Cost/Benefit Analysis
V-Strom 650
Case Study One SUZUKI DL650 "V-Strom"
I often get asked the question "why bother fitting an automatic chain oiler?" so I've decided to start doing a series of case studies...
Prices as at Oct 2014
Its no secret that an Automatic Chain oiler (the TUTORO Auto for instance) will extend the life of your chain and sprockets by 3 to 7 times!
So lets take the worst case scenario of 3 times.
According to eBay you can get a genuine Suzuki chain and sprocket set for £148 inc vat and postage or an OEM D.I.D set for £120 inc Vat and postage.
Obviously you will need to factor in fitting costs if you are not doing it yourself but often this is the same as the postage cost if you go to a small garage anyway.
The maths then... this is what it will cost you to fit 3 chains and sprocket sets.
The Replacement Parts method...
£148 x 3 (genuine parts) = £444.00
£120 x 3 (OEM) = £360.00
Now you will need to add the cost of spray lube and chain cleaner plus the actual time of carrying out the maintenance before and after every ride.
The fitting and use of an automatic chain oiler method...
A TUTORO Auto Deluxe incl- Oil, VAT and postage £85.80
other than allowing half an hour to fit the unit there are no further costs in time or consumables (other than some more oil after the first 5000 miles or so).
So there you have it -save a MINIMUM of £358.50 on genuine parts or £274.50 on OEM parts when you fit a TUTORO Auto Deluxe kit.
I'll let figures speak for themselves.
The Replacement Parts method...
£148 x 3 (genuine parts) = £444.00
£120 x 3 (OEM) = £360.00
Now you will need to add the cost of spray lube and chain cleaner plus the actual time of carrying out the maintenance before and after every ride.
The fitting and use of an automatic chain oiler method...
A TUTORO Auto Deluxe incl- Oil, VAT and postage £85.80
other than allowing half an
hour to fit the unit
there are no further
costs in time or
consumables
(other than some
more oil after
the first
5000 miles or so).