How long can one expect a drive chain to last??? I replaced my chain with an RK530XS0 X-ring chain and changed the sprokets as well about 15,000k ago, lube it regularly etc. When it was new I was warned that it would need adjusting very soon but that didn't happen really, then on my last 1750K tour I needed to adjust it twice. The back sproket shows signs of minor wear, but I'd say nothing serious. I tour with this machine, no stunts etc. Some links might be stiffining up as do get the thump thump but lube takes it away. Does anyone think this chain is going to break? is this normal and now it's done stretching? How does one determing when it needs changing? When it was new the decal on the swing arm was already at the replace mark, so I thought they left one too many links in it but the count is 108 including the master just like the dealer told me. Is there a measurement over 10 links? The website was not forthcoming.
Any insight/experience would be helpfull.

 

Oh yeah and the sprokets are standard

 

Wow! Nobody?

Bump

 

I am very new to these bikes, and coming from a shaft drive, I have nothing but friendly advice... If you are concerned about it, and the chain really has 15,000 miles on it, why not just replace it and your sprockets? That is one of those things where "better safe than sorry" comes to mind..
Happy Riding!

 

15k, seems like you got your moneys worth to me....

 

Just keep it adjusted properly until you run into the replacement range about halfway.

It's not going to break.

When you do replace it replace it and the sprockets at the same time.

My advice.

 

Check to see really how bad the chain is. I mean does it look gummed up? Frozen? Any issues? With this if none I would keep running on it doing the correct maintenance on it. Every 600-800 miles clean it and lube it.

 

u really dont wanna push the chain 10,000 is around when u wanna change em

 

After alot of looking around the only thing I found was advice to check the chain as it rounds the rear sprocket and "pluck" it. If it's loose it's stretched. It's loose. normally chain is mesured per 10 links our so. I wish I'd measured it before I ran it. Anyone have a new chain they can measure for me? Doesn't matter how many pins I just need a standard to go by. 15,000K doesn't seem like alot to me, that's 9320 miles, the warranty is 20,000mi but I'm sure they would find a reason not to give it to me, but i will try. This website also suggested about two chains to one set of sprockets unless they are 520 aluminium sprockets; then every time. So can someone with a new chain measure for me?

Thanks

 

OK I think I found it. Haven't applied it yet though:


Q. How do I know when my chain has elongated beyond its service life?
A. Besides the obvious signs of long-term wear, rust, "hooked" sprocket teeth and bound links; There is a mathematical formula for determining when the chain needs to be replaced. Below is an example using a 120 link, 520 pitch chain.
A= # of Links (We'll use 120 for an example)
B= .625 for 520 pitch chain. (Measurement of center of pin to center of pin)
C=.03 (ratio of wear)

(A x B)=Y
(Y x C)=Z
(Y + Z)=X
X=When the chain exceeds this length - replace the chain!

Example:
(120 x .625)=75
(75 x .03)=2.25
(75 + 2.25)=77.25"
You should replace this chain when its length exceeds 77.25".