I'm getting ready to replace my drive chain and I'm just curious if i'm still running the original chain. It has a Gold front face, black back with "japan" written on both faces. the bike has about 13,500mi on it...is that normal mileage for the rollers to start rattling? does everyone run the 1 3/4" of slack printed in the manual? if not, what do you run and why?

 

yes that is the oe chain. it all depends on if the chain waskept lubed and adjustedif it is(good)chains should last quiet a while if not they turn to junk in a hurry. i havelike 8.5 k on mine and it's about time for chain and sprockets

 

what about the slack? is that recommendation for the bike or that particular chain?

 

Im pretty damn sure I have the OE chain and sprockets and Im at almost 29,000 miles. All looks pretty good considering mileage but I am planning on replacing all of it this winter.

 

the slack depends on the chain when you buy a chain look on the back of the box it will say

 

not sure if your bike has this or not... but (check the manual, that should tell you also) right on the swingarm near the chain there'sa sticker that says what the adjustment range should be. Just keep in mind that keeping the chain tootight can wear your sprockets out faster.

 

yeah, when i bought her, the previous guy had been running maybe 1" of slack, and so i immediately adjusted it to the spec. 1 3/4"...now,~2k miles later my chain is shot.. just wondering if I did something wrong