Chain question

How do you know when you need a new chain.

The old rule of thumb was to first adjust your free play correctly so you have about 1 1/2" up/down play in the chain, then go to the rear of your wheel sprocket, grab a link of the chain and see how far you can pull it rearward off a tooth of the sprocket. If you can pull it 1/2 a tooth or more, the chain is bad.

If you are going to replace the chain replace both the countershaft(engine)and rear wheel sprockets as the new chain on old sprockets will wear out if not as bad as new sprockets on old chain.

Check the condition of the chain. With the bike on the center stand, check for slack between the two sprockets, in several places (spin the rear tire). The chain stretches unevenly, and you may find some spots that are very slack, and others that are tight. The bigger the difference, the more you need to think about a replacement.
Also, look at how the chain links feed onto the rear sprocket when you rotate the tire. Look for stiff links that don't roll smoothly onto the teeth.
A clean chain will last longer. Warm it up by riding, and wipe it down. I use WD40 on a rag. Don't put the bike in gear and with the engine running on the center stand. Engine off and in neutral (don't ask). After it's clean, apply ChainWax. I think it works well, and doesn't sling, if you let it sit for 24 hours before you ride.
If you buy a new O-Ring chain, it's already lubed, so you need to be careful about washing out the grease that's already there.

RonKZ650 wrote:

The old rule of thumb was to first adjust your free play correctly so you have about 1 1/2" up/down play in the chain, then go to the rear of your wheel sprocket, grab a link of the chain and see how far you can pull it rearward off a tooth of the sprocket. If you can pull it 1/2 a tooth or more, the chain is bad.

RonKZ650 is correct.

Also, if lubing resolves kinking for only a few miles, and the chain resumes kinking, the chain is most probably at the end of its service life (that would be dead. :laugh:).

Most manuals have pictures of good vs. bad sprockets, showing the bad with either cupped teeth or nub teeth.

Good Luck!

Thanks fellows. New guys always have stupid questions and repeat them. I searched but did'nt pick up any answers.
Your patience is outstanding to say the least.
poolboy