$100 for a ____ing chain?! Or: Chain 101 please.

[Bolder Biker]

You shouldn't have, Duane ... we wouldn't be wasting time with all these "chain-related" problems if the chain gang would just wise up and "get shafted!" (especially Scotty!!!)

I personally am not ready for the senior center yet. You guys have fun riding your "G" models down to bingo night...




I slay myself!

...and I'd "slay" you in the twisties with my full dress "G!" Unless you're at the very top of your game, the "G" has no trouble rattling "chains!"

For references, check with the Chicagoland crowd ... they'll tell you how competent my "G" is when the going gets fun!!!

Steve 8)

I didn't know that there were real twisties in Illinois...........though I suspect that any slight bend must seem like a hairpin to a shaftie.............It's all rather sad, really..........

BB

[Planecrazy]

You shouldn't have, Duane ... we wouldn't be wasting time with all these "chain-related" problems if the chain gang would just wise up and "get shafted!" (especially Scotty!!!)

I personally am not ready for the senior center yet. You guys have fun riding your "G" models down to bingo night...




I slay myself!

...and I'd "slay" you in the twisties with my full dress "G!" Unless you're at the very top of your game, the "G" has no trouble rattling "chains!"

For references, check with the Chicagoland crowd ... they'll tell you how competent my "G" is when the going gets fun!!!

Steve 8)

I didn't know that there were real twisties in Illinois...........though I suspect that any slight bend must seem like a hairpin to a shaftie.............It's all rather sad, really..........

BB

That was good ... I'll just laugh and enjoy it!!!

Steve 8)

[DaveDanger]

I echo the sentiments of the crowd saying to replace the chain with an O-ring style, and to get the sprockets at the same time. I never left the house with my last chain'ed bike unless I had an aeosol can of chain lube bungee'd to the back seat. Even if it tended to keep the back end of the bike a bit spattered, I sprayed the chain very lightly every other gas fillup. I'd rather spend the time polishing the grime from the bike than spending the money on new chains.

About once a month I'd take the bike to a power car wash and set the bike on the center stand and crank it up and allow it to idle in first gear while I ran 75 cents worth of engine degreaser and soapy water over that chain till it was as clean of dirt and grit as I could get it. Then I'd let it continue to run for a few more minutes to dry itself out a bit. I'd then hit it good with the chain lube again.

[Bolder Biker]

That was good ... I'll just laugh and enjoy it!!!

Steve 8)

Steve,

I have in-laws in south/central Illinois, and I recall that I have to drive miles to find a good bend in their neck of the woods.

BB

[duaneage]

I echo the sentiments of the crowd saying to replace the chain with an O-ring style, and to get the sprockets at the same time. I never left the house with my last chain'ed bike unless I had an aeosol can of chain lube bungee'd to the back seat. Even if it tended to keep the back end of the bike a bit spattered, I sprayed the chain very lightly every other gas fillup. I'd rather spend the time polishing the grime from the bike than spending the money on new chains.

About once a month I'd take the bike to a power car wash and set the bike on the center stand and crank it up and allow it to idle in first gear while I ran 75 cents worth of engine degreaser and soapy water over that chain till it was as clean of dirt and grit as I could get it. Then I'd let it continue to run for a few more minutes to dry itself out a bit. I'd then hit it good with the chain lube again.

The Joy of Chains.

What is the supposed advantage again?

[DaveDanger]

The supposed advantage of a chain over a shaft is the fact that a chain and sprockets DO transfer rotational torque more efficiently than a shaft. ANY method of energy transfer has some loss of efficiency loss through friction at the very least. Slightly more efficiency is lost when transferring rotational torque through a 90 degree turn (differential) of which there is almost always at least 1 in a drivetrain. Factor in the maintenance, the smoothness, the reliability of a shaft, and I'll happily give away that few percent of torque transfer. If I'm riding so close to the edge that I need to increase my HP transfer by 4%.... I need to glance at my drivers' license one more time and remind myself how many decades have passed since my date of birth. (Stoopie ole man!)

[duaneage]

As long as that chain is drippy wet with oil 4% it is. Dry chains probably cost them 4%. I like the cheap shaft drive. 5 bucks worth of gear lube lasts me 3 yearly oil changes. Perfect shifts everytime, even if I am a bit behind those chain guys.

Who said it was all a race anyway?

[Planecrazy]

That was good ... I'll just laugh and enjoy it!!!

Steve 8)

Steve,

I have in-laws in south/central Illinois, and I recall that I have to drive miles to find a good bend in their neck of the woods.

BB

Luckily for us in the Chicago area we're less than an hour or two from decent twisties in the Wisconsin area, as well as some occasional good stuff near the rivers and ravines in our area. When we go riding as a group, we usually make it an all day event and spend many fine hours in the Kettle Moraine and Dells area of Wisconsin ... good stuff there!!

Regards,
Steve 8)

[Planecrazy]

Perfect shifts everytime, even if I am a bit behind those chain guys.

Behind the chain guys?? With the exception of Joe Nardy, who used to race, I tend to stay in front of the chain gang ... most of them can't keep up!!

Steve 8)

PS It is most definitely NOT a race! Only a fool rides beyond his or her comfort level!!! I have two young kids, a wife I'm devoted to, and a healthy respect for my bike. I have no wish to leave this Earth anytime soon and never push beyond my capabilities ... I know the bike can do a LOT more than I'll ever ask it to!!

Bottom line is I just prefer the smoothness, reliability, and lack of constant maintenance that a shaft affords me.

[maparker]

Wow, I come in Monday morning to check this thread and what a surprise not only do I have lots of good, helpful answers, but also a bunch of wise cracks. The best of both worlds!

I'll try and take everyones advice and put on the best chain/sprockets I can afford, and for the shafties out there I have thought that would be a nice option as well....Anybody every ridden the Yam FJR1300? I saw a guy wheely one like it was nothing 8O That's the kinda shaft driven bike I want :twisted:

Thanks all,
Parker

[Jethro]

Slightly more efficiency is lost when transferring rotational torque through a 90 degree turn (differential) of which there is almost always at least 1 in a drivetrain.

Not in a snowmobile. Direct link to the crankshaft. That's why they are so much fun!

...and I'd "slay" you in the twisties with my full dress "G!" Unless you're at the very top of your game, the "G" has no trouble rattling "chains!"

For references, check with the Chicagoland crowd ... they'll tell you how competent my "G" is when the going gets fun!!!

You better make sure your dentures are glued on real tight if you shafties are gonna try and follow my taillight! And no stopping at the local fish fry, even if they offer senior citizen discounts!

[Planecrazy]

...and I'd "slay" you in the twisties with my full dress "G!" Unless you're at the very top of your game, the "G" has no trouble rattling "chains!"

For references, check with the Chicagoland crowd ... they'll tell you how competent my "G" is when the going gets fun!!!

You better make sure your dentures are glued on real tight if you shafties are gonna try and follow my taillight! And no stopping at the local fish fry, even if they offer senior citizen discounts!

Bring it on, Bud!! We Chicagoland GS'rs will even put you up while you visit ... we ARE a very friendly bunch, after all!!

Steve 8)

[Nerobro]

How about a serious post.

O-ring chains are E X P E N S I V E. You're looking at $200 for the set. Chain, sprockets, et-al.

They also last. A long, long, time. (I've seen several cases of 30k miles)

Non o-ring chains, do not last. 3-10,000 miles. However, a set is $70. Chain, and sprockets. For your bike.

O-ring chains are cheaper to run in the long run.

If I didn't know I was going to be swapping ratios.. I'd go with an o-ring chain. Keep it clean, and keep it lubed. And I'd expect to sell that chain with the bike ;-)

[skreemer]

Depending on the chain length you don't have to spend 100$ or more. If you poke around E-bay there are "online retailers" that sell the DID O-ring chains for around 80$ or in the case of the too short chain that I bought 76$.

I bought both of my chains through these guys via E-bay... www.powersportrider.com

Be aware that there are different types of mater links as well.. there are clip type and rivet type... *most of the DID chains I've used/seen were rivet type* This will require a tool to get the chain on...

For that I went from shop to shop locally and sorted through e-bay... the tool is 100$ from just about every one... though I found it on kneedraggers.com for 78$... chain rivet tool link

hope this helps... oh and if you want a middle of the road non-o-ring chain or I think o-ring chain that isn't too bad try Tsubaki... Still more than RK and a few other brands but from dang near everyone I talk to and in the hayne's manuals they suggest Tsubaki...

[duaneage]

It comes down to whether you are keeping the bike long term or not. If it is a learning bike then go cheap and save money for the next ride. I like mine alot and have kept it 3 years so far and 6000 miles aready.

A c-oworker has a 1300 cc yamaha like you describe. He road it from dallas texas to PA when he bought it. Massive amounts of acceleration although the Suzuki bandit is comparable.