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$100 for a ____ing chain?! Or: Chain 101 please.

  • Thread starter Thread starter maparker
  • Start date Start date
M

maparker

Guest
I've never had to replace a chain before, but after reading all the threads I could search up I'm even more confused than before. The chain on my '81 450 TX won't adjust anymore (I'm out past the index marks on the adjuster) So I figure I'm due for a replacement. Could someone (preferably multiple someones) please give me a run-down on whether or not I need an expensive o-ring chain or whether a cheaper non-sealed will work? Its not like this little bike is a firebreathing drag bike, but I don't want to have to replace something after just a few hundred miles b/c it stretched out. Most of my riding is a 90-100 mile a day commute at highway speeds so I'm putting on lots of miles, but almost all highway.

Thanks for the help,
Parker
 
A better chain is good especially if you use the bike a lot--No matter which one you choose keeping it well lubricated--keeping it well lubricated----keeping it well lubricated----keeping it well lubricated----is the secret to long life--there is no such thing as a chain that doesnt have to be lubricated properly.
 
Buy a good O ring chain !!!!!! Non O ring may last 4-5K miles a good O ring can last 20-30K miles if you take care of it. Make sure to replace the sprockets too!!!!!!!!! Just remember it is better to have the chain a little loose than too tight
 
What Lynn said^

You could replace a chain, with BAD sprockets and destroy it very quickly. Do them, chain and sprockets, at the same time and then don't worry about it for another 20+ years.
Keep it lubed, doesn't matter what type of chain, they all need to be lubed.

Yea it'll cost some good money, but once it's done..........it's done for along time.

I did chain and sprockets on my 1000S 2 years ago, about 10K
couple of adjustments and lots of lube, like most of the time during a ride,when the chain is warm and have had 0 problems.
Cost for chain and sprockets.......around $200. I installed them myself.
I also converted to a smaller pitch chain.
 
Chain and are not items to cheap on. Buy as good as you can possibly afford. Tires are the same way.
 
duaneage said:
Motorcycles have chains???????


Sorry, I could not help myself :oops:
Click to expand...

Only real motorcycles have chains. Sorry i couldnt help myself :oops:
 
Technically if your bike came ORIGINALLY with non sealed chain you -could- put non sealed chain on it again. I personally wouldn't do it under most circumstances, especially yours. You put a lot of miles on your bike per day, that's a lot of miles between lubing for a non o-ring chain. Highway miles may be gentle on engine and brakes, but the chain is still getting dust and heat (probably a LOT of heat) so I'd definitely use a good chain.

It sounds like possibly you let your chain go too long, it may have been in danger of breaking, which can be quite dangerous for bike and rider. One of the easiest and most popular ways to check chain wear is to pull it back from the rear sprocket directly at the rear, and see how much play there is. If you can expose more than half the sprocket tooth it's time to look for a new chain. Gotta watch it because chain gets tight and loose spots on it, check a few spots on the chain to be sure.

I noticed just before I replaced my (first ever) chain recently the tight and loose spots developed a large disparity, and it was requiring more and more adjusting.
 
duaneage said:
scotty said:
duaneage said:
Motorcycles have chains???????


Sorry, I could not help myself :oops:
Click to expand...

Only real motorcycles have chains. Sorry i couldnt help myself :oops:
Click to expand...
I was kind enough to leave the door open for that one.
Click to expand...

I realize that Duane but after all we do have a responsibility to keep the website amusing for the children. :lol: :lol: :lol:
 
duaneage said:
scotty said:
duaneage said:
Motorcycles have chains???????


Sorry, I could not help myself :oops:
Click to expand...

Only real motorcycles have chains. Sorry i couldnt help myself :oops:
Click to expand...
I was kind enough to leave the door open for that one.
Click to expand...

You shouldn't have, Duane ... we wouldn't be wasting time with all these "chain-related" problems if the chain gang would just wise up and "get shafted!" (especially Scotty!!!) :lol: :lol: :lol: :wink:

Regards,
Steve 8)
 
You shouldn't have, Duane ... we wouldn't be wasting time with all these "chain-related" problems if the chain gang would just wise up and "get shafted!" (especially Scotty!!!)
Click to expand...

I personally am not ready for the senior center yet. You guys have fun riding your "G" models down to bingo night...


:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

I slay myself!
 
Jethro said:
You shouldn't have, Duane ... we wouldn't be wasting time with all these "chain-related" problems if the chain gang would just wise up and "get shafted!" (especially Scotty!!!)
Click to expand...

I personally am not ready for the senior center yet. You guys have fun riding your "G" models down to bingo night...


:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

I slay myself!
Click to expand...

...and I'd "slay" you in the twisties with my full dress "G!" Unless you're at the very top of your game, the "G" has no trouble rattling "chains!" :lol: :lol: :lol: :wink:

For references, check with the Chicagoland crowd ... they'll tell you how competent my "G" is when the going gets fun!!!

Steve 8)
 
Planecrazy said:
Jethro said:
You shouldn't have, Duane ... we wouldn't be wasting time with all these "chain-related" problems if the chain gang would just wise up and "get shafted!" (especially Scotty!!!)
Click to expand...

I personally am not ready for the senior center yet. You guys have fun riding your "G" models down to bingo night...


:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

I slay myself!
Click to expand...

...and I'd "slay" you in the twisties with my full dress "G!" Unless you're at the very top of your game, the "G" has no trouble rattling "chains!" :lol: :lol: :lol: :wink:

For references, check with the Chicagoland crowd ... they'll tell you how competent my "G" is when the going gets fun!!!

Steve 8)
Click to expand...
I didn't know that there were real twisties in Illinois...........though I suspect that any slight bend must seem like a hairpin to a shaftie.............It's all rather sad, really.......... :wink: :lol:

BB
 
Bolder Biker said:
Planecrazy said:
Jethro said:
You shouldn't have, Duane ... we wouldn't be wasting time with all these "chain-related" problems if the chain gang would just wise up and "get shafted!" (especially Scotty!!!)
Click to expand...

I personally am not ready for the senior center yet. You guys have fun riding your "G" models down to bingo night...


:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

I slay myself!
Click to expand...

...and I'd "slay" you in the twisties with my full dress "G!" Unless you're at the very top of your game, the "G" has no trouble rattling "chains!" :lol: :lol: :lol: :wink:

For references, check with the Chicagoland crowd ... they'll tell you how competent my "G" is when the going gets fun!!!

Steve 8)
Click to expand...
I didn't know that there were real twisties in Illinois...........though I suspect that any slight bend must seem like a hairpin to a shaftie.............It's all rather sad, really.......... :wink: :lol:

BB
Click to expand...
That was good ... I'll just laugh and enjoy it!!! :lol: :wink:

Steve 8)
 
I echo the sentiments of the crowd saying to replace the chain with an O-ring style, and to get the sprockets at the same time. I never left the house with my last chain'ed bike unless I had an aeosol can of chain lube bungee'd to the back seat. Even if it tended to keep the back end of the bike a bit spattered, I sprayed the chain very lightly every other gas fillup. I'd rather spend the time polishing the grime from the bike than spending the money on new chains.

About once a month I'd take the bike to a power car wash and set the bike on the center stand and crank it up and allow it to idle in first gear while I ran 75 cents worth of engine degreaser and soapy water over that chain till it was as clean of dirt and grit as I could get it. Then I'd let it continue to run for a few more minutes to dry itself out a bit. I'd then hit it good with the chain lube again.
 
Planecrazy said:
That was good ... I'll just laugh and enjoy it!!! :lol: :wink:

Steve 8)
Click to expand...

Steve,

I have in-laws in south/central Illinois, and I recall that I have to drive miles to find a good bend in their neck of the woods. :lol:

BB
 
DaveDanger said:
I echo the sentiments of the crowd saying to replace the chain with an O-ring style, and to get the sprockets at the same time. I never left the house with my last chain'ed bike unless I had an aeosol can of chain lube bungee'd to the back seat. Even if it tended to keep the back end of the bike a bit spattered, I sprayed the chain very lightly every other gas fillup. I'd rather spend the time polishing the grime from the bike than spending the money on new chains.

About once a month I'd take the bike to a power car wash and set the bike on the center stand and crank it up and allow it to idle in first gear while I ran 75 cents worth of engine degreaser and soapy water over that chain till it was as clean of dirt and grit as I could get it. Then I'd let it continue to run for a few more minutes to dry itself out a bit. I'd then hit it good with the chain lube again.
Click to expand...

The Joy of Chains.

What is the supposed advantage again?
 
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