Hello Gang,
I've posted before on oxidation sluffing off my chain. My brother-n-law looked at and said the chain is letting go and to get another one. He is a mechanic, though not a bike mechanic. I discounted his suggestion and though the oxidation and my recent chain adjustments were just considered normal from hard riding. A co-worker looked at the bike yesterday and without prompting him he said "your chain is toast, buy another one right away. The side pins are loose and it'll let go soon." So now with two confirmations I'll be replacing the chain.
Funny I cleaned and lubed it often for the dry weather conditions I ride it. I used Maxima Spray Chain Wax to lube and WD40 to clean it (not in that order).
Here is my lesson, from the school of hard knocks, to be shared with you all. If your chain gaurd comes loose at speed and chews up your rear tires and kicks the chain off the rear sprocket you have a problem. I measured the chain at only one point to see if it was within triumph specs, which it was (manual says to measure it along several points) it still may need to be replaced. If the side pins become loose and the chain becomes loose again then don't assume that everything is OK. Replace the chain.
Was told my hard core dirt rider/co-worker that good O-Ring or X-Ring chains don't need all the spray lube added to is. A silicone spray or WD40 is what is best for them as the O-rings / X-rings keep the grease inside the rollers. The silicone or WD40 only keeps the o-rings lubes and pliable. And keeps rust from forming on the chain.
Any other words of wisdom from the masses?
