Hello,

I will be buying a new chain tomorrow. While at it, I thought I check with the group if I should replace the sprockets as well.

Here are the pictures of the sprockets:
http://picasaweb.google.com/taijinian/Sprockets?authkey=Gv1sRgCM20u-rS_4iTDg#

Notice that I have two separate rear sprockets. I took an overall and a close-up pictures of each sprocket and a overlapping comparision picture of both rear sprockets.

If you could comment on the condition of these sprockets and if one of the rear sprockets is any better than the other, that'd be great.

Jenya

Sorry for the bad news, but those sprockets are all worn and will wreck a new chain. Notice that the teeth are 'hooked' due to wear on one side of the tooth. When the problem is that visible its past time for new sprockets!

As a general rule if replacing the chain then replace sprockets as well.

Man, those are toast. Looks like it was run dry for a million years.

Put some lube on em once a week or so and they'll last a long long time.

Easy on the cleaning too, you don't want to beat up the orings.

Thank you all.

I knew they show signs of wear, but I didn't think it was as bad you guys make it sound.

I ordered a new EK X-Ring chain and a set of JT sprockets.

Intrestingly, when I went to remove the old chain from the bike, I discovered that the connecting clip was gone. I put that chain two years ago. It was a no brand cheapo X-ring chain off eBay. Good thing the connecting link hasn't worked its way out of the chain. I don't know for how long I've riding without the clip.

I hope the EK clip stays on better. I will be keeping an eye on it.

I always inspect my master link  when I lube my chain. which I tend to do around every 200 miles.

Ditto on the lube...

Tank up just before hitting reserve. Get home and lube chain. Do 'em both same day, can't forget that way 

Michael

what kind of lube do you guys use to oil the chain?

Quote from: nakedGS on September 05, 2009, 04:36:40 PM
what kind of lube do you guys use to oil the chain?

i'm torn between 10w40 (or whatever engine oil I'm tripping over) and Dupont Spray Wax... hold on... picture time...



^^^ that stuff goes on fast/easy, repells dirt/water/crap and doesn't sling too bad if you put it on a hot chain. it will gum up your underside if you don't have a chain fling-guard. no biggie.

engine oil is fine, but it takes 30 seconds as opposed to 10 for the spray crap. prolly a toss up as to which one protects/lubes better. got me. i'll just replace the chain every 15,000 or so.

I've been using the Bel Ray spray on. It seems to be creating quite a bit of gunk over time.

Granted, I had never tried to wash it off, just been spraying over.

I am considering of trying a 20-50 motor oil or some constant viscosity heavier oil.

I also will be cleaning the chain wth Simple Green before oiling it instead of just oiling over the gunk and grit.

Jenya

what do you think about cleaning with WD-40 and then re oiling with the spray or motor oil?

i know wd40 is a degreaser and shouldn't be used to lube chains, but just to clean?

Here's my Chain Lube...



Yes. it is WD40. It cleans and Mildly lubes. I get no flingage. And as I Lube at least weekly, sometimes twice weekly as I sometimes ride 600+km in a week and lube after each tank up, I have a pretty clean chain. Plus, it's cheap as.

Been using it for 11,000+km so far and no mechanic has commented negatively on my chain. 

Am thinking of Trying Inox http://www.inox-mx3.com/inox.htm as it's NOT petroleum based and the chain lube claims to stick like sh*t without flingage. But it's 4 times the price of WD40 

As for using WD40 as a cleaner and then using a diff lube... sure, plenty of people do that. If I and many others have had Zero problems with WD40 as a cleaner and lube in one then you should have no problems as a cleaner with something else as a lube.

Michael

+1 ^^^

Been using WD40 for years to clean chain and all metal parts on all my bikes.  Cheap, cleans well, brings chains up like new.

I used INOX as well but went back to WD40.  Don't buy it as the only thing you will notice is your pocket will be lighter.

ah, duly noted. wd-40 is the sheit after all!

Interesting evidence on the harm that WD40 can do to a chain if used as a lubricant.
http://www.webbikeworld.com/t2/motorcycle-chain-lube/#wd40

Quote from: Jenya on September 09, 2009, 10:26:42 PM
Interesting evidence on the harm that WD40 can do to a chain if used as a lubricant.
http://www.webbikeworld.com/t2/motorcycle-chain-lube/#wd40

No, a photo Claiming to be damage of a bearing on an Aircraft part - NOT a chain. So I'll certainly make sure not to use it on aircraft bearings.

As for my chain... I'll let me own eyes and experience be my guide. A clean, non rusted chain that looks as good as.

There is also a letter floating around one of the bike forums, which was received from the makers of WD40 in answer to the chain question. The makers themselves say it will not harm chains. Tests have also shown is does NOT damage O-rings.

If you want to use a designated chain lube or some engine oil or whatever, then knock yourself out. I'll keep using WD40. We'll both be happy.

Michael

The moon is also made of cheese.

QUOTE: This is a ball and races in a sealed bearing that had been subjected to regular use of WD-40 for a year or two. (which is it a year or 2 years?  makes a big difference to a chains life a year)

Who uses WD40 to lube a bearing? especialy in the aero industry.  One uses HP GREASE to pack a bearing (yes even sealed bearings).

I don't see much support that proves WD40 is bad for motorcycle chains in that article.    Mechanics have been using products like CRC and WD40 to clean chains and degrease engines since Adam was a cowboy and the same applies today.  I use chain lube over WD40 only because WD40 has to be applied much more often to keep the chain lubed.  In saying that though I see no harm in using WD40 every day if you have the time to lube that often.