CHAIN AND SPROCKETS HELP

[Juanfer]

[glenn9171]

Buy both sprockets and the chain at the same time.  A good O-ring or X-ring chain will run $80+ and the sprockets could probably be gotten for about $12 front and $30-35 rear.  

I don't understand why you have to adjust (I assume you mean tighten) it every week.  Are you doing wheelies or something?  Popping the clutch to stretch it out?  I have >7600 miles on my '01 model and have only have to tighten mine once.  And that was when I pu the 15T front sprocket on.  

Having to tighten the chain weekly is a definite sign of a problem.

[KevinC]

When the o-rings start to go in a chain, they stretch like crazy. If you pull the little front sprocket cover, you may find a bunch of o-rings in with all the crud that accumulates there.

I don't change sprockets automatically. If the teeth look good, and are still symetrical - not worn more on the drive face - I leave them. A stretched chain will wear out the sprockets real quick though.

You need at least a 110 link chain. Most come in 120 links, and then you have to cut them down. You can do that wih a grinder, cahin breaker, or angle grinder. You will need either the proper tool to compress the side plate on the master link, or at least some small c-clamps and some ingenuity. If you choose a rivet type master link, rather than the clip type, you will need a chain rivet tool.

[Juanfer]

[glenn9171]

OK, that's it then.  A non-O-ring chain only lasts a few thousand miles usually.  And it needs to be lubed almost every day that the bike is ridden.  Whereas an O-ring chain is recommended to be lubed about every 600 miles or so, depending on the conditions.  (Rain, excessively dusty area, etc.)

I hear DID O-Ring or X-Ring chains are highly recommended.  I am going to get the X-Ring myslef when I eventually need one.

[Kerry]

The "clac clac" near the chain makes me think that your chain may need to be aligned better.  If the chain is not aligned it will wear out more quickly, and it will wear out your sprockets as well.  You will want to check the aligment no matter what kind of chain you have or get.

My '99 came with a D.I.D. X-ring chain.  I ran it for 20,000+ miles.  When it needed replacing, I went with a D.I.D. O-ring chain.  I compared the costs of the chains with their perceived merits, and the O-ring just seemed like a better deal.  I'm guessing that the O-ring will last a good 15,000 miles.

If you think you'll exceed that kind of mileage in the next few years, you might consider the X-ring.  Otherwise it may be overkill - money spent unnecessarily.

[Juanfer]

Thanks for the information Kerry, sorry about my ignorance...how can I check if the chain is alineated correctly?
How much can a O-ring chain cost?

[chimivee]

Thanks for the information Kerry, sorry about my ignorance...how can I check if the chain is alineated correctly?
How much can a O-ring chain cost?

Well, if you haven't been aligning the chain when you're adjusting the slack... this could easily be your problem.  After loosening the axle nut and getting the appropriate slack in the chain, the two adjuster nuts at the very rear of the swing arm need to be adjusted.  There is an alignment plate on each side - use this as a guide to get each side even.  I don't think those plates are very accurate though.  So from the rear, look down the length of the chain (w/ chaingaurd removed) and see if it appears straight and lined up w/ the sprockets.  Adjust as necessary.

[Kerry]

How much can a O-ring chain cost?

I'm sure there are LOTS of other places to look, but here are a few:

==================
Chaparral Motorsports
==================
D.I.D. 520V series O-ring chain (110 links)
Part number: 312-1910
Price: $57.20

D.I.D. 520V master link
Part number: 312-1955
Price: $5.60

==================
Dennis Kirk
==================
D.I.D. 520V series O-ring chain (110 links)
Part number: 11-81-110
Price: $71.99

D.I.D. 520V clip-style master link
Part number: 11-22
Price: $6.99

D.I.D. 520V rivet-style connecting link
Part Number: 11-52
Price: $6.99

==================
Motorcycle Accessory Warehouse
==================
D.I.D. 520V Vector O-Ring chain 110 Links
Part number: 16462
Price: $65.95

D.I.D. 520V Vector O-Ring Chain Master Link (Clip)
Part number: 44939
Price: $5.95

D.I.D. 520V Vector O-Ring Chain Master Link (Rivet)
Part Number: 32825
Price: $5.95

[Black Snowman]

I got an EK X-Ring from parts411.com
However it still hasn't arived yet even though the 2 things they had drop-shipped from the manufacturer have. I also got new sprockets from Sprocket Specialties through Parts 411. Look like excelent quality pieces and the aluminium rear sprocket is LIGHT and looks pretty slick.

I went with aluminium because that's all I found on their site. I thought it was a bit pricey for steel and it would have been, but pretty cheap for aluminum. The aluminum won't last as long as the steel would but since I plan to continue to replace the sprockets and chain at the same time the chain will most likely wear out first anyway.

[Juanfer]

[gsJack]

[newgs500]

i have a similar problem, in that my chain is intermittently tight and lose with every-other rotation of the wheel, maybe tha front sprocket is off-centred somehow.....

[gsJack]

i have a similar problem, in that my chain is intermittently tight and lose with every-other rotation of the wheel, maybe tha front sprocket is off-centred somehow.....

Probably time for a new chain.  The links are binding.  Quite common.  Standard chains need more lubing and adjustment than o-ring chains.  Don't know which you have, but 0-ring chains are worth the price.

If you are not wanting to put on a new chain soon, try soaking the chain with WD40 (or equiv) one day and then lubing with a good chain lube the next.  If you get it freed up, be sure to adjust it afterwards.

[V8Pinto]

I've noticed a direct correlation between wheelies and chain adjustment.  If I've been "practicing" a lot, the dang chain needs to be adjusted nearly every other day.  It's very bothersome but hey, ya gotta wheelie right?  I mean a day without a wheelie is like a PB&J withouth the PB&J....

I have the cheap chain (non o-ring) that I replaced with new sprockets too and it lasted a few thousand miles (I can tell it needs replacing).  I don't know if I will have the cash to buy an o-ring chain and new sprockets too so I may have to go with a cheap one again <sigh>....