Chain Adjustment

[phenoix75]

So I got my bike a year ago form my cousin, who has maintained the bike very well. It's a 1989 GS500EK and I am a bit confused at the moment. After I bought a new rear tire and installed it this year, I have been having issues with keeping the chain properly adjusted. I got the initial adjustment correct with, what I was told by my cousin, a newer chain. I now have had to adjust it every week it seems like. I checked the sprockets and they look fine. the axle is at the rear most point it can be in the "alignment" markers. I know the chain basically needs replaced, but I want to avoid it from happening again so quickly. Has anyone ever had a problem with a chain wearing out excessively prematurely?

[Twism86]

A new chain is going to stretch at first and need more adjustments initially. Its best to replace both sprockets and the chain at the same time.

Are you sure you are at your max? I really cant see a chain stretching that much in a year, perhaps you bought the wrong chain? It should be a 110 link chain.

[Slack]

Were you rotating the back wheel to find the tightest spot in the chain, and adjusting to that spot?  If not the chain was too tight and you stretched it prematurely.

What kind of chain is it?  I had a cheap Volar that didn't last long at all.

[fetor56]

If your chain is reasonably new like your cousin said and it has a joining link why not just take a link out...test the length & if correct reassemble.
Basic tools are needed to punch a link out...if it's an endless loop chain i still can't see why u can't punch a link(or more) out & add a joining link.
Probably better to buy a new X ring chain & sprockets but repairing your existing chain is also a cost alternative.

BTW...to answer your question.
I have only had problems with cheap,Chinese chains on other bikes.......nicknamed,STRETCH-O-MATICS. 

[phenoix75]

I Pulled off the "old/ newish" chain..... It was worn out. I had a full link stretch at 110 links VS the a brand new chain. I think I may have been fibbed to about the age of the chain when I took ownership of the bike.
Thanks guys

[fetor56]

I Pulled off the "old/ newish" chain..... It was worn out. I had a full link stretch at 110 links VS the a brand new chain. I think I may have been fibbed to about the age of the chain when I took ownership of the bike.
Thanks guys

Cousin huh...........so much for family. 

[ohgood]

I Pulled off the "old/ newish" chain..... It was worn out. I had a full link stretch at 110 links VS the a brand new chain. I think I may have been fibbed to about the age of the chain when I took ownership of the bike.
Thanks guys

i doubt there was any fibbing.

your description says the chain was being adjusted once a week. if the rear wheel alignment was off, this would cause a new chain to wear very quickly. if the chain was over tightened, same deal.

the gs, if not abused, can make a chain last 20,000 miles with light cleaning and lubing.

make sure you fit a new front and rear cog when you get your new chain. check alignment via "string thing" found here on the forum and the intarweebs.