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 :)
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.
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
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.
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!
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
Quote from: dk31285 on November 27, 2015, 04:52:24 PM
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!
How far your chain adjusters are screwed in is a fair indication of chain wear.
Quote from: twocool on November 27, 2015, 06:06:21 PM
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
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
Quote from: rg500gamma on December 01, 2015, 02:30:32 AM
Quote from: twocool on November 27, 2015, 06:06:21 PM
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
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...
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
Quote from: Atesz792 on December 01, 2015, 01:42:38 PM
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...
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.
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... ?
(http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af101/Widget1983/Motorbike/20151204_173843_zpsrbofqqdh.jpg)
(http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af101/Widget1983/Motorbike/20151204_173847_zpsllvsxeld.jpg)
Quote from: Widget on December 04, 2015, 02:57:57 AM
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... ?
(http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af101/Widget1983/Motorbike/20151204_173843_zpsrbofqqdh.jpg)
(http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af101/Widget1983/Motorbike/20151204_173847_zpsllvsxeld.jpg)
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 .........
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 :)
Quote from: Widget on December 04, 2015, 11:21:28 PM
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
Quote from: rg500gamma on December 04, 2015, 03:34:01 AM
Quote from: Widget on December 04, 2015, 02:57:57 AM
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... ?
(http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af101/Widget1983/Motorbike/20151204_173843_zpsrbofqqdh.jpg)
(http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af101/Widget1983/Motorbike/20151204_173847_zpsllvsxeld.jpg)
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 :thumb:
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 - $$52.82USD
= $105 AUD .. about $70ish saving compared to Australia :)
That being said, these parts are Stock Replacement parts... If I wanted to try a 15t front sprocket instead of the stock 16t .. would i need to..
1- Replace rear sprocket with 42t (from stock 39t)
2. Replace chain from stock 110link to higher linkage ?
Above is also assuming I need to replace.. though I probably should..
Thanks again :)
Quote from: Widget on December 05, 2015, 12:56:01 AM
Thanks RG500 :)
Generally though, adding shipping from the U.S can make the item 3x the price :( .. however,
I decided to jump onto amazon US and see what's available... I managed to cart up these, which allowed shipping to Australia..
1x JT Sprockets JTF516.16 16T Steel Front Sprocket - $13.79 USD
1x JT Sprockets JTR823.39 39T Steel Rear Sprocket - $27.40 USD
1x RK Racing Chain 520-SO-110 110-Links O-Ring Chain with Connecting Link - $$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
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 ........... :thumb:
Why not just go to:
http://www.gearingcommander.com/
You can check the changes in sprocket sizes, tire sizes, etc.
I ran 110 link chains with 15/39T sprockets on my 97 and 02 GSs. 15/42T should work with either 110 or 112 link chains.
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=44849.msg502495#msg502495
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/jcp8832/GSbrakechainlog_zpshfvqegx8.jpg
Thanks RG500, appreciate it :)
Thanks for the link Big Rich, will check it out.
gsJack, so you don't need to increase the number of teeth on the rear if you drop down a tooth on the front ?
No, just change the front sprocket to 15T and adjust the chain. I ran several 15T front sprockets with the stock 39T rear and stock 110 link chain. I've never changed a rear sprocket on a bike including the 80k miles on my 97 GS and the 100k miles on my 02 GS.
Quote from: Atesz792 on December 01, 2015, 01:42:38 PM
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...
I'v been using a Scottoiler for about 3 years now on my GS and it's great.It's about the only time u like to see a chain nice and and shiny and clean....shiny from a thin film of soluble oil.
hey fetor56 when you get a chance could you post a photo of scott oiler on bike. thanx in advance. :thumb:
Quote from: rg500gamma on December 06, 2015, 11:16:46 PM
hey fetor56 when you get a chance could you post a photo of scott oiler on bike. thanx in advance. :thumb:
I'll post pics tomorrow,when it's light here.
hey fetor56 , no hurry , take your time .......... kind regards Andrew :thumb:
Quote from: rg500gamma on December 07, 2015, 02:07:57 AM
hey fetor56 , no hurry , take your time .......... kind regards Andrew :thumb:
Here ya go Andrew...there is another injector on the other side of the sprocket(dual injectors)
http://i67.tinypic.com/ncf9ci.jpg[/IMG]
http://i64.tinypic.com/szh8nc.jpg[/IMG]
http://i65.tinypic.com/w0qk5c.jpg[/IMG]
PS....Sorry to sidetrack your thread Widget. :)
Nice system!
May I ask you how long a chain lasts on your bike?
Quote from: Atesz792 on December 07, 2015, 03:44:54 PM
Nice system!
May I ask you how long a chain lasts on your bike?
Dunno yet...it's the original endless loop chain and i put the oiler on from new.
Cos it's in a thin film of oil all the time Scottoiler says there supposed to last 5X-7X that of a regular chain.
If i get 2X i'll be happy....3X i'll be delirious. :laugh:
hey Widget , Del Amo motorsports in long beach California , said yes you can still use same chain length 110 when using a 15 tooth front with a 39 tooth rear . kind regards Andrew :thumb:
hey fetor56 many thanx for the photos , gonna get one fitted to my gs500 as well kind regards Andrew :thumb:
Thanks rg500, much appreciated :) :thumb:
Quote from: Widget on November 27, 2015, 12:19:23 AM
Is there a general way of testing to give me an idea?
The suzuki service manual recommends measuring the length of a section...
(http://s24.postimg.org/st0vs9h1h/Screen_Shot_2015_12_20_at_7_17_34_AM.jpg)
Dumb question:
Have now got the rear wheel off and am trying to loosen the sprocket nuts. I've turned a 14mm spanner into a 15mm in the process (crap spanners) can I get someone with an impact wrench to have a go at them?
Sent from my iPhone because I like owning a phone that works reliably.
Jimmy, you should get an impact driver (not a pneumatic impact gun). Impact drivers are sold here in the US at just about any auto parts store, and are one of the most useful tools to own.
Discovered my torque wrench with looooong handle
Sent from my iPhone because I like owning a phone that works reliably.
I keep a length of pipe in my garage for just such an occasion. It's actually a pole from a chain link fence, about 5' long and hollow. I fit it over the wrench and instant leverage!