How long should a chain last? - Page 3

was92v · 07-08-2009, 07:36 PM

I replaced mine right before I went to the Gap. It was the stock DID and it had 23,500 on it. It went from a leaking o-ring to 5 kinks in about 300 miles. The sprockets looked surprisingly good, but the rear was showing some wear.
That is the most mileage that I've ever gotten out out of a chain.

Phenix_Rider · 07-08-2009, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by derf

I replaced the chain and sprockets on my bike at the rally, I have no clue what the miles were on the previous chain, but the swingarm had adjustment marks, and the old chain was past its limit according to the tick marks. So I replaced it, better safe than sorry

If it ran out of adjustment, that sounds like it had extra links, making the chain too long to begin with. My chain didn't stretch very far according to the adjustment marks, but it wore unevenly. Several links got a red stain, it kinked more often, and had large differences between the tightest and loosest sections.

I have heard of touring riders getting insane mileage (30k+) out of a chain, but I can only assume the bike rode like shit for so long they simply got used to it. Even a small amount of slop is noticeable to me. I adjusted the chain last week after washing the bike and cleaning the chain. It was just outside the loose end of spec- took two flats on the adjustor nuts to bring it back to the tighter side. I can't imagine using up all the adjustment on the swingarm.

Amber Lamps · 07-08-2009, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phenix_Rider

If it ran out of adjustment, that sounds like it had extra links, making the chain too long to begin with. My chain didn't stretch very far according to the adjustment marks, but it wore unevenly. Several links got a red stain, it kinked more often, and had large differences between the tightest and loosest sections.

I have heard of touring riders getting insane mileage (30k+) out of a chain, but I can only assume the bike rode like shit for so long they simply got used to it. Even a small amount of slop is noticeable to me. I adjusted the chain last week after washing the bike and cleaning the chain. It was just outside the loose end of spec- took two flats on the adjustor nuts to bring it back to the tighter side. I can't imagine using up all the adjustment on the swingarm.

I agree with that! I can't imagine a chain gaining that almost 2'' on the adjusters. That just sounds like a lot to me.

marko138 · 07-09-2009, 09:28 AM

My chain on the Zuk lasted me all 5 years I had it. Plus I have no idea how long it was on there to begin with. Proper maintenence FTW.

Amber Lamps · 07-09-2009, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marko138

My chain on the Zuk lasted me all 5 years I had it. Plus I have no idea how long it was on there to begin with. Proper maintenence FTW.

That and ultra low mileage...

marko138 · 07-09-2009, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TIGGER

That and ultra low mileage...

You're so funny.

HokieDNA01 · 07-09-2009, 10:26 AM

On my 250 the chain lasted about 20,000 miles. It was easy to tell it needed to be changed. When it was up on the center stand, I would check the play in the chain then spin the rear tire a little then check again. It was loose at some spots and tight at others. Knew it had to go.

KSGregman · 07-09-2009, 12:13 PM

I was fastidious about cleaning and lubing the chain on my 04 GSX-R750....didn't replace the chain or the sprockets in the 3 years I owned that bike as there were no obvious signs of wear.

The M109-R has shaft drive...and to be honest, I'm in no real hurry to ever go back to chain drive.

RACER X · 07-09-2009, 12:18 PM

21k MILES outta my OE sprockets, 2nd set about that long too, on 3rd set right now.

Inferno · 07-13-2009, 12:44 AM

OE chains will last a long time, many miles if taken care of. They are really heavy duty...where as after market chains are lighter and might not be as "durable"

Check for "Play" in your chain, and if it is past the adjustment span in your rear swingarm...change it out.

07-09-2009, 10:26 AM	#27
HokieDNA01 WERA White Plate Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Nashville, TN Moto: 2007 Suzuki GSX-r 750 Posts: 1,404	On my 250 the chain lasted about 20,000 miles. It was easy to tell it needed to be changed. When it was up on the center stand, I would check the play in the chain then spin the rear tire a little then check again. It was loose at some spots and tight at others. Knew it had to go. __________________ XX>XY 2014 Honda NC700X 2007 Suzuki GSX-r 750 2000 Yamaha XT225 2004 Kawasaki EX250 (sold)

07-09-2009, 12:13 PM	#28
KSGregman Get Fit...or Get OUT Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: KS Moto: 07 M109-R Posts: 1,993	I was fastidious about cleaning and lubing the chain on my 04 GSX-R750....didn't replace the chain or the sprockets in the 3 years I owned that bike as there were no obvious signs of wear. The M109-R has shaft drive...and to be honest, I'm in no real hurry to ever go back to chain drive. Last edited by KSGregman; 07-09-2009 at 12:20 PM..

07-09-2009, 12:18 PM	#29
RACER X AMA Supersport Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Richmond, Tx Moto: '10 Tuono Factory Posts: 4,569	21k MILES outta my OE sprockets, 2nd set about that long too, on 3rd set right now. __________________ ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ 2014 GROM! 181cc of FURY 2010 Aprilia Tuono Factory - SOLD 2009 SFV Gladius - SOLD 2008 Hayabusa - SOLD.

07-08-2009, 07:36 PM	#21
was92v Nowhere Man Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 558	I replaced mine right before I went to the Gap. It was the stock DID and it had 23,500 on it. It went from a leaking o-ring to 5 kinks in about 300 miles. The sprockets looked surprisingly good, but the rear was showing some wear. That is the most mileage that I've ever gotten out out of a chain.

07-13-2009, 12:44 AM	#30
Inferno Canyon Carver Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Savannah, Ga Moto: 08 R6 Posts: 309	OE chains will last a long time, many miles if taken care of. They are really heavy duty...where as after market chains are lighter and might not be as "durable" Check for "Play" in your chain, and if it is past the adjustment span in your rear swingarm...change it out.