Coolant change

For road bikes a coolant change can be done every two years. With high performance off road bikes we recommend to change Putoline Coolant twice a year.
General chain lubrication

If you do not want to make a mess, use a piece of cloth when you lubricate your chain. Hold the piece of cloth behind the chain, between the chain and the tyre. Putoline chain sprays can be dosed by pushing the spray cap gently. Never push the spray cap with full force. Too much lubricant will come out of the nozzle and will only make a mess. Spray the lubricant on top of the chain only onto the rollers over approx. 20 to 30 cm of chain. Then turn the back wheel by hand (never ever use engine power!) and spray the next 20 to 30 cm. Repeat this a few times until you have sprayed the chain two full turns. Alternatively lubricate the inside of the chain where it runs lower. Put the nozzle real close to the rollers, spray and turn the wheel at the same time. “O-Ring Spray works easy as the foam allows you to hit the chain without making a mess, and sticks to the chain immediately” Two full turns is enough lubrication. Wipe off the surplus lubricant from the side of the chain-links. This surplus will only attract dust and sand. Allow the solvent in the chain spray a few minutes to evaporate and your chain is ready for action. Repeat the lubrication of the chain every time the rollers seem dry.
Mx and road-race chain lubrication

Probably the best lubricant for open MX- and road-race chains is Putoline Chain Wax. This product gives fantastic lubrication, penetration and therefore protection. It minimises horsepower loss caused by friction. However it is a bit more work then using the familiar spray can. Putoline Chain Wax is a solid product that needs to be heated on a stove. As soon as the graphite and special additives have melted, you can put your chain in. Carefully place the chain in the warm liquid for a few minutes, which will be enough time to clean and lubricate your chain. The product will penetrate deep into the chain-links. Take out your chain and hang it above the tin. Excess liquid can drip from the chain back into the tin. As soon as the liquid has solidified, your chain is ready to be used.
Rally (Africa) chain lubrication

When riding a tour or rally in countries such as Africa, do not use regular chain lubes. Under Sahara like conditions such as dunes, soft sands and fes fes, regular chain lubes would bind too much sand to the chain, creating an abrasive paste. For these circumstances we recommend you to use Putoline 1001- or Penetrating spray. These products give enough lubrication without the risk of uploading sand that can damage the chain.
Airfilter cleaning

Place of use: in well-ventilated area, preferably outside in open air! Wear protective gloves and safety goggles! Put Putoline Action Cleaner in the special purpose designed Action Cleaner tub. If applicable, do not forget to remove the rubber grommet, which is sometimes found in the middle of the filter. Leaving the grommet in will only harden it. Take the dirty filter and fully immerse it in the cleaner liquid. Let the airfilter fill itself like a sponge. Squeeze as much cleaner as possible out of the filter, but do not wring! If necessary, repeat the process. The dark colour of the filter has now faded. Check that all sand and dirt particles have been cleaned from the filter. The remaining Action Cleaner can be rinsed out with water. Leave the filter out to dry, (in a well-ventilated area, preferably outside in the open air), under a piece of cloth. When the filter is completely dry you can re-oil it again with Putoline Action Fluid. Please be aware we also have a biodegradable Action Cleaner. This product does not have to be disposed as chemical waste but can be poured straight down your drain
Airfilter re-oiling

Place of use: in well-ventilated area, preferably outside in open air! Wear protective gloves and safety goggles! Shake fluid well before using! Put Putoline Action Fluid in the special purpose designed Action Fluid tub(foto 546). Ensure your filter is thoroughly clean and dry(foto 592) and fully immerse the airfilter(foto 528). Let the airfilter fill itself like a sponge. Squeeze as much oil as possible out of the filter(foto 530), but do not wring! If necessary, repeat the preceding actions. The filter is now slightly stained(foto 532). By massaging the filter the filteroil will spread out evenly(foto 534). Wear protective or disposable gloves for this purpose, or a plastic bag can be used.) You can stop massaging the filter, as soon as the filter is “uniformly” blue(foto 536). Leave the filter out to dry, under a piece of cloth. In a well-ventilated area, preferably outside in the open air. After approx. 2 hours, the filter is ready to be used. Store pre-oiled filters preferably in an airtight plastic bag and in a dark place. Due to the amount of work involved, it is best to prepare a minimum of 3 to 5 airfilters at a time. Important! To prevent Action Fluid from thickening do not leave it in the plastic tub, but pour it back into it's original tin. Do not use a damaged air filter under any circumstances! Please be aware we also have a biodegradable Action Fluid(foto 550). This product is of the same quality as our #1 genuine foam airfilter oil. All the above mentioned airfilter maintenance products are conveniently put together for you in 1 kit. The Putoline Action Kit(foto 542). It is all you need, just ask your dealer for it.
Pre-oiled airfilters

Putoline also has pre-oiled Action Filters. They are constructed using 2 layers of high quality, bonded open-pore foam and come pre-oiled using the worlds #1 genuine foam airfilter oil. Impregnated with the exact amount of oil the Action Filter ensures optimum filtration and maximum airflow, resulting in maximum power output. Whether you are on a motocross track, in the forest or in the middle of the desert, Putoline Action Filters offer you the ultimate protection against sand, water, dirt and dust.
Airfilter fitting

Always wear protective or disposable gloves when fitting the filter! Make sure to dry the outside of the filter by dabbing lightly with a piece of paper or cloth before fitting. When the outside of the filter is dry, it will be less likely for dirt and dust to stick and engine vibrations will help to shake the filter clean. Important! Make sure the base of the filter is leak-free pressed against the base of the airfilter box, we recommend using Putoline Action Grease. Do not use a damaged Action Filter under any circumstances!
Airfilter fitting for Rally (Africa)

When riding a rally or Tour in Africa, you will need to ensure even greater protection for your airfilter. We recommend you to use our pre-oiled Action Filter, but add one layer of large pore filter material. This type of filter is normally called a dust cover and is available from Twin Air or DT-1. We also recommend pre-oiling this dust cover. Ensure you change to a clean or new filter and cover every day you ride in the desert.
Airfilter change

We recommend you to change your airfilter every time you have been out riding. Of course it very much depends on the circumstances how dirty your filter gets. Wet conditions tend to give a lot less dirt than very dry and dusty conditions unless it is extremely wet. On a motocross track you may need to change your filter between practice sessions and races. As soon as the filter is covered with a thin layer of dirt, change the filter. It is much better and cheaper to change an airfilter than to repair a damaged engine. Engine oil and airfilters are essential for engine longevity and performance and should not be skimped upon.
Oil and oilfilter changing for off road bikes

There is a difference between oil and oilfilter changes for MX bikes and Enduro bikes. For MX bikes we recommend an oil and oilfilter change every 3 times you have been to the motocross track or approximately 4 to 6 hours of riding. For enduro bikes we recommend approximately 500 km or around 10 hours of riding time. Important! Ensure that oil levels are checked before use every time. Warm-up the engine before oil changes. This will ensure all particles become suspended in the oil before draining. The warm oil also drains much quicker and more thoroughly. Be careful not to burn you hands, as the oil can be well over 100 °C. For high performance four stroke bikes, we recommend TM Syntec 4 and Off road 4 oils, for competition TM Syntec 4+ and Off road 4+ oils. Important! Always check your owner’s manual for the correct viscosity and specification!
Chain Cleaning

To clean the chain, use Putoline Chain & Engine Degreaser. Apply with brush, sponge or spray if using the aerosol version. Then rinse off with plenty of water. Dry the chain with a piece of cloth or with compressed air. When the chain is dry use one of Putoline’s specialised chain lubricants. DX11 Spray for open MX chains, O-Ring Spray for O, X or Z ring off road bike chains and Tech Chain Spray for road bike chains.
Hydraulic clutch fluid change

When riding regularly, for example, every week or every other week, we recommend you change your machines Hydraulic Clutch Fluid a minimum of two or three times a year. Better still, change the fluid every time it becomes cloudy. Original Putoline Hydraulic Clutch Fluid has a clear golden colour. As soon as it becomes discoloured, cloudy or murky, we recommend you to change immediately.
Riding in mud and clay

Mud and especially clay can be very sticky, to minimise dirt build-up and allow for easy cleaning, you can spray Putoline Silicon Spray under mudguards and on all plastic parts. Use Putoline 1001 Spray on wheel rims and hubs, and all other metal parts.
Zip maintenance

After using clothing zips on MX/ Enduro-pants, Enduro/ Rally- jackets or Enduro/Rally- bum-bags, zips do not move as smoothly as when they are new. By spraying Putoline Silicon Spray on them, they will move like brand new again. Putoline Silicon Spray does not leave any stains, be careful not use any other lubricants as they may leave stains.
Sticker removal

Many times when you remove stickers from the plastic or metal parts of your MX, Enduro, or Rally-bike, the sticker may be peeled away, but a thin layer of glue will stay on the surface. The easiest way to remove this glue is by using Putoline Carburettor-, Contact- or Brake Cleaner Spray. Either spray it directly onto the glue or onto a piece of cloth or towel and rub the cloth over the glue. Be aware that Carburettor Cleaner Spray is quite aggressive, so do not leave it on for too long before removing.
Grip assembly

Putting new grips onto handlebars or throttle tubes can be rather difficult if you try to assemble them dry. Therefore spray some Putoline Contact Cleaner Spray or Putoline Brake Cleaner Spray into the grip and turn the grip around so the cleaner has covered the whole of the internal surface of the grip. Then push the grip over the handlebars or throttle tube. This will allow the grip to be positioned a lot easier. Finally lock-wire the grips for safety!
Wheel bearing maintenance

Although wheel bearings on offroad bikes are often completely sealed, they do need maintenance. We recommend you take out the aluminium bushings every two to three times you have been riding. Be very careful when removing the rubber seals they can easily become damaged. If you can not remove the seals easily, leave them in. Use a blunt screwdriver to clean out the dirty grease and replace with Putoline Racing Grease. At the same time put a small amount of Putoline Racing Grease on the bushings. It is a lot easier to push the bushings in using a paperclip or elastic band to the release air, otherwise trapped air will push out the bushing. Do not forget to put a thin layer of Putoline Racing Grease on the spindle and thread before fitting the wheel back into the bike.
Brake -caliper and piston maintenance

Brake calipers do need maintenance. If you ride every weekend, we advise you to replace and lubricate the rubber parts that seal the sliding pins of the brake caliper two to maybe three times a year. Check them regularly for damage. Also do not forget to replace the sliding and backing plate of the caliper and the locking pin for the brake pads. Make sure you use the proper grease as recommended by the brake brand you are using. We also recommend that you lubricate the pistons every two to three times you have been riding. Push the pistons out, taking care not to push the pistons out of the seals completely. Then spray Putoline Silicon Spray onto the pistons and push them back into the caliper. Repeat this two or three times and re-fit the wheel. You should notice that the brake pads will now clear the disc better and the wheel will rotate easier.
Brake fluid change

Putoline Brake Fluid comes in a variety of colours, which can vary from a light transparent yellow to a light transparent brown. In total there are 4 different types, DOT 4, DOT 4 RACING, DOT 5 Silicon and DOT 5.1. DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 are the most commonly used types. Always check your owner’s manual for the correct recommendation. DOT 5 Silicon and DOT 4 RACING are high performance and competition products. Of which DOT 4 RACING has the highest boiling point of all, at over 300°C. The level of the boiling point more or less determines the quality of the brake fluid. For off road bikes we recommend to change brake fluid as soon as the fluid becomes cloudy or murky and for road bikes once a year.
Spark plug cap maintenance

On some offroad bikes the spark plug lies deep into the cylinder head. This means dirt and sand will collect into the area between the cylinder head and spark plug cap. We recommend you to clean it out regularly to prevent misfires from occurring. It is best to remove the spark plug cap before you start cleaning your bike. Also pull the rubber bushing from the spark plug cap. When you have cleaned and dried your bike, spray Putoline Contact Cleaner into the recess and onto the spark plug and cap. Blow-dry with compressed air or give the cleaner time to vaporise. Spray just a little amount of Putoline Silicon Spray onto the spark plug cap for easy fitment of the rubber bushing onto the cap. Spray some more Silicon Spray onto the rubber bushing. Then it will be easy to fit the spark plug cap onto the spark plug.
Use of Octane Booster

Putoline Octane Booster is the perfect non-mechanical aid to increased engine performance. Formulated using special lead free synthetic additives, Putoline Octane Booster increases horse power and acceleration, reduces engine "knock", improves combustion and reduces heat build up in both two and four-stroke engines. A mixing ratio of 3% gives 0.5 octane increase. For example: you have bought 98 octane fuel and you add 12%, you have 100 octane. Our maximum recommended mixing ratio is 10%, which gives a little bit more then 1.5 octane number increase.
Swing arm & shock absorber linkage bearings

In general, the swing arm and shock absorber linkage bearings of a brand new bike are often not lubricated with the highest quality grease or with enough grease. Therefore when you first receive your new bike, it makes sense to disassemble the swing arm and the shock linkage system from the bike. Firstly clean out the original grease using Putoline Chain & Engine Degreaser and then Putoline Brake Cleaner Spray to get the perfect clean result. Be careful not to drop the small needle rollers from the bearings onto the floor. The easiest way to remove them is by using a small magnet. Then re-assemble using Putoline Racing Grease. Once this has been carried out you may not need to repeat this process for at least one or even two years.
Steering Head bearings

In general, steering head bearings suffer from a similar problem as swing arm bearings. New machines sometimes arrive with either poor quality or not enough grease fitted. We recommend cleaning out the original grease with Putoline Chain & Engine Degreaser and Putoline Brake Cleaner Spray. Then re-grease using Putoline Racing Grease. Very often the steering lock is located on the frame and locks inside the steering stem. Through the steering lock, water can penetrate into the steering stem and reach the bottom steering stem bearing. That is why good quality grease is so important. Better still, either remove the steering lock completely and seal the locating hole with silicon paste and/ or place a rubber cap over it. If you want to be able to keep using the steering lock, just place the rubber cap over it. Read your technical manual carefully to put the correct amount of pre-tension onto the steering stem bearings during re-assembly. This is very important for the lifetime of the bearings.
Front fork- and shock absorber oil change

Like engine oil it is also necessary to change the oil in the front fork and shock absorber. For road bikes we recommend to change front fork and shock absorber oil once a year. For off road bikes it very much depends on the circumstances you are riding under. In motocross the suspension needs to work a lot harder when riding on a hard track, than riding in deep sand. On hard tracks the thermal load which breaks down the oil is much higher, shock absorber oil temperature can get as high as 130 to 140°C. Therefore you need to change oil more often. We recommend you to change the rear shock absorber oil on motocross machines at least twice a year and the front fork oil at least three times a year. For enduro bikes, we recommend a shock oil change once a year and front fork oil twice a year. If you are technically minded, you might be able to carry out a front fork oil change yourself, but for a shock absorber we very strongly recommend you to let a suspension specialist do the job. For this process specialist tools are required, to fill and bleed the shock absorber. It is impossible to carry out this task by hand without leaving air behind, a special vacuum machine is used to do this. Remember, where there is air, there can not be damping! Important! Make sure you use the correct viscosity of oil. For road bikes we have the Putoline HPX range, which comes in SAE 2.5/ 5/ 7.5/ 10/ 15 and 20. For high performance and competition road and off road bikes there is Putoline Formula GP in SAE 2.5/ 3.5/ 5/ 7.5 and 10.