Chains -- How long does yours wear?

[Hitcher]

What's the best performance anybody has got out of a chain?
What's "average"?
Do Scottoilers help?
Are RK and DID better than good old O ring?

[White trash]

Scott oiler? Worth its weight in gold.

Haydens Gixxer 11 had 53000km when he traded it on the original chain and sprodgets.

Apparently there's a well known local biker hooning around on a 1200 Trophy with over 80kays on the originals with S/Oiler fitted too.

[Hitcher]

I ask this for several reasons. The Zrex has now done 40,000km on its chain which is bog-standard Kawasaki OEM, with a Scottoiler fitted since about 10,000km. It looks as good as new. Is this cause for celebration?

[Cajun]

i know my old zzr250 use to go thru chains, but i also lived on a very dusty gravel road which was not very good for it

[Dr Bob]

Last chain I had was on a cb350 in about 1980....

On the other hand - when do you know that your drive shaft (and connections etc.) is stuffed?

[vifferman]

What's the best performance anybody has got out of a chain?
What's "average"?
Do Scottoilers help?
Are RK and DID better than good old O ring?I don't know! :spudwhat:
I've had only two bikes with decent chains: I wrecked the last one not long after the new chain 'n' sprockets 'n' tyres were fitted, and I'm currently wearing the other one out.
I do know that cheap chains are a waste of money, even on a moderately-powered bike. On my VF500 (~50hp), it had a horrendous appetite for 'modestly priced' chains, some of which lasted a matter of months. :buggerd:

Go for X-ring, Y-ring, W-ring or whatever. Something higher up the evolutionary ladder or food chain than a No-ring chain.
The manufacturers recommend using 89-90W gear oil, but it's very messy, and road spooge sticks to it. When my chain gets noisy, I use WD40 to clean it, followed a day or two later by chain wax, which I allow to dry at least overnight. Both these products smell nice when they end up on the zorst header which Mr Honda thoughtfully located just below the countershaft sprocket.:wacko:

:beer:


The Zrex has now done 40,000km on its chain which is bog-standard Kawasaki OEM, with a Scottoiler fitted since about 10,000km. It looks as good as new. Is this cause for celebration?Apparently not. I've heard of HUGE mileages from Scot toiler users.

[manuboy]

Scott oiler? Worth its weight in gold.

Haydens Gixxer 11 had 53000km when he traded it on the original chain and sprodgets.

Apparently there's a well known local biker hooning around on a 1200 Trophy with over 80kays on the originals with S/Oiler fitted too.

Faaarrrrk...... i'm off to get me one of them things then.... was peeping at their website the other day but i got bogged down in the installation tech speak... that'd pay for itself after 1 chain-ish!

Plus i could do without the ordeal of splashing kero all over the chain and relubing and then spending the next couple of days wiping lube off of everything....

[FlyingDutchMan]

I've done about 6,000Ks on the chain I've got now, and it still looks new. Clean it with kerosen and lube it every week or two. Got a RK o-ring. I would love to get a Scottoiler but they look like they're outside my student budget.

[Bonez]

I've done about 6,000Ks on the chain I've got now, and it still looks new. Clean it with kerosen and lube it every week or two. Got a RK o-ring. I would love to get a Scottoiler but they look like they're outside my student budget.
Had 52,000kms from a 630 O'ring on my GSX750(traded it in with the OEM chain on). Generally get 10-12,000kms on a "standard" 530 chains on the Integra and around 20,000-25,000 (maybe more) on the CB550. Lube (not excessively) and clean them regularly.

[James Deuce]

In about 150,000km of motorcycling I've bought 1 chain.

I wouldn't have a clue how long they last because I've never done more than 20,000km on one bike.

[Firefight]

Got a scott oiler, always had them on off road bikes, bloody good value , recomend them for road/off road.

Now days I find it eaiser to by a new bike rather than replace the chain, much simpler. (lights touch fuse stands well clear)

F/F :whistle:

[NC]

I got 30k out of the one I just took off the NC30, I don't know how many K's it had done before I got the bike, but it didn't even need to be replaced. I just thought it was time..I didn't look after it either...lol

But I got a new really spencive new O-ring chain the other month and a good set of sprockets too..
Got them for a hundy.. I love my friend Beau :D

I use that chain wax stuff, is that good? Or should I get something better?

[Paul in NZ]

Chain? Wots a chain? I put a new timing chain on the Guzzi because the tensioner was poo

That wot yer mean?

Paul N

[Hitcher]

Chain? Wots a chain?
Smug shaftees. I knew this would happen...

[NC]

Smug shaftees. I knew this would happen...


Hehehe you said shaft :lol:

[Hitcher]

Hehehe you said shaft :lol:
Roger that!

[manuboy]

Hehehe you said shaft :lol:

NC and innu...innu... ah, talking dirty. I knew this would happen. :kick:

Who distributes / reatails Scott oilers here?????? any ol bike shop?

[Bonez]

Chain? Wots a chain? I put a new timing chain on the Guzzi because the tensioner was poo

That wot yer mean?

Paul N
One day you may get shafted by that shaft Paul, or the final gear assy out in the middle of nowhere. Met up with a young couple a while back whose GS1100G did just that :angry2:

[NC]

NC and innu...innu... ah, talking dirty. I knew this would happen. :kick:




Heh, I couldn't help myself!:laugh:
I was there, and it was there...I just had too :Pokey:


Roger that

:killingme Ah stop, my tummy hurts from laughing :killingme

[Motu]

I seldom buy a chain,I'll pick up some old wreck and say...hey,the chain looks pretty good,take it off and put it on another bike that actualy goes today....I'll even change a chain between bikes just for a ride.I've had the XS1 for 15yrs,the chain is that oily thing on the left.The XLV750 has a shaft,but I worry about chains...they're outa sight,but not outa mind.

Back when I was riding trials a bit more regular - I had 2 chains,after a trial I'd wash the bike,rip off the chain,clean,soak in kero,then soak in EP90,then drain for a week.I'd hook up the lubed chain to the dirty one,pull one off and put on the other at the same time,spring clip on the inside,what a drag.Now I just do one chain as I don't ride every week.

[LB]

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I think it's Nationwide who bring in Scottoilers (though not 100% sure on that).

As far as I know you can buy them from any bike shop, though you may have to order them in.

Did you realise that they now do a "dual feed" accessory? Costs another $80, but we've bought them for our three chain-drive bikes. A u-shaped doofery that drips oil on both sides of the chain at the same time - actually uses less oil because it puts less on than the one dripper that puts heaps on one side to try to get it to the other side.

Hitcher - I believe Scottoilers are worth their weight in gold.

I'm a bit with FF on the issue of "shit, I need a new chain, let's get a new bike"!!
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[What?]

Are RK and DID better than good old O ring?
Huh?
RK & DID are brands, O-ring is a type of chain.
Have you sniffing alcy and Castrol R fumes, Hitcher?

Oh yeah, I get 25 - 30K, either on the F650 or CB1100, both using DID X-ring chain, washed regularly with kero and sprayed with Maxima chain wax.

[Bonez]

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I'm a bit with FF on the issue of "shit, I need a new chain, let's get a new bike"!!
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Goodness me, it's not hard to change a chain/sprocket set. Mind you I guess it means there are more pre-loved m/cs out in the marketplace. :love:

[Fryin Finn]

My WR 450 is still on the original chain and sprockets after about 2000k all off road. The chains good - haven't had to adjust it for at least the last 8 rides but the sprockets are pretty shagged - only a couple of rides left in them. Will have to replace chain and sprockets though. Chain free to a good home.

I got 36,000 km on my old TRX 850 original chain - best I ever got :ride:

[vifferman]

Who distributes / reatails Scott oilers here?????? any ol bike shop?
Dunno 'bout Chch, but Kerry at Motohaus sells and fits 'em.

[jrandom]

Smug shaftees.

They're just jealous because their bikes can't wheelie.

[Slingshot]

I've got to do my chain and sprockets now. I assume that they're original which means they've done about 30k. When I got the bike the chain was dry and a nuns c*** so I can only assume it wasn't lubed on a regular basis.

I remember changing the chain on my 250, made it feel like a new bike.

WT...If you're reading this, can you PM me a price for a chain and sprockets for a '97 CBR600. Cheers.

[Paul in NZ]

One day you may get shafted by that shaft Paul, or the final gear assy out in the middle of nowhere. Met up with a young couple a while back whose GS1100G did just that :angry2:

Thats true...

But then I've met people that snapped a chain and whacked a hole in the engine cases so it all evens out... Guzzi final drives 9and all the other bits) usually give a bit of warning that all is not well but their biggest failing (indeed all shaft drives) is that big lump of metal in the rear hub that seriously limits what you can do with the rear suspenders.

Oh well...

[figjam]

I put a Scottoiler on the ZX-12 at about 8k. It's now got 67k on it and it's difficult to say when it and the sprockets will need doing.

[MikeL]

Scottoiler is the way to go. About $250 from any bike shop. Ricky at Mt Eden put mine on. Very neat job. Needs a bit of experimenting to get the right flow rate but it's worth it. You can get a bigger reservoir for touring but I haven't bothered - just take the oil bottle along and top up on long trips as required.

[AMPS]

I haven't had a bike long enough to judge, but my brother gets about 50,000kms from a chain with an oiler fitted. And Bandits are a bit hard on chains.
I thoroughly recommend oilers, if only for the convienience factor.
Lou

[VivaVee]

They're just jealous because their bikes can't wheelie.

Pop down stairs and I'll show you an ST1200 popping a wheelie. A frightening prospect that seems to defy physics - they are much heavier than my VFR with 'only' 10hp extra. But then maybe the panniers were full of lead bars ...

[jrandom]

Pop down stairs and I'll show you an ST1200 popping a wheelie.

Nonsense; I've seen that picture, and it's a Photoshop job.

Shaft-drive bikes can't wheelie. Physics, innit.

[VivaVee]

I've got 30,000 kms on the VFR since I got it. The chain may have been new, can't remember checking. I put a Scottoiler on shortly after I bought the bike and haven't touched it since. It hasn't even stretched.

I had to fit a relacement oil 'tank' after I got rammed from behind by an over eager cage driver at the local roundabout. The rear mudguard and attached oiler got folded back on itself and the rear tyre just chewed through the whole lot on the way to the bike shop ...

I recommend the touring version. A bit more $ but the reservoir is MUCH bigger so you don't need to fill it so often. You will guess I fall into the lazy mechanic mode by preference.

The only fault I've had was water getting into the reservoir during the winter. Only happened once and now I know what to look for. The touring unit is designed to sit behind a UK-style number plate so without that protection it is a bit exposed to the elements. I should mention that my bike is used every work day rain or shine. It ain't no Sunday shine bike. I prefer a layer of rubber and asbestos to protect the paintwork ...

[カワサキキド]

I just spary on some "Chain Guard", the chain looks ok, but if it will make the bike go a bit better I may aswell replace the chain and sprocket, who nows when the last time it was done if ever.

Here the link to www.scottoiler.com if it was invented by a scottsman it must save you money!

[vifferman]

Nonsense; I've seen that picture, and it's a Photoshop job.

Shaft-drive bikes can't wheelie. Physics, innit.Weak trolling attempt, innit.
There's also no such thing as an ST1200, if we're going to be pedantrists. There was the ST1100, then the ST1300.
Maybe we're actually talking about that pic of Ronnie (?) (now deceased) from "Performance Bikes" popping a wheelie on a Goldwing?
That's not photoshopped - here's some more: http://davesgoldwing.com/unknown.html

Oh yeah - :Offtopic: :Oops:

[カワサキキド]

That's not photoshopped - here's some more: http://davesgoldwing.com/unknown.html

It's like a reclining lazyboy.

[Cajun]

Weak trolling attempt, innit.
There's also no such thing as an ST1200, if we're going to be pedantrists. There was the ST1100, then the ST1300.
Maybe we're actually talking about that pic of Ronnie (?) (now deceased) from "Performance Bikes" popping a wheelie on a Goldwing?
That's not photoshopped - here's some more: http://davesgoldwing.com/unknown.html

Oh yeah - :Offtopic: :Oops:

Ronnie from PB was awsome rider/dude

[VivaVee]

mea culpa, it was the ST1300 I was thinking of, see
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/26june02honda2003st1300.html

[Blackbird]

VivaVee has hit on one of the most important things with a Scottoiler - you don't have to stuff around with re-tensioning your chain. Haven't tensioned mine in over 20000 km.

There's a very good article with photos on fitting a Scottoiler on the Super Blackbird website http://www.superblackbird.co.uk/ . Just click on the sub-heading called tech concerns.

Geoff

[LB]

One day you may get shafted by that shaft Paul, or the final gear assy out in the middle of nowhere. Met up with a young couple a while back whose GS1100G did just that :angry2:
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GS1100G's had a predisposition to shitting their driveshafts. They used the GS850G drive units in the 1100, and it couldn't cope with the extra torque/power. I believe it was the hardening on the splines (is that what you call them?) that went, and then it just chewed out very quickly.

They used to go at around 20-25,000kms. Hamish's was the first one to go in Wgtn, when he went to pick it up weeks later (parts had to come from Japan) there was another one in the w/shop waiting for parts - same story. This was many years ago I hasten to add.

Also came across a Guzzi on the Foxton Straights many years ago where the d/shaft had shat itself.

however, Hamish and I have had many BMW's, and done big kms, and never had any problems with the shaft.

I know it's easy to change a chain and sprockets Bonez, but shit, any excuse for me to buy a new bike is useful y'know!! :whistle: :whistle: :whistle:

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[Bonez]

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.I know it's easy to change a chain and sprockets Bonez, but shit, any excuse for me to buy a new bike is useful y'know!! :whistle: :whistle: :whistle: ..
I hear what ya are saying girl :scooter: Still have a while till the bloody GXS750EX's 630 (18,000ks up) chain wears out :angry2: :cry:

[DEATH_INC.]

Nonsense; I've seen that picture, and it's a Photoshop job.

Shaft-drive bikes can't wheelie. Physics, innit.

Sorry sonny,but it can be done,I usta pull wheelies on my old VF750 sabre(shaftee),even got caught by the :Police: up the middle of papatoetoe,and I've seen a guy pull a little 'un on a st1100 too.

Chains....
the gixx still had the original when I traded it at 18000k's,jimbo had replaced it before I got it back at 32000....
The 12 still has it's original at 15000,and I'd hardly ever had to adjust it either,but they run a specially heat treated jobby apparently....
The Turbo.....a 630 chain will last between 1-2000 k's(I shit you not!)and the 530 x-ring I changed to is almost shot at about 2000 k's too,may last to 3000.... :shit:

[Hitcher]

Shaft-drive bikes can't wheelie. Physics, innit.
Mr Random, Sir. You'll need to please explain your take on the physics that allegedly inhibits wheelie-ing a shaft-drive bike.

I would have thought wheelies were all about torque and moments of inertia, rather than how the torque was transmitted to the rear wheel of the bike? If anything, the "torque effect" of a shaft-drive bike should assist the wheelie, causing the bike to stand up under power? (right-hand-slap rule?)

It's been I while since I was a student of mechanics, so my memory may have dulled with the passing eons...

[jrandom]

Sorry sonny,but it can be done...

A bite, a very palpable bite!


Mr Random, Sir. You'll need to please explain your take on the physics that allegedly inhibits wheelie-ing a shaft-drive bike... torque and moments of inertia...

Hah! Nuts to you, Mr Firestormer. 'Weak attempt', eh? Says he, as Hitcher the Unbaitable gets comfortable on my trophy wall...

Hmmm.

While we're on the subject of shafties, you all know that they don't countersteer either, don't you? ;)

[Milky]

I think inherently chain drive is easier to wheelie because the bike 'climbs' up around the rear sprocket(ie lifts the front up), whereas on shafties, the shaft tends to climb around the drive gear at the rear wheel (tends to lift the rear/middle of the bike). That is just from my experience of riding BMWs though, and others may exhibit different characteristics.

[Milky]

Smug shaftees. I knew this would happen...
one wonders where that word came from... I sense a connection to employer and employee :msn-wink:

[scumdog]

Smug shaftees. I knew this would happen...

My Sporty doesn't have a chain or shafty thingy-bob,- what sort of magic is THAT!
Don't have no Scott-oiller but then it ain't got a Scott neither!! :bleh:

[Blakamin]

Don't have no Scott-oiller but then it ain't got a Scott neither!! :bleh:
I thought you were your bikes Scot??? :blink:
bloody belt drivers, worse than the shafted!

[scumdog]

I thought you were your bikes Scot??? :blink:
bloody belt drivers, worse than the shafted!

Och, your'e an awfy fly wee man!!

I suppose I AM a Scots oiler at times but no on my H-D :msn-wink:

[Jackrat]

A bite, a very palpable bite!



Hah! Nuts to you, Mr Firestormer. 'Weak attempt', eh? Says he, as Hitcher the Unbaitable gets comfortable on my trophy wall...

Hmmm.

While we're on the subject of shafties, you all know that they don't countersteer either, don't you? ;)

Ok,bite MK2,
I did many kms on a GS1100G,it could wheel stand no worrys,no effort involved at all.Maybe it's coz' I know nothing of phisics huh.
I'm not going to enter an argument about counter steering but,that's just to silly,even for me. :shit:

[Bonez]

My Sporty doesn't have a chain or shafty thingy-bob,- what sort of magic is THAT!
Don't have no Scott-oiller but then it ain't got a Scott neither!! :bleh:
I hear belts don't like gravel :buggerd:

[DEATH_INC.]

A bite, a very palpable bite!



Hah! Nuts to you, Mr Firestormer. 'Weak attempt', eh? Says he, as Hitcher the Unbaitable gets comfortable on my trophy wall...

Hmmm.

While we're on the subject of shafties, you all know that they don't countersteer either, don't you? ;)
Bastard....

[LB]

I hear belts don't like gravel :buggerd:
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I can confirm that rumour.

One of my mates went through two belts in 5,000kms on his Buell.

Another mate got a stone that lodged in the back "sprocket" and it chewed regular little-fingernail sized chunks out of the belt.

Some of the Buell/Harley boys convert their belts to chains.

Bonez: Are you going to Manfield 20/21 November?

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[Bonez]

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Bonez: Are you going to Manfield 20/21 November?

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Most likely at this stage. I'll be the "slightly" sunburned greying red headed chap wearing glasses, adorned with a canvass shoulder bag with a biker teddy attached to it somewhere amongst the crowd. I'm slightly deaf and have a bad memory (too many years of alcohol abuse I guess :devil2: ), so you may have to slap me around the ears with something wet and soggy to gain my attention:bash:. I'm guessing you'll be a walking Ducati advertising notice board :cool:

[scumdog]

[QUOTE=Lynda Blair].
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I can confirm that rumour.

One of my mates went through two belts in 5,000kms on his Buell.

Another mate got a stone that lodged in the back "sprocket" and it chewed regular little-fingernail sized chunks out of the belt.

Some of the Buell/Harley boys convert their belts to chains.[QUOTE]

Maybe so but I've had one broken chain and no (touch-wood) broken belts.

Each to their own I guess, I've nothing against chains but the scoot came with a belt so I'll stick with it.

[Bonez]

Out of interest SD. Whats the "average" life expectancy of a belt doing moderate riding?

[MikeL]

And also out of interest, what's the average cost of a new belt?

[Not that I'm seriously considering such a radical lifestyle change. I'll stick with the Jap-crap, at least until such time as my meticulously-maintained, Scottoiled and correctly tensioned chain makes its own unilateral declaration of independence, wraps itself around the rear wheel and highsides me onto the tarmac at 100 kph...]

[bevsta]

I've done about 6,000Ks on the chain I've got now, and it still looks new. Clean it with kerosen and lube it every week or two. Got a RK o-ring. I would love to get a Scottoiler but they look like they're outside my student budget.

Damn I can certainly understand that reasoning! One day I'll get a nice flash Scottoiler (and hopefully) a nice flash bike to go with it.

Lynda's Scottoiler on her Ducati is awesome, having seen it one can easily understand why she raves about it.

As for my chain well my bike is an '83 and I don't know how many chains it has been thru, although I know thanks to my ignorance as an L-plate rider it is gonna be getting a new one soon as I stuffed the current chain (Tip for new peoples in the motorcycle world - lube your chain and listen to all the wisdom you can get from people who have experience with bikes!)
Speaking of that what do most people recommend as best chain lube for manually squirting a bit on, winding the chain round and squirting a bit more on?!

[Bonez]

Speaking of that what do most people recommend as best chain lube for manually squirting a bit on, winding the chain round and squirting a bit more on?! I've been using plain old 90 weight gearbox oil for years. Trick is not to over lube it. Did 52,000kms on the original O'ring chain on a GSX750EX using it.

[Jackrat]

I use some stuff in a can,don't know what it is,I left it out in the rain an the label fell off.When it runs out I'll get some other stuff in a can.It all seems to work ok,I use it every 400-500 kms.
I do remember I bought it at a trail bike shop an it cost $22.(Bloody Robbery)
Ummmmm.it has lasted a year so far :niceone:

[tlr-steve]

got 42000kms from the original chain on my TLR,
i clean it with kerosene then use Krytech wax lube,
sets up dry so don't get crap sticking to it

[Bonez]

I use some stuff in a can,don't know what it is,I left it out in the rain an the label fell off.When it runs out I'll get some other stuff in a can.It all seems to work ok,I use it every 400-500 kms.
I do remember I bought it at a trail bike shop an it cost $22.(Bloody Robbery)
Ummmmm.it has lasted a year so far :niceone:
I bought a 4 ltr container of gearbox oil thinking I'd give the Vauxall Chevette a birthday. It cost about the same as that can :crybaby: The Shovit went 5 years ago :buggerd: Still got around two litres of g/b oil to go through :gob:

[scumdog]

Out of interest SD. Whats the "average" life expectancy of a belt doing moderate riding?

Dunno, never needed to replace one yet - and today I went over the new gravel road from Hell, :sweatdrop thought I was going to bin it several times in the deep gravel but got lucky this time. :niceone: and he belts o.k. too!

[Bonez]

Dunno, never needed to replace one yet - and today I went over the new gravel road from Hell, :sweatdrop thought I was going to bin it several times in the deep gravel but got lucky this time. :niceone: and he belts o.k. too! Glad ya got through a tough spot okely dokely. Just been through some of my old early '80s bike mags. Seems Kawasaki produced a small twin with belt drive cruiser of around 400-450cc. Anyone owned one?

[Jackrat]

Glad ya got through a tough spot okely dokely. Just been through some of my old early '80s bike mags. Seems Kawasaki produced a small twin with belt drive cruiser of around 400-450cc. Anyone owned one?
Yeah,Toads got one,sounds pretty happy with it to.
On the subject of belts,one of my brothers has a very high km Harley FLHTC,he has replaced his belt twice in about twelve years.I've done a fair few of them kms and you just never think about the belt.Both times he replaced it,it was due to puting a stone thru' it,not because of wear.He also has a later model DYNA that has a 160HP S&S motor.After shreding a couple of belts in very short order he replaced it with a chain.
I put a the new chain on my XS on friday,I'll now keep a record an see just what it really does do.
I bought a DID heavy duty,cost me $95. :niceone:

[Bonez]

Yeah,Toads got one,sounds pretty happy with it to.
On the subject of belts,one of my brothers has a very high km Harley FLHTC,he has replaced his belt twice in about twelve years.I've done a fair few of them kms and you just never think about the belt.Both times he replaced it,it was due to puting a stone thru' it,not because of wear.He also has a later model DYNA that has a 160HP S&S motor.After shreding a couple of belts in very short order he replaced it with a chain.
:niceone:Thanks for that wee tid bit Jackrat. Do you know if the manufacturers have a recommended life for them at all? Also interested in how much ks your bros F tru C HDs done and what work it's had over the years. I'm interested in any tips I can pass on.

[Jackrat]

Thanks for that wee tid bit Jackrat. Do you know if the manufacturers have a recommended life for them at all? Also interested in how much ks your bros F tru C HDs done and what work it's had over the years. I'm interested in any tips I can pass on.

Shawns FLH has 180,000 KMS up and has a mild cam, after market carb,S eagle exhaust.(The standard Harley tax).
It's never had any major work done on it,just proper sevicing ect, he treats it well.
His Dyna has every engine mod you can think of and has cost him around $70,000,He won't admit just how much.He treats it VERY BAD. :msn-wink:
DID gave no indercation of how long their chains last,I don't think they could, given some folks don't look after them while others do.
The price I payed was trade not retail,I think from a shop it would be about $120-140.

[TonyB]

Just to add to this, if you're a worrier like me I have a fool proof (but somewhat fiddly) method to adjust the chain. I have a scottoiler on my bike which definitely helps, but I think it's incorrect adjustment that kills chains.

Take a ratchet tie down and attach one end to the swing arm and the other end to the rail under the rear fairing. Use the ratchet to compress the suspension until the drive sprocket, swing arm pivot and rear axle are all in a straight line. This will be the point where the chain is at it's tightest. Then adjust the chain until it is fairly firm, this way you know for certain that you have the correct amount of slack. Once you've done this you can take note of the slack with no load on the bike and use that to adjust the chain- unless of course you forget like I did...

All of the bikes I had in the past were very hard on their chains- we'll, it wasn't the bikes, it was my fault. I used to have the chains too tight, so when the bike hit a decent bump the rear suspension would compress and stretch the chain. I never had a chain last more than 10,000k's. They always quickly developed tight spots. I bought the FZR in Auckland and I rode back with a freind who is a bike mechanic. I was worried the chain was too loose, so he showed me what happens when the suspension is compressed when we had it strapped down on the ferry. I recently checked the chain before doing the Arthurs/ Haast Pass loop. At the time the bike had done 14,100km since I bought it. The chain STILL didn't need adjusting... after 14,100km! This includes about 200k's of track time. Admittedly the scottoiler has alot to do with it, but I put the lack of tight spots down to correct adjustment.

Sorry for the long winded story, but I figure there may be other people who are making the same mistake I used to make. Hope this helps.

[inlinefour]

What's the best performance anybody has got out of a chain?
What's "average"?
Do Scottoilers help?
Are RK and DID better than good old O ring?

I generally stick with what is recommended by the manufacturer. I've had plenty if DID chains and could not speak a bad thing about them :2thumbsup

[Brian d marge]

20 000 km on cheap black ,,,ie the stuff you get of a roll at the industrial supply ,,at about ( was the last time I bought it in NZ ) $14 a foot or about 35 dollars odd for me :devil2:

Did I foget to mention that it went on me Enfield with a decent rubber cush drive AND ,,, a whole ,,,( gosh i hope you all are sitting down ) a whole .........

20 Bhp ... ( has a carrillo rod in it !!! to handle the HP ) :devil2:

Dont get me started on Speeding ,,,or the cost of gasoline ....ot the cost of tyres ,,,, ...because ...eerrrr I cant ,,,and errr dont use them

Wittness for the defence ..yur ona ...I would like to testify that my grandmother , who has reciently broken her leg , Passed the said offender , in her mobility scooter ...while he was pretending to be ( or taking ) The Micheal Hailwood

But yes bio fuel with a whooping 6 to 1 comp ratio ,,bio fuel presents no problems bring it on Sister .....( Helen )

Tyres.... I use the latest in SM speedmasters .. no grip in both wet and dry conditions ,,,,but will Never wear out ( almost wore one rear tyre out on a CX500 ..but the bike fell apart before the tyre did )

Stephen
Wonder how much millage I could get out of your actual ( oh my $%&' how much did you say,,, with actual o rings ,,,and grease INSIDE the rollors ....) chain