Do I need a new chain??

vsboxerboy · March 30, 2007, 02:52:05 PM

So I've noticed a 'tick' in my chain that I can hear when I move the bike when it's off and sliiightly hear when I'm off the throttle. When cleaning my bike today I noticed that the noise is coming from the front cog when these two paticular links go through it. They seem to not be as straight as the other links and if I try to bend them back and fourth, there is a little resistance, which I am thinking is the cause of the noise. Now, I just cleaned and lubed the chain and it's still giving the resistance.

I'm thinking I should just go and buy a new chain, but I had replaced this chain about 2k ago although it probably goes about 1k between being cleaned and lubed....I know, I know...I really need to do it every 600mi right

So new chain yes or no?

NiceGuysFinishLast · March 30, 2007, 02:56:03 PM

Couldn't hurt. I just bought a 110 link 520 o-ring chain with clip style master link (yes, I know, some people will berate me for going clip style.. but I trust it on a relatively weak bike like the GS), for $46 shipped on ebay last night. I got an email saying it was shipped about 45 mins after I paid. Guy's seller ID is sledpartsguy.

l3uddha · March 30, 2007, 03:06:34 PM

make sure it's not too tight.

vsboxerboy · March 30, 2007, 03:13:18 PM

Okay so here is a picture of what I believe to be the offending link. Notice that it is not in line with the rest of em'

On a seperate note, I didn't want to start two threads, but my speedometer isnt working as well and I searched about that and does this picture show that my speedometer cable has snapped??

vsboxerboy · March 30, 2007, 03:14:14 PM

oh and the chain is not too tight. When on the center stand I can move the chain up about 1-2" from the bottom

vsboxerboy · March 30, 2007, 03:20:02 PM

haha, well I think I answered my own question as pulling on the one end drew out a 3 foot length of cable that is definately split on the other end.....looks like I need a new speedo cable.

RedShift · March 30, 2007, 03:38:08 PM

Great, then let's talk about your first problem...

Is it possible that this link is seized? Have you taken the Front Sprocket Cover off to see how the link makes the tight turn around the drive?

If that link doesn't pivot along the profile of either fron or rear sprocket, then I would replace the chain (or at least the links that don't move). It's got to be causing stresses to something that can't be good.

You say you replaced it just 2000 miles ago? Don't go back there.

Let us know what brand of chain you bought -- I would like to avoid making the same mistake.

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As for free play, it should be only about 3/4" to 1-1/4" max. If over, it's too loose.

vsboxerboy · March 30, 2007, 04:03:14 PM

Okay so i took off the front sprocket cover and the link makes the turn just fine around the drive as well as the rear. It also seems that since lubing the chain, the noise has decreased significantly. I'm not sure what you mean by siezed, but the link does move, just that it requires some force whereas the others do not.

I agree that 2000mi is waaay too short to replace a chain, but I really do need to take better care of it. As far as brand goes, I just got the el cheapo chain from my local motorcycle store and forgot what it was called. I believe it was around 35-40 bucks from the dealership.

I am still thinking that it would be nice to get a replacement chain, because safety is worth a lot more than 50 bucks for a new chain. For a replacement, I was looking on bikebandit at D.I.D. chains which seem to have a good rep around here. I'm not sure if this is the correct one though:

http://www.bikebandit.com/partsbandit/product~pf_id~3183642~dept_id~1173074.asp

QuoteD.I.D Standard 520 STD Chain, 114 links

High-quality, pre-stretched, solid roller chain. Quad-staked pin riveting. Special alloy steel construction. Extended riveted bushing anti-kink. For motorcycles originally equipped with non-O-ring chain. Tensile Strength 7,200 lbs. Max CC Engine 250.

I wasn't sure which 'series' to pick so i just picked the standard instead of the professional or whatever. The description seemed a bit odd that it days max engine CC 250

NiceGuysFinishLast · March 30, 2007, 09:50:35 PM

You want an o-ring chain, not a roller.

vsboxerboy · March 31, 2007, 10:03:27 AM

herm can anyone point me in the right direction?

l3uddha · March 31, 2007, 10:17:06 AM

http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Chaparral/productr.asp?pf%5Fid=312%2D1910&gift=False&HSLB=False&mscssid=FD593D50C2814FEC98D98167C3EA598E

I picked this up about a week ago. Comes w/ a clip master link. Whatever chain you get, you want a 520 x 110 links if you're running stock sprockets.

FearedGS500 · March 31, 2007, 10:21:31 AM

http://www.ekchain.com/sport.htm
just bought this one a few weeks ago and i have no problem wiht it .. they offer the "rivite like" master link . but if you look at the bottom the one for the 500cc bike is the one i have .. its a 520 (120 link so it has to be cut) its the X-ring style (new i'm guessing) but its doing really well as of now

coll0412 · March 31, 2007, 12:26:37 PM

Parts411.com has a good deal too

DID 520X100 O-ring chain $59.99
Rivet Master link $5.65

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Do I need a new chain??