Need a new drive chain?

[GoBlue]

My 78 GS 550 has a really rusty chain that even has links that dont pivot.

I know you should have around 1/4 in. of play at the most, but mine has a lot more than that, more like 1.5-2 in. It could just be adjusted Im sure, but I think I just need a new one.

On ebay (yes ebay), chains are selling from $35-$100. Is there a difference? I know there are more reputable routes to follow, but can I get a decent (reliable) chain for $35? (these are not cam chains Im looking at either btw).

Thanks a lot.

[tkent02]

My 78 GS 550 has a really rusty chain that even has links that dont pivot.

Oil it.

I know you should have around 1/4 in. of play at the most, but mine has a lot more than that, more like 1.5-2 in. It could just be adjusted Im sure, but I think I just need a new one.

Adjust it correctly. (1/4 inch is not correct). Then check if it's worn.

On ebay (yes ebay), chains are selling from $35-$100. Is there a difference? I know there are more reputable routes to follow, but can I get a decent (reliable) chain for $35? (these are not cam chains Im looking at either btw).

Thanks a lot.

Cheap chains are cheap and wear out fast. Expensive chains are really good anymore. They all die early if they are run on old sprockets.

And if they are neglected like the last one, why even bother?

[koolaid_kid]

You need to replace your sprockets and your chain. Your bike uses a 530 chain; get an o-ring or x-ring chain. Looks like you have a 50 tooth on the rear and a 15 on the front.
Don't go cheap on your chain, it will stretch like a rubber band and you will have to replace it. For lube I recommend DuPont Teflon multi-use dry, wax lubricant from Lowes. It is about half the price of motorcycle chain wax and won't sling off like a chain lube.
I recommend calling Z1, but that's just me.
And if you get a chain with a clip-on master link rather than a riveted one, be sure and get a spare master link.

[GoBlue]

Hey, I see you have 15,000 posts, thats great, your a rockstar. Stop answering peoples questions if they are going to be filled with garbage, as this clearly is. Captain obvious.

Oil it.



Adjust it correctly. (1/4 inch is not correct). Then check if it's worn.



Cheap chains are cheap and wear out fast. Expensive chains are really good anymore. They all die early if they are run on old sprockets.

And if they are neglected like the last one, why even bother?

[GoBlue]

Thank you sir, this is what I was looking for.

You need to replace your sprockets and your chain. Your bike uses a 530 chain; get an o-ring or x-ring chain. Looks like you have a 50 tooth on the rear and a 15 on the front.
Don't go cheap on your chain, it will stretch like a rubber band and you will have to replace it. For lube I recommend DuPont Teflon multi-use dry, wax lubricant from Lowes. It is about half the price of motorcycle chain wax and won't sling off like a chain lube.
I recommend calling Z1, but that's just me.
And if you get a chain with a clip-on master link rather than a riveted one, be sure and get a spare master link.

[koolaid_kid]

Hey, I see you have 15,000 posts, thats great, your a rockstar. Stop answering peoples questions if they are going to be filled with garbage, as this clearly is. Captain obvious.

Please be nice sir. This is a civil forum, except for the Off Topic section.

[koolaid_kid]

Thank you sir, this is what I was looking for.

You are welcome.

[GoBlue]

My apologies, its not a problem, just felt annoyed by that.

Please be nice sir. This is a civil forum, except for the Off Topic section.

[koolaid_kid]

Yeah, some of us can be annoying at times, we may be motorcyclists but the majority of us are still human.