Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Chain stretch = 317mm - am I getting close?

I'm just wondering when I need to budget for a new chain and set of sprockets. I measured the slack last night and it came to 317mm through 21 pins. The Haynes manual says 321mm is the max.

I've got 15K miles - how many more should I expect out of that last 4mm?

Thanks!

I replaced mine at 19,500 miles.

When you can't seem to keep the chain adjusted...you are there. The front sprocket takes the beating. The teeth wave.

Jack your bike up and rotate the rear wheel until you get the chain the tightest. Lower the bike and adjust your chain. If you can't figure out what I am mean by "until you get the chain the tightest", your chain is fine.
Chain life 20K miles is average with about 5K more if you don't mind a loose chain and 15K more if you are like well never mind.

How many miles you put on your sickle in a year needs to be factored into your question, "Am I close" If you put 5 grand on her in a year you are one year away. If you put 5 grand on her in three months you need to order a chain kit now.

when ordering keep in mind there are other options if you want to save a few bucks. There are Honda chain and sprockets that fit for example and if you don't mind a little more chain mait. you can go with a standard chain. Most of the info you would need is in the Tech vault.

You are being a bit too specific with measuring. Grab hard on chain at the back of the sprocket see if you can pull slack on the links from there. If so, its chain time.

Another is as above. If you can't keep it tensioned for an extended period ( a few thousand miles ) then its time.

Moe, I think maybe every 50 miles is an indication you may be up on a chain replacement

At 22k I assume you are doing sprockets too

Stay away from the aluminum rear sprockets. They don't last.

Everybody wants to stay away from aluminum sprockets. Why I do not understand. You should be replacing the sprockets, front and rear everytime you replace the chain. The aluminum sprockets I have used have easily lasted the life of one chain. I put my third chain on the bike (2nd replacement) at 35k including sprockets and a T'bird cush drive. That should have probably been replaced a little earlier but what can I say, I was riding it.