I'll be purchasing a 2006 SM very soon, and have been doing a lot of research at all the Triumph forums, etc...I'm certainly no expert, but I'll throw in a thought or two, maybe it'll help. This premature chain wear is a concern...perhaps dazco's experience is somewhat isolated as I've read of some riders that are getting 30-40,000 kms on their bikes without chain stretching, but maybe THEY are the exception. Anyway, proper regular lubrication of the chain aside, I wonder if anyone posting that they are getting this vibration had also earler switched their front sprockets to a higher tooth-count, and if so, was the rear wheel aligned using the notches (inaccurate), or by measurement from the swingarm center bolt (accurate)? This vibration may not be noticable until after a few thousand kms, which would allow the wear of the chain and sprockets. If I am not mistaken, Triumph uses X-ring chains as stock equipment. There are obvious benefits, however, X-ring chains have flat-sided seals, as explained at
http://www.quality-cycle.com/truth_about_motorcycle_chains.htm . I quote,
"Is a X-Ring Type chain better than a “standard type†O-ring chain??? Much, much better because it’s seals are flat sided, which means the seals have a much greater “contact patch†with the Side Plates. Since the seals are flat, it allows for multiple “sealing lipsâ€Â......each one acting like a separate seal. As one “Lip†starts to leak the lubrication the 2nd lip seals it in....& because X-Rings are flat shaped on the top & bottom too " .
I would reason that because the flat-sided seals provide greater contact area, these X-ring chains would be more prone to failure from a rear wheel mis-alignment. In other words, the chain will wear/stretch along one edge quicker than the other, and the chain could seize, break, and cause extensive damage to the bike, if not the rider. An O-ring chain might be more forgiving, but there are inherent problems with their design, too. I used to ride a lot of bikes with O-ring chains in the past, and never had a stretching issue.
And, since I mentioned lubrication above, what chain lube do you prefer? Is a chain wax better than than a chain oil?
Your experience and advice is appreciatted.
thanks