Lousy chain life

[steveR]

Just checking the 'alp over in anticipation of a "bit of a trip" in August and after dropping the oil and filter, I had a good look at the chain while the bike was on the centre stand and was horrified at the side slack in the chain!

I replaced the C+S about 5-6K miles ago with a branded o-ring kit set from the local Honda dealer and the sprockets still look as new.., I have hardly adjusted the chain (didn't need it) but it now looks shagged!! Always been cleaned and lubed regularly and mainly used in decent weather. Most of the miles have been laden touring work.

Bit of a bummer this, as I was not expecting to do a swap until the end of the year at least. Chain was RK I think.

So, dare I swap just the chain before a trip to Italy?? As I am putting fresh rear rubber on, this is starting to push up the costs somewhat... I suppose I could put a new C&S on and keep the old one for another day, I bet I wouldn't use it though.

[Alba]

Did you check the chain slack when loaded? Some posts here say check slack when bike is loaded.

If the sprockets are looking good i would just change the chain. You need to review your chain maintenance if this one was U/S so quick.

PS

Enjoy Italy

[steveR]

Did you check the chain slack when loaded? Some posts here say check slack when bike is loaded.

If the sprockets are looking good i would just change the chain. You need to review your chain maintenance if this one was U/S so quick.

PS

Enjoy Italy

I check tension when on the side stand with partial load on. Been doing chains like that for 35 years! I would expect at least 10K and nearer 12-15K out of a C+S normally.

Nowt wrong with the maintenance TTBOMK as I lube every 2-300 miles (or daily), but the chain was crap....

I have never seen one go so quickly to give such side play, more like a pre o-ring dirt bike needing a swap after a few hundred miles ... Maybe a scottoiler or similiar would help, but I dislike the mess they can produce and have seen more than one rear tyre looking greasy.

Have priced an o-ring chain and they are not much less than a C&S set from David Silver...

[ChrisH]

That sounds pretty bad - could be a faulty chain? Esp. from what you say about maintenance etc. I'd be tempted to take the bike over to the dealer and explain the situation to them - if you are a regular customer they may take notice and replace it ... worth a try. Otherwise I'd just replace the chain.

[steveR]

That sounds pretty bad - could be a faulty chain? Esp. from what you say about maintenance etc. I'd be tempted to take the bike over to the dealer and explain the situation to them - if you are a regular customer they may take notice and replace it ... worth a try. Otherwise I'd just replace the chain.

Not a regular and the last time I had the 'alp serviced "properly" by the dealer, it came back with WD40 or similiar on the rear pads! Nice

I can't even find the receipt, dammit, so it is up to me I guess. Cheap 525 O-ring anyone??

[pale rider]

doesn't sound like a lot of mileage for a chain that steve, have you considered a scottoiler or something along those lines?

then you know the chain is constantly lubed at least...

[dogwheel]

Hi Steve, Your man for a new chain, and GOOD EXPERT advice, is Andy Forsdick 01299 403688, that's in Bewdley, not so far from you! Andy has been involved with chains all his working life, really knows his subject and is an enthusiast, he's sometimes known as the "Chain Man", you could ride over with your knackerred chain on the bike, he'll most likely tell you what went wrong, and sort you out a new chain--at a very reasonable price--believe me!!
If you do come over here, we have coffee to share! so you're welcome to pm.
Good luck,

[steveR]

doesn't sound like a lot of mileage for a chain that steve, have you considered a scottoiler or something along those lines?

then you know the chain is constantly lubed at least...

I agree, very poor milage indeed! I wish i could find the box or receipt.....

[steveR]

Hi Steve, Your man for a new chain, and GOOD EXPERT advice, is Andy Forsdick 01299 403688, that's in Bewdley, not so far from you! Andy has been involved with chains all his working life, really knows his subject and is an enthusiast, he's sometimes known as the "Chain Man", you could ride over with your knackerred chain on the bike, he'll most likely tell you what went wrong, and sort you out a new chain--at a very reasonable price--believe me!!
If you do come over here, we have coffee to share! so you're welcome to pm.
Good luck,

Thanks very much for the pointer, I am tempted to give him a call early this week, as you say not a million miles. I'll see how the next cuppla days pan out.

I'll pm you if I am coming ober, cheers.

Steve

[jasonbc]

I agree, very poor milage indeed! I wish i could find the box or receipt.....

My Vara has done 30k i use a scottoiler and the adjusters are at mid point at the moment. I always get a mate to check the tension at the bottom of the chain when i'm sat on the bike. If you tension it to what it states on the swingarm sticker unloaded you will have it too tight when you load it, hence it will stretch more and if too tight can cause damage to gear selecter shaft bearings.

My xr get regularily soaked in parafin blown out with an air line and then heavily lubed i just use what ever is cheapest as it doesn't last a days offroading when the bikes are being submerged and spun up in thick heavy mud and shale also the amount of load going through it with the back wheel on and off the ground all the time stretches it very quickly