Chain dilema-cut it or get a new one...

[ttsquirrel]

Here my situation: I have a 99 gs. had 12K when I bought it. replace chain and sprockets @ 13K. I used a cheap roller chain. $20 instead of recommended chain @ $85-$100. Now I have 18K on the machine and the chain is stretched to the max according to marks on the swingarm. The sprockets look alright. should I

A)cut a link and continue with the old chain,

B) buy another cheap chain and use over the sprockets,

C) buy another cheap chain and new sprockets,

D) buy new expensive chain and new sprockets.

Thanks for input

CG

[davipu]

good chain and new sprockets.

[mp183]

New chain.  Might need new front sprocket but I doubt it.
Rear is good for 2-3 chains.

[Jeppy]

I need to get a new chain myself....I'm going to spend the extra money and get a good chain and replace my front and rear sprockets. I figured I would rather be safe then sorry and have worse problems later down the road.

[scratch]

Buy new, quality o-ring chain.

[Alphamazing]

I'd say similar things to what everyone else has. Get a good, high quality O-ring chain, and a new front sprocket if it looks too worn (or if you want to bump it to a 15T for better accelleration). Your rear sprocket should be fine.

[Blueknyt]

ok, recomendation its best to change all at once, now, the problem with removing a link is the change stretch is just that, the distance between pins gets longer, now to still fit, the chain will ride up on the teeth of the sprockets were there is room and it puts stress on the teeth.  this is what causes the "SAWTOOTH" look.   once that happens your in danger of having teeth break.

if your teeth are ok and your hurting for cash, you can go with a new chain on older sprockets, but INSPECT THEM WELL.  a cheap chain will get you by, but invest in a good chain as soon as possible.

If you keep your chain clean, and well oiled and your watching your adjustments and see you only have a few notches left for adjustment, get a replacement chain. the sooner you get normal length pins btween teeth the less wear and tear on the gear itself and more use you can get.   im on my 3rd chain for my sprockets and about to go forth.

every so often i pull my chain an completly clean it in a mild solvant then soap and water.  afterwich i put about a quart of 30W into a tin serving pan and lay the chain it in so its submerged and let it soak in heated oil ontop of the stove for about 1 hour while i clean the rest of the bike.  (you dont want it so hot it smokes or boils just warmer then bare touch can handle, say about 110*)  this helps make sure all the water boils out.   its really effective with Non Oring chains and i havent suffered any ill effects from the one Oring chain i did it to.   i havent done it to this one yet as i think i went to long and its too worn out to do any real good.