When to replace the chain ??

[Widget]

Hi guys,

I have a 2008 GS500 that I bought 2nd hand back in 2013. Since then I've probably ridden about 8000km(ish).. always serviced, but never the chain. I did however, adjust the tension of the chain by sliding the rear tyre back until the slack was within recommended spec.

Wondering however, how can I tell if I need to replace the chain/sprocket ? Is there a general way of testing to give me an idea?

What's the average cost of chain + front/rear sprockets and where do you guys buy them from ? Any recommendations ?

Thanks in advance

[fakejimmymorgan]

In OZ he cost of a DID chain and sprocket kit for the GS is $150 so if you're stateside Id hazard that with the exchange rate its likely near $75-100.

It all depends on how the teeth on the sprockets look, if the chain has stretched too far or is unable to be tensioned etc.  8000kms will have some people saying way overdue and others will tell you that with maintenance it should last 20,000.  I'd be looking at the teeth on the sprockets to see if it needs changing. Looking bent or pointed then change the lot (in my opinion, or if its an unknown quantity).

Jimmy

its the job I'm doing this weekend.

[HPP8140]

I've had a few GS500s and usually replace front sprocket and chain ~35K.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/78045/i/bikemaster-520-bmor-series-o-ring-chain

[Big Rich]

What you're looking for in chain wear is the "stretch" in between the pins (although a chain doesn't technically stretch, it is the pins wearing out), and kinked links. Search around for the max distance between the pins on a 520 chain - if your pins are too far apart, it's time for a replacement. And look for a link that is kinda locked up: sometimes you'll hear a click sound as the chain rolls over the sprockets, but sometimes you can see the links too.

Sprocket wear is kinda different.... if your sprockets are REALLY bad, the teeth will have the appearance of shark fins. But if your chain is bad (as mentioned above), the the chain has been working down the sprockets in a way that you can't really measure or see. That's why you should replace your sprockets and chain as a set - since they wear out as a set.

Edit: there isn't really a  set time to replace a chain. A high power desert racer that gets abused with no chain maintenance can need a new chain after 1000 miles. A lower powered commuter that gets babied won'tneed a new chain for 20k-40k miles. 

[dk31285]

I bought an '04 gs500f this April.  The bike had just over 15k miles on it, but the chain was ugly.  Completely covered in rust as if it were never cleaned or lubed.  I cleaned it and adjusted it myself, but found that there were FIVE frozen (kinked) links.  A hefty clean and lube couldn't fix it.

Also, I'll note that I could definitely feel the kinks while riding.  If I held steady RPM's it felt like I was in a rodeo, riding a bull...  Sprocket teeth didn't look too bad, but I got a kit for about $80 and replaced the chain and both sprockets.  The bike rides so smooth now!

[twocool]

Clean and lube the chain every 500 miles..and it will last a long, long time!  (20,000 miles or more)

(50,000 miles...just put on chain #3)

Cookie

I bought an '04 gs500f this April.  The bike had just over 15k miles on it, but the chain was ugly.  Completely covered in rust as if it were never cleaned or lubed.  I cleaned it and adjusted it myself, but found that there were FIVE frozen (kinked) links.  A hefty clean and lube couldn't fix it.

Also, I'll note that I could definitely feel the kinks while riding.  If I held steady RPM's it felt like I was in a rodeo, riding a bull...  Sprocket teeth didn't look too bad, but I got a kit for about $80 and replaced the chain and both sprockets.  The bike rides so smooth now!

[Joolstacho]

How far your chain adjusters are screwed in is a fair indication of chain wear.

[rg500gamma]

Clean and lube the chain every 500 miles..and it will last a long, long time!  (20,000 miles or more)

(50,000 miles...just put on chain #3)

Cookie
                                         hey  "two cool "    what do you think  of those automatic  chain oilers ?    I  have not found  anyone  using them in my los angeles area .   do you know anyone using them ?   thanx in advance   Andrew

[twocool]

Automatic oiler?  ehhh...

Kind of misses the point....modern chains are o-ring or x-ring..means they don't really need (much) lubrication.  What keeps the chain alive is CLEANING...you have to clean off the grit and dirt and crap..these are the things which cause wear.  Plus isn't the auto oiler going to leave a continuous mess?

Most of the spray can chain lubes out there go on thin, then thicken up to cling and prevent "fling".

Lastly...you need to "commune" with your bike every so often...spend some quality time with  her in the shop...cleaning the chain will allow you to "bond"....while cleaning the chain, you will be tempted to clean the rims, then the frame, then you will see the need to put some stove black on the pipes, and lube the kick stand....get the picture?

Not to brag...but...my 50,000 mile GS500...I get asked all the time..."Is that bike new?"

Cookie

Clean and lube the chain every 500 miles..and it will last a long, long time!  (20,000 miles or more)

(50,000 miles...just put on chain #3)

Cookie
                                         hey  "two cool "    what do you think  of those automatic  chain oilers ?    I  have not found  anyone  using them in my los angeles area .   do you know anyone using them ?   thanx in advance   Andrew

[Atesz792]

Agree with the latter part twocool, but let me say that the continuous feed of clean oil does keep a chain clean. So it's just as good for O-ring chains, too. I've been thinking about getting an automatic oiler for a while now, but I can't justify the price ATM, nor do I have enough spare time to fabricate one...

[twocool]

Auto oiler for a modern chain is a solution without a problem...useless and wasted expense...

Just clean down the chain every 500 miles with kerosene, dry it off, and spray some chain stuff on it...

Dirt sticks to the oil on the chain...if you don't clean and put more oil...more dirt sticks...

It takes a forceful spray of cleaning solution (kerosene) or some gently brushing with a soft brush, while using large amounts of kero in order to wash away the dirt.

Oiling a dirty chain simply makes an oily dirty chain....

if an auto oiler puts out enough oil to actually wash away dirt...they it is also going to make a complete mess of your bike

Unless you ride in the Sahara? 

Cookie

Agree with the latter part twocool, but let me say that the continuous feed of clean oil does keep a chain clean. So it's just as good for O-ring chains, too. I've been thinking about getting an automatic oiler for a while now, but I can't justify the price ATM, nor do I have enough spare time to fabricate one...

[crackin]

If you can fit a pencil in between the rear sprocket and the chain (pull the chain back and insert pencil) then it is time for new chain and sprockets.

[Widget]

Thanks guys, much appreciated

I worked on my bike today and thought I'd take a picture of the front sprocket... it didn't seem 'too' bad.. but maybe a little worn... what do you guys think... ?

[rg500gamma]

Thanks guys, much appreciated

I worked on my bike today and thought I'd take a picture of the front sprocket... it didn't seem 'too' bad.. but maybe a little worn... what do you guys think... ?

well   since you have   it   off  ,  and  can get a new  one at a great price  ,   go  for new one  ( I  would myself )  ..........  I have seen  some new ones   as low  as  $ 10.00  on   e-bay  .........

[Widget]

Thanks RG500

Unfortunately being from Australia, we don't have many things cheap(ish) compared to the states. On ebay, the $10 sprocket (front) comes from china.. don't really trust the quality.

If I wanted to go 15t (as many people seem to be doing), what rear sprocket would I need? Also, does the specs of the chain change ?

Thanks

[rg500gamma]

Thanks RG500

Unfortunately being from Australia, we don't have many things cheap(ish) compared to the states. On ebay, the $10 sprocket (front) comes from china.. don't really trust the quality.

If I wanted to go 15t (as many people seem to be doing), what rear sprocket would I need? Also, does the specs of the chain change ?

Thanks

go to e-bay  united states   saw  a   renthal  for  $ 9.99

[rg500gamma]

Thanks guys, much appreciated

I worked on my bike today and thought I'd take a picture of the front sprocket... it didn't seem 'too' bad.. but maybe a little worn... what do you guys think... ?

well   since you have   it   off  ,  and  can get a new  one at a great price  ,   go  for new one  ( I  would myself )  ..........  I have seen  some new ones   as low  as  $ 10.00  on   e-bay  .........

dang  that  $ 9.99  Rethel  sprocket  sold already  on  united states e-bay  ............    Jt  sprockets  are good  saw some  for  $ 12.00   

[Widget]

Thanks RG500

Generally though, adding shipping from the U.S can make the item 3x the price .. however,

I decided to jump onto amazon US and see what's available... I managed to cart up these, which allowed shipping to Australia..

1x JT Sprockets JTF516.16 16T Steel Front Sprocket - $13.79 USD

1x JT Sprockets JTR823.39 39T Steel Rear Sprocket - $27.40 USD

1x RK Racing Chain 520-SO-110 110-Links O-Ring Chain with Connecting Link - $$52.82USD

= $105 AUD .. about $70ish saving compared to Australia

That being said, these parts are Stock Replacement parts... If I wanted to try a 15t front sprocket instead of the stock 16t .. would i need to..

1- Replace rear sprocket with 42t (from stock 39t)

2. Replace chain from stock 110link to higher linkage ?

Above is also assuming I need to replace.. though I probably should..


Thanks again

[rg500gamma]

Thanks RG500

Generally though, adding shipping from the U.S can make the item 3x the price .. however,

I decided to jump onto amazon US and see what's available... I managed to cart up these, which allowed shipping to Australia..

1x JT Sprockets JTF516.16 16T Steel Front Sprocket - $13.79 USD

1x JT Sprockets JTR823.39 39T Steel Rear Sprocket - $27.40 USD

1x RK Racing Chain 520-SO-110 110-Links O-Ring Chain with Connecting Link - $$52.82USD

= $105 AUD .. about $70ish saving compared to Australia

That being said, these parts are Stock Replacement parts... If I wanted to try a 15t front sprocket instead of the stock 16t .. would i need to..

1- Replace rear sprocket with 42t (from stock 39t)

2. Replace chain from stock 110link to higher linkage ?

Above is also assuming I need to replace.. though I probably should..


Thanks again

I  really  think  the stock  gearing  is the best  ,  I  have  a lot of  hills  ,  many  canyon  twisties  ,   and all in all  think  stock gearing  works best  ............   I  will  find out  the other answers  on gearing  later today  ,  going in the morning when they open to  Whittier  Kawasaki  ........   if  chain length  is needed  for  16 tooth  front sprocket

[rg500gamma]

Hi  Widget  ,   Whittier  Kawasaki  wants me to bring in the bike to fit-up ,  could not give me a answer on how  many links   need for  tooth  count on front and rear  .  I  have one example  ,  my  1983  gpz 550  ,  I  went one tooth smaller in the front , left back  same  (stock gear)  and the same link  chain worked just  the same .............   I  will see if   Del  Amo    motorsports   in long beach  knows  what your  wanting  on   Monday  ...........