Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Chain degrading?

I noticed that I have a film/dusting of reddish/brown material that looks like's being tossed off the chain (I don't have a chain gaurd on my SM). I've had to adjust the chain twice now and it appears to be stretching. Does anyone know if this points to chain failure? Does the chain have brass or copper rollers inside it? Just trying to figure this out prior to the chain letting go.

Steve

How many miles do you have on your chain? Is is the factory D.I.D. chain? Does the chain have rust on the side plates? If the chain is new, having to adjust it isn't any surprise, but I can't think of why it'd be flinging reddish brown stuff, unless there's clay in your area, or something like that.

Have you ever used a pressure washer to clean the chain?Have you ever lubed the chain?How many miles do you have on the chain? I would think that if the chain is in really bad shape it would make a mess of your sprockets long before it breaks. Al

film/dusting of reddish/brown material

Oxidation. I get it all the time on my Ninja, particularly after being riden in the rain (shows up a few days to a week later). It's a good indication that you need to clean and re-lube the bugger.

As for breaking, don't worry about it until you wind up adjusting it past the last indicator marks on the end of the swingarm. Once you have stretched it that far, it's time for a new chain and/or sprockets.

Cheers,
Brad

6800 miles on bike. Lube it regurlarly, with Maxima Chain Wax. I rode it 4 days ago after a late summer shower. Minor oxidation sluffing off is my bet, but wanted to post and get the groups feedback.