New chain and sprockets - some observations.

[barry905]

A couple of years back I had an issue with the chain on my 2009 GS500F. When I eventually diagnosed it I replaced the chain, but could not source a "proper" replacement locally, so I had to buy a 130 link chain and cut it down. The only problem was that every week I had to adjust the chain!

So once winter was (nearly) over, I serviced the bike and took it out for a ride. What a surprise, the chain needed adjusting. So out with the toolkit, but no, the adjuster had reached the end of its travel.Time for another new chain.

So this time I thought I would get a better quality chain, the DID VX2 PRO. I also checked the fit of the chain on the sprockets. The links did not fit snugly into the sprockets on the back. It could have been mainly caused by the stretched chain, but whatever, change both sprockets. So I ordered the parts and waited for them to arrive - impatiently!

When the goodies arrived I was out in the garage to fit them in a flash. Getting the old chain off was easy this time, just take the clip off and push out the joining link. Then pull the chain off. Took the rear wheel out and replaced the sprocket. Put it back again. Took the cover off the front sprocket, only to find I needed circlip/spring clip pliers, which of course I don't have. Rushed to local hardware shop and bought them. Replaced front sprocket and put new chain on. Adjusted and off I went. Easy enough.

This whole process left me with a couple of thoughts I'd like to share. The first is that when I went to remove the front sprocket the fit of the sprocket onto the splines on the drive shaft was significantly worn. I really only noticed this when I put the new one on. The new sprocket was a much tighter fit on the spines that the old one. I had not expected any wear there. The second thing was that with the X-ring chain fitting the joining link was a lot more challenging. I eventually used a C-clamp and a nut to compress the side plate enough to get the clip installed.

My new chain is now adjusted to the correct play and feels much more responsive when I ride.Which makes me glad I put in the X-ring chain.

[The Buddha]

Front sprocket spline-circlip design is pathetic. AFAIK, the only bike that has that design, and not a nut holding it on.
And IMHO, this bike was tailor made for a belt, and I'd convert it except the retarded clutch push rod is in the way of the pulley I can buy. Retarded design #2.
The clutch is on the opposite side, why the Fruck did they have to put this stupid thing on the left.
Cool.
Buddha.

[Watcher]

I had to do frequent chain adjustments on an old chain that was on its way out paired with a worn set of sprockets.  If the sprockets are old, misaligned, loose, or you set improper slack, even a new chain will stretch quickly.

My experiences with chains also suggests that a chain tool helps a lot, even with master link chains.  CycleGear sells a nice kit with the chain press, a clamp, and several punches and adapters, and it's usually on sale for like $40.

[barry905]

I was watching a video from DID which stated that expected life of an "ordinary" chain was 5000kms, compared to 25000kms for an X-ring one. Those numbers are probably a little exaggerated, but I think I got about 6000kms out of mine.

I had to do frequent chain adjustments on an old chain that was on its way out paired with a worn set of sprockets.  If the sprockets are old, misaligned, loose, or you set improper slack, even a new chain will stretch quickly.

My experiences with chains also suggests that a chain tool helps a lot, even with master link chains.  CycleGear sells a nice kit with the chain press, a clamp, and several punches and adapters, and it's usually on sale for like $40.

I agree with you there, and I really should get one in anticipation for the next time. I was lucky I found the workaround to same the wait time.

Front sprocket spline-circlip design is pathetic. AFAIK, the only bike that has that design, and not a nut holding it on.
And IMHO, this bike was tailor made for a belt, and I'd convert it except the retarded clutch push rod is in the way of the pulley I can buy. Retarded design #2.
The clutch is on the opposite side, why the Fruck did they have to put this stupid thing on the left.
Cool.
Buddha.

I love the idea of converting to belt drive: the only issues I can think of are the front sprocket diameter being too small and fitting the belt around the swing arm.

[Watcher]

I was watching a video from DID which stated that expected life of an "ordinary" chain was 5000kms, compared to 25000kms for an X-ring one. Those numbers are probably a little exaggerated, but I think I got about 6000kms out of mine.

Expect to go through a new chain in the span of an oil change?  Hardly.  Maybe on a dirt-bike in sand...

I'll admit to being a chain neglector on my first GS, but after throwing a chain on my second GS I became meticulous about the maintenance.  I would clean and lube about every 3rd fuel fill (500 miles or so) and every time the bike was out in rain, did about 10k miles before selling it off and only had to adjust the slack one time in that period.

Kept up that maintenance interval on my Honda CB500F, used it through the spring and summer as a daily ride and once again only adjusted the slack once in about 7k miles or so before I sold it.

I feel bad about my Duck since I've had it for about 1000 miles and haven't done any chain care yet, but when I got it the chain was thoroughly coated and I also don't own a rear stand at this time.  I will soon, and I can resume my usual interval.  It'll be especially good here in the desert, to combat the dust.

If you care for your chain like I do I wouldn't be surprised to see it last 50k, maybe more.
Of course that would also depend on how you ride.  Really aggressive and choppy handling of the throttle will cause accelerated stretching and premature sprocket wear...

[Darkstar]

Of course that would also depend on how you ride. 

I ride my really hard, ride through the winter, and have to park it outdoors, so at 17,000 miles it's time for a new one. I can pull links a few mm's off the rear sprocket, and I can't keep the entire length of it inside the 20-30mm spec of variance. One side will be tight at 10mm and the other at 40mm. Odd thing is, both sprockets look brand new, with equal spacing and depth. I may just throw a new chain on without changing them

[Watcher]

Of course that would also depend on how you ride. 

I ride my really hard, ride through the winter, and have to park it outdoors, so at 17,000 miles it's time for a new one.

So did I.  Rode it like I stole it, rain or shine, 100° hot or 20° cold, and it "lived" outdoors without even a cover.  That being said, I never really "got on it" suddenly or tried to wheelie or anything like that, I was an aggressive rider but usually pretty smooth on the throttle regardless of 1/4, half, or full on use.  I also really used the clutch a lot in low speed...
17k still seems short to me.  Did a majority of that on one chain in one season, and if the wear I saw was any evidence of total life it had at least 30k in it.

WD-40 on a brush to clean, dried thoroughly, inspected for slack and alignment, then lubed with Tri-Flo, every ~500 miles and ALWAYS after it got wet.

[Darkstar]

So did I. 

I bought the bike at 6000 miles and lubed/clean just about as often as you did. I suppose the damage was done before that then.

[Watcher]

So did I. 

I bought the bike at 6000 miles and lubed/clean just about as often as you did. I suppose the damage was done before that then.

It's possible.  Once the chain starts stretching it's hard to slow it back down.


I don't remember what chain I put on my GS, either.  I don't think it was an X-ring because I was a total cheap-ass back then.  It was definitely an RK, though.