How often do you adjust your chain?

[yabo0569]

I've about 11k on the bike with the same chain. Lately I been adjusting it more often. It seems to me that the chain needs adjusment almost every 1000 miles. When you're adjusting it more than usual, does that mean that I will need a new chain soon? Thanks in advance for any input.

[couchflyer]

I put 18,000 miles on my ST-3 and changed the chain. I actually was tighting it too often and maybe too tight, so I might ahve gotten more miles on it. I think you should be able to put more miles on it. It really depends on how much it is streatching..

[CDONA]

I fought mine to 13 K miles some replaced @ 7 K. It is a cheap one, don't regret it when you replace. I didn't wait too long and have to replace sprockets too. I rarely need to adj the new one.

[Crank1000]

Noob question. I haven't tried yet, but just by looking at it, I can't figure out how to adjust the chain. All the directions I've seen just say "Loosen axle nut, and tighten chain." is it really just as simple as moving the wheel back to increase tension? Seems pretty inaccurate if so.

[yabo0569]

Originally Posted by CDONA

I fought mine to 13 K miles some replaced @ 7 K. It is a cheap one, don't regret it when you replace. I didn't wait too long and have to replace sprockets too. I rarely need to adj the new one.

Any recommendations on what chain to use?

[dave2riff]

Originally Posted by yabo0569

Any recommendations on what chain to use?

The latest x-ring chains from DID or RK:

- DID ZVM2
- DID ERV3
- RK GB525GXW ("X-W ring")

These chains have the tensile strength to reliably deal with high-torque motors.

Shop around and you will find a wide variation in pricing on chains. I found
a deal on the GB525GXW for less than $120 last year. Amazon, no less, via
Motorcycle Accessory Warehouse.

[CDONA]

I went with the best DID X ring 525, another version more expensive but it was a light weight racer, spent $$ & went for durability.
As to adjustment, the two bolts at the very back end of the swingarm, loosen and pull down on the 1/4 round chainguard.

[Pop]

Originally Posted by Crank1000

Noob question. I haven't tried yet, but just by looking at it, I can't figure out how to adjust the chain. All the directions I've seen just say "Loosen axle nut, and tighten chain." is it really just as simple as moving the wheel back to increase tension? Seems pretty inaccurate if so.

Undo the 2 x 14mm bolts (don't undo the axel nut) and then poke a big screwdriver into one of the grooves behind the sprocket and the chain will tighten up the more you hit it.

If you're really lucky you can even just pull the chain guard back by hand and the chain will tighten

[yabo0569]

Originally Posted by dave2riff

The latest x-ring chains from DID or RK:

- DID ZVM2
- DID ERV3
- RK GB525GXW ("X-W ring")

These chains have the tensile strength to reliably deal with high-torque motors.

Shop around and you will find a wide variation in pricing on chains. I found
a deal on the GB525GXW for less than $120 last year. Amazon, no less, via
Motorcycle Accessory Warehouse.

I try to adjust the chain today and I couldn't, the chain is all the way back. I called the dealer for a new chain. They found the RK GB525GXW for $117. Thanks!

[FlipT]

Originally Posted by Pop

Undo the 2 x 14mm bolts (don't undo the axel nut) and then poke a big screwdriver into one of the grooves behind the sprocket and the chain will tighten up the more you hit it.

Anyone know the torque wrench settings for the two 14mm bolts