the Oinker site directly is recommended if a specific dealer is out of stock.

What are the benefits of using the Oinker Chain Oiler?

Using a quality chain oiler like the Oinker provides some major advantages compared to manual lube methods:

• Continuous lubrication – Oil is applied every minute you ride vs periodicapplication. This keeps chain wear to an absolute minimum.
• No more messy hands – No need to directly apply sticky chain lube before/after rides. The Oinker handles lubrication automatically.
• Prevents rust & corrosion – Constant oil application prevents moisture from contacting the chain which causes corrosion.
• Extends chain life – Chains properly lubricated by the Oinker can last 2-3 times longerthan chains lubed manually.
• Reduces maintenance – With the Oinker you simply check/fill the oil reservoir versusintensive manual cleaning/lubing.
• Saves money – The Oinker pays for itself quickly by dramatically extending chain life so you replace chains less often.

Is the Oinker Chain Oiler easy to install?

One of the best features of the Oinker is how quick and easy it is to install on your bike. Here is the basic install process:

• Remove your swingarm pivot bolt that goes through the swingarm and frame.
• Slide the Oinker unit over the pivot bolt and use the provided spacers to take up any extra space.
• Apply thread locker to the pivot bolt threads and torque to OEM spec with a torque wrench.
• Adjust the Oinker nozzle so it sprays downward directly on the lower chain run.
• Fill the reservoir with quality chain lube and set the flow adjust knob midway.

That’s it! The whole installation can be done in under 15 minutes with basic hand tools. No need to drill holes or tap into oil lines. The Oinker simply piggybacks onto the existing swingarm mount.

How much does the Oinker Chain Oiler cost?

As mentioned previously, the Oinker retails direct from the manufacturer for $119.95. This includes the chain oiler unit itself, mounting hardware, tubing and detailed instructions.

Many dealers sell it for this $119.95 MSRP price. You can sometimes find sales for $10-20 off if you shop around.

Overall, $120 is quite reasonable when you consider the Oinker’s quality construction, ease of use and maintenance savings it provides. Properly lubricating your chain is crucial for safe riding, so the Oinker is a worthwhile investment.

Can the Oinker Chain Oiler be used on all types of motorcycles?

The Oinker Chain Oiler is designed to work on nearly all types of street motorcycles. It is compatible with chains ranging from 428 to 630 pitch. This covers sizes used on sportbikes, cruisers, tourers, standards, dualsports and more.

Oinker does specify that the chain oiler should NOT be used on factory O-ring chains. The oil formulation in O-ring specific lubes is required to maintain the delicate seals. Standard lubes like those dispensed by the Oinker can cause O-ring chain damage over time.

So as long as your motorcycle has a non-O-ring chain, the Oinker Chain Oiler should work perfectly. Oinker also makes a specific O-Ring Chain Oiler if you do need compatibility with O-ring sealed chains.

Is the Oinker Chain Oiler compatible with dirt bikes?

While designed primarily for street use, the Oinker Chain Oiler can also work well for off-road riding. Many dirt bike owners install Oinkers to keep their chains lubed on long desert rides or during wet/muddy conditions.

However, there are a few considerations for dirt bike use:

• The Oinker may get knocked around more on rough terrain. Make sure to check fittings periodically.
• Dusty conditions can clog the small jet. Occasional cleaning may be required.
• Chain lubes designed specifically for dirt use are recommended. They better withstand being flung off.
• Adjust flow rate lower for motocross usage where chain RPMs are higher.

So while the Oinker does require some concessions for dirt bikes, many off-road riders find it beneficial. Just take action to protect the unit from impacts and use appropriate chain lube.

Does the Oinker Chain Oiler extend the life of the chain?

Absolutely! One of the biggest benefits of the Oinker is dramatically extending the usable life of your motorcycle chain.

Chains that are lubricated manually usually last 15,000-20,000 miles before requiring replacement. But chains lubricated by the Oinker can easily last 40,000 to 60,000+ miles.

This 2-3X extended lifespan is due to the constant application of lube that minimizes inner wear. The chain is kept clean and corrosion-free which preserves the tight tolerances between plates, rollers and bushings.

Professional racers who log tons of track miles report getting a full season of use from just one chain thanks to their Oinkers. So you can be confident investing in an Oinker will save you money in the long run by reducing chain replacement costs.

How do I maintain or refill the Oinker Chain Oiler?

Maintaining the Oinker is quick and simple. The only required upkeep is periodically checking the oil level and refilling when needed.

Every 500-1000 miles, check the sight window on the back of the unit. If oil level is low, unscrew the fill cap and top off with quality chain lube. Oinker recommends their own lube formula, but most high-quality motorcycle chain oils will work fine.

After refilling, turn the flow adjust knob to prime the lines and bleed out any air bubbles. Let the Oinker run for a minute pointing upward to purge air before remounting on your bike.

Beyond refilling oil, no other regular maintenance is needed. The internal components and lines are sealed so no cleaning required. Just check fittings and the nozzle position occasionally to ensure everything remains secure.

What type of oil is recommended for the Oinker Chain Oiler?

Oinker recommends using their own specially formulated chain lubricant. It has additives to enhance adhesion, deter contamination and prevent fling-off. A 16 oz bottle is $9.95.

However, you can run most quality motorcycle chain lubes in the Oinker:

• Conventional oil – Standard 80/90 gear oil works well and is inexpensive. Can fling off at high speeds though.
• Synthetic oil – Provides excellent protection and cling. More expensive but very effective.
• Wax-based lube – Applies wet then cures dry. Withstands high speeds but can build up.

Stay away from lightweight oils like WD-40 that provide minimal protection. Stick with a reputable motorcycle chain lube matched to your riding conditions.

Does the Oinker Chain Oiler work in all weather conditions?

The Oinker is designed to operate effectively in most any riding conditions – from hot dry deserts to wet muddy trails. The metering system works reliably regardless of outside temps or weather.

In very cold conditions below freezing, you do need to use oil with adequate viscosity. Thinner summer weight lubes can thicken up which may clog the small jet. A heavier winter grade oil is recommended for cold weather use.

For wet conditions, adjust the flow knob to provide extra lubrication to displace water and prevent rust. Wax or tacky synthetic lubes also resist being washed away by water and road grime.

So while you may need to tailor your lube viscosity and volume for temperature extremes, the Oinker itself will function reliably no matter the riding environment. Just avoid hitting heavy snow or thick mud which can pack into the discharge nozzle and fittings.

Are there reviews for the Oinker Chain Oiler?

With over 20 years on the market, the Oinker Chain Oiler has been tested extensively and reviewed by countless motorcycle publications and riders. It consistently earns top ratings and high praise.

In one comprehensive review from Motorcycle.com, the Oinker received 4.5 out of 5 stars. The reviewer highlighted its sturdy billet construction, easy installation, convenient oil fill, adjustable flow rate and significant chain life extension. He concluded the Oinker is a “smart, effective way to keep your chain lubricated.”

Owners also give the Oinker rave reviews, with most agreeing it provides worry-free, all-day lubrication. One reviewer on RevZilla stated he put over 40,000 miles on his chain with the Oinker before replacement – much longer than manual lube methods. The Oinker earns overall ratings between 4.5-5 stars from buyers.

How do I adjust the flow rate on the Oinker Chain Oiler?

Adjusting the oil flow on the Oinker is very simple. On the front face is a rotary knob labeled “Rate of Flow.”

Turn this knob clockwise to reduce the amount of oil dispensed. Turn it counterclockwise to increase discharge.

Generally, start midway and adjust from there. Use lower flow for higher speed riding and higher flow for off-road, wet and cold conditions.

The adjustability is great for custom tailoring lube application to your specific bike and riding style. Monitor chain condition and dial-in adequate flow to keep chain lightly coated but not dripping.

Does the Oinker Chain Oiler require electricity or batteries?

A major advantage of the Oinker is that it is entirely mechanical and self-contained. No electrical connection or batteries required!

The pumping mechanism is operated by the motion of the swingarm. As your wheel turns, internal levers activate the piston to draw oil from the reservoir and pump it through the jet.

So you get reliable, electric-free lubrication for the life of the unit. As long as you have a moving wheel and oil in the tank, the Oinker will keep working. No wiring to mess with and no batteries to replace. Just simple, effective chain oiling.

How does the Oinker Chain Oiler compare to other chain oilers?

The Oinker is generally considered one of the highest-quality, most robust chain oilers on the market. But there are other options to consider like the Scottoiler, Rogue Chain Oiler and Tirox Chainmate.

Scottoiler – Similar design but plastic reservoir versus Oinker’s machined alloy. About 2 oz less oil capacity. No flow adjust. Comparable performance at a slightly lower $90 price.

Rogue Chain Oiler – Compact and inexpensive at $60 but no metering adjustment. Metal/plastic construction. Higher failure rates reported.

Tirox Chainmate – Unique radial oil pump design. Large capacity and very programmable. More costly at $170. Electronically controlled so can fail.

While there are cheaper alternatives, none match the proven reliability, ruggedness, adjustability and value of the Oinker Chain Oiler. It provides high-end lubrication capability at a mid-range price point.

Can the Oinker Chain Oiler be used for bicycles?

While designed for motorcycles, some cyclists have adapted the Oinker for use on bicycles. It can effectively keep a bike chain oiled through mountain, road and trail riding.

A few considerations for bicycle use:

• Remove the mounting arm and secure reservoir directly to frame with zip ties or clamps.
• May need to lower the pump ratio internally depending on gearing.
• Protect reservoir and tubing from debris and impacts.
• Ensure proper chain angle for spray to contact rollers and inner plates.

So the Oinker does require some creative mounting and adjustment for bicycles. But it can deliver consistent on-ride lubrication once properly installed. Just take steps to protect the components from damage.

Does the Oinker Chain Oiler prevent rust?

Absolutely! Preventing corrosion through consistent lubrication is one of the Oinker’s main benefits.

Road grime, moisture and salt can quickly corrode an unprotected chain leading to stiff links, lost motion and wear. But the Oinker provides a protective shield.

The constant oil mist coats every inch of the chain – inner pins, rollers, bushings and plates. This isolates metal components from water and contaminants which is the root cause of rust.

Riders report clean, rust-free chains even after heavy rain storms or winter salt exposure thanks to their trusty Oinkers. So you can be confident it will protect your chain from corrosion.

Is the Oinker Chain Oiler suitable for long-distance rides?

The Oinker Chain Oiler really shines for long-distance motorcycle touring and trips. Maintaining your chain is critical when logging hundreds of miles per day.

The Oinker’s 16 oz reservoir provides enough capacity for multi-day rides. And the sealed design prevents oil loss from terrain impacts or high speed.

Being able to adjust flow rate also lets you dial-in the perfect amount of lube for extended highway cruising. Just check the level and top off the reservoir each morning.

Many overland and Iron Butt riders say the Oinker is vital gear that frees them from chain maintenance on lengthy expeditions. It just works continuously day after day with no attention needed. Definitely a smart investment for distance riders.

What is the warranty period for the Oinker Chain Oiler?

Oinker provides a limited lifetime warranty on the Chain Oiler. This covers manufacturer defects or failures under normal use.

If any problems develop due to faulty materials or assembly, Oinker will repair or replace the unit free of charge. Just contact them for troubleshooting to confirm if a warranty claim is valid.

The lifetime warranty is confidence inspiring considering the quality materials and workmanship. Just be sure to follow proper mounting and maintenance procedures per the instructions. Damage from improper handling/use would not be covered.

But when properly installed and cared for, the Oinker should provide decades of reliable service. And if it does have problems down the road, Oinker has you covered with outstanding support and warranty protection. Just one more reason to choose the Oinker chain oiler with peace of mind.