Chains -- How long does yours wear?

**AMPS** · 2nd November 2004, 10:28

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** · 2nd November 2004, 10:58

Originally Posted by jrandom

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** · 2nd November 2004, 10:59

Originally Posted by VivaVee

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** · 2nd November 2004, 11:12

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** · 2nd November 2004, 11:13

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** · 2nd November 2004, 11:50

Originally Posted by jrandom

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 -

**カワサキキド** · 2nd November 2004, 14:10

Originally Posted by firestormer

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

It's like a reclining lazyboy.

**Cajun** · 2nd November 2004, 14:20

Originally Posted by firestormer

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 -

Ronnie from PB was awsome rider/dude

**VivaVee** · 2nd November 2004, 15:48

mea culpa, it was the ST1300 I was thinking of, see
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/26jun...003st1300.html

**Blackbird** · 2nd November 2004, 18:56

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 · 3rd November 2004, 04:19

Originally Posted by Bonez

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

.
.

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!!

.
.

**Bonez** · 3rd November 2004, 05:53

Originally Posted by Lynda Blair

.
.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!!

..

I hear what ya are saying girl

Still have a while till the bloody GXS750EX's 630 (18,000ks up) chain wears out

**DEATH_INC.** · 3rd November 2004, 06:06

Originally Posted by jrandom

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

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....

**Hitcher** · 3rd November 2004, 08:22

Originally Posted by jrandom

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** · 3rd November 2004, 08:33

Originally Posted by DEATH_INC.

Sorry sonny,but it can be done...

A bite, a very palpable bite!

Originally Posted by Hitcher

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?