Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech chain life span

was just wondering how long a chain should last?i've got 19,000 miles on the bike and the chain is still in really good shape.the haynes manuel says it should be no longer than 321mm over a 21 link distance and i'm at 305mm.also my sprockets look really good and i don't have any shark finning what so ever

Oh my gawd! At that kinda mileage on your chain, its time to get rid of it and the sprockets too. I'll send you my address and I'll take them if you want. All I ask is that you pay for shipping.

My OEM chain went 24k (miles), than it just started stretching on every ride.

mine went at about 22,000 with no regular oiling.The rear sprocket looks new and the front showed very little wear

I replaced mine at 32k miles but it should have been done much earlier.

I got near 18,000 km on my bike. The chain is starting to require frequent adjusting whereas before it needed to be tweaked occasionally. It's got a bit more life in it but I'm changing it anyway. Once they need frequent adjusting, they're on their way out.

Hey gang,

Getting a little confused with the miles vs kilometers on this thread. I guess for the US group it's miles but for most everyone else kilometers. Could everyone make sure they put down their means of measurement?

Bill, you actually got over 51,000 kilometers on your chain? That's a lot. I currently have 23,000 km on mine and still looking good.

18,000 miles on mine and still in good shape. Rarely have to adjust.

Changed mine at around 25K miles. Still well within spec, (despite using the forbidden carb cleaner, brake cleaner & WD 40 for periodic cleanings*) but figured while changing tires, might as well throw a chain and sprockets on too.

*Disclaimer - said forbidden solvents purged off of chain with compressed air prior to fresh lube. Lube = aerosol white grease, $3 a can. Goes on as a liquid, sets up as a grease. Excess comes off with an old rag. Cleaning interval: 2 to 9 weeks after I figure, "Geez, that chain is looking kinda dirty." To each their own.

I posted mine went at about 22,000 miles , that is about 35405 KM

I had 19,000 miles on mine before it wouldn't adjust any more.

I have 26,854 miles on mine but I believe the O-rings are degraded. I am going to replace the chain and sprockets this winter. The front sprocket is showing moderate fish hook wear.

28,400 mi., Front spocket was TOAST, chain wouldn't stay in adjustment, rear sprocket nearly 'like-new'. Changed not a moment too soon...

i got 21,000 miles out of mine and it was trashed. while I was waiting for the replacement chain to come, the old one was so lumpy it was jerking the bike around at low speeds.

There is some pretty good data here for the average guy to use for planning a chain/sprocket changeout. The average replacement appears to between 18,000 and 25,000 miles with Bill getting around 29,000.

1. Any reason for the big difference in life? (and don't say menopause?)
2. Did you guys lube your chains on a regular basis?
3. How often?
4. What did you use to clean the chain?
5. What did you use as a lubricant? Wax, grease, oil?
6. Engine stock or upgraded?
7. Riding style - aggressive or relaxed?

Might be some good info here for the tech vault or a sticky. None of us want to experience what Bill went through.

1. Any reason for the big difference in life? twisted throttle syndrome
2. Did you guys lube your chains on a regular basis? try to
3. How often? every 500 miles
4. What did you use to clean the chain? AMSOIL MP Heavy Duty Metal Protector or Maxima Chain Wax
5. What did you use as a lubricant? see above
6. Engine stock or upgraded? stock
7. Riding style - aggressive or relaxed? not relaxed

I've installed 5 chain kits and found the average chain life to be 20,000 miles.

Thanks Moe.

1 road condition, sandy or dirt roads will shorten the life.
2 lubed mine 4 or 5 times in the entire life of the chain.
3 once every year or 2
4 nothing, didn't clean it ever
5 regular chain lube, forget what kind without going out to look
6 stock mostly
7 depends who I ride with, a little of both.

1 - No
2- Yes
3- Every 500 miles
4- Kerosine
5- Maxim chain wax
6 - 904 BB
7 - both

Alright, the manual is killing me. I have 200 miles on my bike. How often do I need to measure the chain? I am about to lube it using the rolling back method. Can I put some kerosene on a rag and clean it. Then wait 20min, and lube it?

Don't sweat it, you are 20k away from needing a replacement. Once it starts stretching, and neededing frequent adjustment, you'll know it is time to replace the chain. I didn't measure my old one, but kind of wish I had, just to know what it had stretched to.
I do clean with kerosene, maybe twice a season and relube.

Quote:

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Alright, the manual is killing me. I have 200 miles on my bike. How often do I need to measure the chain? I am about to lube it using the rolling back method. Can I put some kerosene on a rag and clean it. Then wait 20min, and lube it?

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I wouldn't swap my scott oiler for quids. Yeah, in my case there is a slight fling off but way less than before I put it on.

If the chain is getting too much oil, what you see on your wheel rim will be access oil. In other words mightn't be a bad idea to dial it for less drips per period of time.

For me, the scott oiler is the only way to go once you've sorted it out and understand the variables. Like there are 2 types of oil for instance. One for cold whether ie: 0 celcius (32F) to 20c and 20c to 40c. It doesn't really matter which oil though as long as you've adjusted it to the weather conditions.

I will really be able to tell how good it is when I find out how long the chain and sprockets last. I deliberately added the oiler at the same time I replaced the sprockets and chain and at the moment I'm just hitting 20k (12,000 miles) and all's still fine.

I'm actually hoping the scott oiler besides providing all it's other benefits, helps with extending the life of my sprockets and chain.

Even if it's much the same it wouldn't change my mind but "Scott Oiler" do claim it extends the lifespan so we'll see and I'll let you all know when I do.

I mean, lets face it. Oiling the chain all the time is just a pain and that's round town. On a trip, forget it.

My Scottoiler will be for sale in the spring. Watch the skies (uhh sorry... The classifieds).