If you’re reading this, then it’s likely you’ve already heard about the new xSystem from Scottoiler. Heralded as the most advanced and discreet chain oiler on the market, it has some pretty big shoes to fill…
When most people think of Scottoiler, they think of the tried and trusted vSystem – a fully mechanical, vacuum actuated chain oiling system. It’s cost effective, reliable and a mechanical masterpiece of inventive engineering. At the other end of the spectrum is the eSystem – fully electronic and packed with features for serious chain lubrication control. The xSystem sits somewhere in between the two – it’s electronic like the eSystem, but with simple, easy to understand controls and an incredibly simple installation.
The xSystem is great for anyone who wants to save money and improve efficiency and performance, but doesn’t want the hassle of stripping their bike down and messing around with the inlet manifold to find a vacuum port. Perfect for commuters and tourers alike, the xSystem gives you full control while taking the fear out of chain lubrication systems.
The way the xSystem works is with an oil reservoir attached to a small pump and electronic control panel. All you need to do is attach the unit to the bike, connect it to the bike’s battery via the cable on the unit, and run the oil feed tube to a dispenser at the rear sprocket. All the brackets, fasteners and adhesives you might need are included in the kit.
A really cool feature of the xSystem is the built in accelerometer which senses when the bike is moving or, more to the point, when the bike is not moving. Once the unit is turned on and senses the bike is moving, the pump will pulse and dispense a small amount of Scottoiler’s special chain oil. When the bike isn’t moving, the xSystem automatically goes into a sleep mode to conserve power and prevent a puddle of oil forming on the floor.
Unlike the more complicated eSystem, the xSystem has only three main buttons on the unit, making it incredibly easy to operate. The power button allows you to turn the unit off completely for long periods of storage, or when transporting the bike, while the up and down buttons will increase or decrease the oil flow by altering the time period between pulses. It really couldn’t be simpler to use and because it’s electronic, it’s a very positive and consistent control.
We’ve had an xSystem fitted to our Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin for a few months now. Installation was very easy compared to a vSystem. On the Africa Twin, the fuel tank needs to be removed to access a vacuum connection on the inlet manifold. This can be a two-hour job, even for an experienced mechanic and with the fiddly fasteners and panels on the Honda, there is a very real risk of a home-mechanic damaging something in the process. However, with the xSystem, access to the battery box is much easier and can be done with the allen key supplied under the seat. There was no fear of damaging our precious bike.
As well as being super easy to install, the xSystem reservoir is very easy to fill compared to the vSystem, thanks to a cleverly shaped filling port and simple, but effective rubber bung. No mess, no fuss, job done. Priming is also easier as there is a dedicated prime button to activate the pump, forcing oil to the outlet nozzle at the rear sprocket. No more sitting with your bike idling, waiting for the gravity feed prime setting.
So, what's the verdict? The new Scottoiler xSystem has proven to be very easy to live with. We already know from experience with the vSystem that we will get much more life out of our chain and sprockets which will save money in the long run. But the real bonus factor of the xSystem is that it is so easy to use and really reduces the amount of cleaning and adjustment necessary on the chain. It’s a plug and play, set and forget system. In fact, it’s so good, the hardest part is remembering to check the oil level in the reservoir.
Want more info? Take a look at this helpful xSystem overview video from USA company Twisted Throttle:
Click here to view the Scottoiler products available in New Zealand.
