 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Should be Riding
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OP
Should be Riding
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Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
New vis-a-vis old  
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172 |
Wow... I realize a lot of manufacturers are selling smaller portions of their products for the same money but I never thought that would happen with motorcycle chains... 
More flags
More fun!
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
So what are we looking for? I don't see any stretch. Looks like the side of the new pin is touching the side of the old pin in the first link & in the last link? I'd say you got another 19,000 miles in the old chain. 
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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OP
Should be Riding
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you are seeing the actual chain stretch due to the mileage. Didn't need to show both sides of the chains. 
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 20
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 20 |
if you search around the net you will find a few stories of catastopic failers of chains up around 30,000 or so. They come with little or no warning and without a lot of stretch before hand.
I replace mine at 20,000 along with both sprockets. I dont need a chain to break in the middle of a curve or heavy traffic.
Yankee Dog
2002 BMW R1150RT
2003 Triumph Speedmaster
2005 Ural Gear Up
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Aug 2007
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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I have 18k plus on my chain, and have had to re-tighten it 3 or 4 times in the past 2000 miles, me thinks it may be time for a new one. A chrome one, perhaps
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
What I meant is that side by side, the pin on the old chain is touching the pin on the new chain at the top link, all the in between links, and the last link. I see NO stretch!, and I'm the kind of guy that can see nipples under padded bras. 
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150 |
Thanks for the pics Moe 
Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,382
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,382 |
I've got 23,000 miles on my OEM chain and sprockets. They still look brand new. Only one minor adjustment so far... I guess I'm lucky as heck. I do clean and lube the chain regularly.
'06 TBA - Black, AI and Snorkel removed, K&N Drop In, Gutted Stock Pipes, 145/42, 2 turns out.
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
My OEM chain lasted 25k. When it went, it went fast. After one ride, I noticed a lot of slop (and it sounded strange). I adjusted, took a ride, it needed adjusted again. One more short ride/adjustment and I concluded it was toast.
Al
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Should be Riding
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OP
Should be Riding
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you nailed it. let's see, that senerio has played out 5 times or so for me. That sound, is, erie.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 318
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 318 |
Maybe that is the strange sound I have been chasing this week. It sounds like a chatter and a vibration coming from the side case (where the alternator is). I have been all over the chain and sprockets and all seems OK.
Ride like a Combat Fighter Pilot
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Great stuff moe. Hazel has 19K on her original chain. I thought I'd get one more season out of it but maybe I better re-think that position. It looks good and I haven't had to adjust it too much but I'd rather be safe.
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Moe, if I read the photo properly you were able to stretch a link and half in 19K? I need to start saving for a new chain set for later this year.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56 |
I'm at 20,000 and think I'll probably get this season out of mine yet and I don't lube mine. My sprockets still show no visible wear.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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OP
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Quote:
Moe, if I read the photo properly you were able to stretch a link and half in 19K? I need to start saving for a new chain set for later this year.
my eyes hurt. I express it in terms of inches. Like 11/16th of an inch. The whole final drive had a light dusting of roller dust although the chain was clean. The rollers must have lost lube and rusted, dusting a fine red hue. When I got back from the Adams' last month, that was it for that chain kit. Now I might have to get another chain kit for Cinnamon girl. I did get 18,000 miles on Cinnamon Girl's rear 880. Thank goodness Tom Vance has a chain kit on his garage shelf should i chicken out and replace it before the Rally! 
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,721 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,721 Likes: 5 |
My sprockets don't show any wear either, but I'm getting tired of tightening the chain. That's 20 less minutes I could be riding!
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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OP
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
have you pulled the front sprocket cover and looked? Before pulling the first time in 2004  new v old  the rear sprocket seldom shows such apparent wear.
Last edited by moe; 04/16/2009 1:51 PM.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56 |
Yes , my front is worn but not as bad as in your pic.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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OP
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
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ah, the benefits of having a better half that rides her own. 
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Aug 2007
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
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I have not yet looked at the front, but will when I order a new chain.
Who has one of those chrome chains, and where can I get one?
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440 |
Has anyone here ever actually had a chain break while riding? I'm just wondering if our bikes break the cases when that happens.
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56 |
I broke a chain once on an old bike and didn't break anything else. Had it fixed in a few minutes along the road and was on my way for the rest of the day too.
On our bikes I would think it unlikely a broken chain would break the cases for a couple reasons. The first is there is quite a bit of room under the sprocket cover and for number 2 the sprocket cover would probably take the shot if the chain bunched up under there. Only way I could see a damaged engine case would be if the chain got behind the front sprocket and even then I think it more likely to just scrape it up as opposed to actually putting a hole in it. It could maybe bunch up and break the sprocket cover close to the case and near a bolt and damage the threaded part but again I doubt it would result in a hole. I hope I never find out, the chain that broke on me was cobbled together out of a couple old worn chains I had laying around and had I think 3 master links in it. It was so worn I could bend it sideways and make more than a half circle! I knew that before I put it on but I wanted to ride.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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OP
Should be Riding
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If the chain broke, I'd be more worried about the chain getting in the rear spokes and face planting me than popping a hole in the case.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668 |
Quote:
Has anyone here ever actually had a chain break while riding? I'm just wondering if our bikes break the cases when that happens.
I broke a chain on a Suzuki once that did indeed result in a broken case. I can see it happening on our bikes too. If you're accelerating when it breaks, the front sprocket really accelerates with no load, quickly "bunching up" the chain.
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come; He will guide you in all truth:
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668 |
Quote:
I broke a chain once on an old bike and didn't break anything else.
the chain that broke on me was cobbled together out of a couple old worn chains I had laying around and had I think 3 master links in it. It was so worn I could bend it sideways and make more than a half circle!
Maybe the results are different if a chain simply falls apart rather than actually breaking?
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come; He will guide you in all truth:
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
Ok, just double dosed my Piracetam AL.  I now realize you where showing the total stretch at the ends. DUH! But it's interesting that so far only one claims to have had a chain break once, many moons ago.(the multi-color, multi-member, pieced together one, with three master links & a paper clip, don't count  ) I don't think i've ever even had a dirt bike chain break. Everyone still agree, you don't change a 20,000 mile chain without changing both sprockets too. 
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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OP
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
It is kinda strange that this thread will be foreign to lots of folks. Wear out a chain? Dang. Well this is my 4th chain on Vera Lynn and getting ready to put a third (my second) one on Cinnamon Girl . Yup chain life averages about 20000 miles. set your wallet by it. I always use the stock 17/42 oem chain kit.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,668 |
Quote:
Everyone still agree, you don't change a 20,000 mile chain without changing both sprockets too.
I replaced my rear at @26000. When i placed the old one on top of the new one, there was no obvious difference. I think i will run the "new one" (@20,000 miles on it so far) 'til it is obviously worn. Who knows how long that may be. I installed a new chain and front sprocket last weekend.
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come; He will guide you in all truth:
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
My Suzuki GS850, driveshaft, that has 60k on odometer, probably 80k+ in reality. Wonder what should have worn out in the final drive by now?
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,931 Likes: 1
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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we should do this every weekend!
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
Threads not foreign to me, I've replaced a few chain and sprocket sets on the dirt bikes, cause the sprockets were so bad, the teeth were worn to a point, and curved.
Just NEVER broke one.
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 175
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 175 |
When I replaced my chain and sprockets just recently the chain had slightly more stretch than yours Moe, 1 1/2 links worth, couldn't adjust and tighten any more and wearing on the swingarm... When they go they go very quick, 3 or 4 tanks of gas with a tighten up every tank and ya know it's time to park up and open the wallet... I got 44K Km so about 27K miles I suppose...
05 SM Neon Blue/Black. Thunder Bike Cams & Pipes & Flowed Head. AI&Snork removed, Airbox Mods, 135mains, 42/17T, 140x80x17" TBS Front Wheel
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56 |
Quote:
Threads not foreign to me, I've replaced a few chain and sprocket sets on the dirt bikes, cause the sprockets were so bad, the teeth were worn to a point, and curved.
Just NEVER broke one.
+1 I would run my dirt bikes until the sprocket started to slip on the chain. None of the cobbled points broke on the chain I broke it broke in a different spot so I had a 4th master the rest of that day and for a couple more seasons. It did bunch up and was jammed just didn't break anything. That was the hardest part to getting it fixed was getting the chain unjammed and out of there. Funny thing is I'll have to go look, my chopper may still have that cobbled chain on it.
I also ran my tires until I could clearly see the nylon and have run a couple through to the tube for a blow out. Had that happen over 100mph on the creek road here boy was that a wild ride, I think the only reason I was able to keep it upright was that bike had rim locks on it that kept the tire on the rim. The back end still flopped from side to side but I had bled off a lot of my speed before it started flopping.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,382
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,382 |
Dad gum... after seeing that pic of the front sprocket I'm going to go out to the garage pull my front cover and look at mine. That is some serious wear.
'06 TBA - Black, AI and Snorkel removed, K&N Drop In, Gutted Stock Pipes, 145/42, 2 turns out.
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56 |
I have put front sprockets more worn than that on my dirt bike to keep it going! Those teeth don't even have points on them yet!
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440 |
Quote:
I broke a chain on a Suzuki once that did indeed result in a broken case. I can see it happening on our bikes too. If you're accelerating when it breaks, the front sprocket really accelerates with no load, quickly "bunching up" the chain.
Yeah, that happened on my old Honda 750 in a spill (chain came off, bunched up and broke the cases). My baztard insurance company at the time (Allstate) wouldn't pay for new cases, only to have them welded and milled. Of course, they leaked after that. Anyway, that's why I was asking. I've been wondering if it's safe to use a chain on these with a master link, but maybe it's not worth the risk.
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56 |
A master link is absolutely safe. Every broken chain I have seen has failed elsewhere not the master. My next chain will have a clip style master link in it.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,099
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,099 |
Hey Dog, maybe I could get a whole bag of clip style master links, and make myself an endless repairable chain????????? Oh never mind, I've got the belt drive. Now I've jinxed myself, and will have a belt failure. I also have the oem battery in my '03, that's 2 jinx! Lookin' like a great weekend, Get on your bikes and ride! Uncle Charlie
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Re: 19000 miles on the chain
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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OP
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
and your a dick. does that make E or is it 1 for me? luv ya brother. mean it. hey let me holt a dolla! looks like fill has to edit the word filter eh? sorry that was for wojo. or honey...  luv ya too nancy yeah u2 john
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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