Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum

Royal Enfield Motorcycles => Bullet with the UCE engine => Topic started by: Boots on June 15, 2013, 04:21:35 am

Title: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Boots on June 15, 2013, 04:21:35 am
Greetings Riders,

Today I discovered that my stock chain had a slight kink in one of the links... and had been throwing a rust colored dust all over the rear wheel and exhaust.
Also, a nut had fallen off the bike.

I was all the way up the mountain (40 min. ride) at Alice's Restaurant when I noticed! Zoinks!

I eased down the mountain and made my way over to the dealership where they proceeded to give me the "these are the crappiest chains" lecture. The mechanic showed me the old stock chain and it was stiff as hell with more than a few kinks in it.

In any event, I got an O-ring chain and feel much better now. I was really lucky. If you haven't done so, please upgrade your chain so you don't get stuck up on some mountain.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: wildbill on June 15, 2013, 04:56:41 am
i'd say any chain is better than the standard job plus the advantage of buying a good quality one - not as many chain adjustment required.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Ducati Scotty on June 15, 2013, 05:05:55 am
+1 to all the above.

Scott
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Portland Bullet on June 15, 2013, 05:45:57 am
Sir, I have read your missive and will follow suit (well, actually Scotty told me the same in no uncertain terms).
Yours in Bullets, etc.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: hortoncode3 on June 15, 2013, 01:05:09 pm
Yup, it's a word to the wise...! Buy new Enfield, toss chain IMMEDIATELY. If I had done that I would still have my stock sprockets. There's a reason O-ring chain costs so much..it's WORTH it.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: ERC on June 15, 2013, 03:42:50 pm
Maybe you should have lubed it once in awhile.  ERC
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Boots on June 15, 2013, 03:45:13 pm
The rust colored dust was actually coming from the chain itself. I did lube the chain four times and had it adjusted once. When the mechanic lifted it up to show me, instead of hanging down straight, it was all stiff and kinked like an old bicycle chain that had been out in the backyard for years. I'm surprised it didn't snap and feel truly blessed that the Motorcycle Gods had been watching over me.

My only hope now is that after 5,700+ miles I didn't do any real damage to the sprockets (I also have the countershaft sprocket upgrade).

Forgot to mention one thing... while waiting at the dealership I met another fellow Bullet Rider, a really nice guy, aptly named Guy. He had a 2011 black and white C5 that was seriously modified/customized. Guy, if you happen to be part of this forum and chance upon reading this post, do chime in!
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: avandr on June 15, 2013, 09:39:34 pm
My 2012 C5 came with an O ring chain, I wipe my chain over every 500kms with a rag soaked in diesel fuel, dry off and then use a spray on dry lube. Have only done 2500 kms however chain seems fine. What is the general concensus on the stock O ring chain?
Thanks in advance
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Royalista on June 15, 2013, 11:10:42 pm
@Boots:
As stock chains ain't top yours's worth a price, raspberry nature.
Mine did hurt the sprocket but it was replaced under warranty.

@avandr:
I have the o-ring chain of a C5 on my electra for a good 9000 km (a bit under 6000 M) now. No complaints nor remarks. These are good.
Bonus: one does not have to change the front sprocket as these o-ring chains are a tat slimmer and fit just fine.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: mattsz on June 15, 2013, 11:18:25 pm
As stock chains ain't top yours's worth a price, raspberry nature.

ummmmm... huh?
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Boots on June 16, 2013, 12:44:52 am
Autocorrect?
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: The_Rigger on June 16, 2013, 02:15:17 am
My 2012 C5 came with an O ring chain

Really? Mine didn't.  :(

S'okay; I have a nice DID #530 X-ring chain poised to replace the stock chain, as soon as I get her home from the dealer.

...Which it appears will finally hapen Monday morning. :D
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Sectorsteve on June 16, 2013, 03:05:28 am
About a month after a service my sprocket lost15 teeth. This chain was lubed etc.id agree. Ditch it ASAP.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: mattsz on June 16, 2013, 02:19:11 pm
Autocorrect?

Not sure, Boots, but I think I'm going to start adding the phrase "raspberry nature" to my regular vocabulary.  It has a nice ring to it...
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Royalista on June 16, 2013, 10:01:05 pm
Ouch, embarrassing when a pun misfires. ::)
Raspberries as in the Oscars alternate for obvious failures.
Boots' chain reached new heights imo.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: hocko on June 17, 2013, 12:22:03 am
I got a total of 6,400 km when the chain almost self destructed. I've been told that an "o" ring chain will not fit the G5 so I brought the next chain from a Honda dealer, I've got 18,500 kms on the bike now, lube every so often and i'm only adjusting it about every 3000 kms.

Cheers  :)
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: heloego on June 17, 2013, 02:13:35 am
Though my chain's still in good shape I took the hint(s) and ordered up a Tsubaki today.  :)
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: REpozer on June 17, 2013, 04:07:03 am
I ordered a new DID roller chain. My old one is reaching its limit.
If you don't lube your chain( I did almost every ride) , you will have problems.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Sectorsteve on June 17, 2013, 06:49:28 am
To Royalista. I was hoping to get a new Sprocket under warranty as well, but they said it was my fault. Even though i lubed the chain. the fact was that the dealer had serviced my bike 2 months before and then when the sprocket went he quoted me 200, then after the work, charged me 300.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: JVS on June 17, 2013, 06:59:01 am
Sectorsteve,

If you don't mind, can you please tell which dealer are you talking about? The newer one in Sydney?

edit - Wow, I just checked the price for the sprocket and brake drum combo from Hitchcocks UK. Both brake drum and standard 38 tooth rear sprocket cost a total of 97GBP which is 158AUD in today's value. Add approximately 30 for the international shipping and you have $190 for a brand new sprocket/drum. Changing it yourself will take 30-45 minutes. It is an easy task. $300 at a dealer..what a rip off. Charging $100 for labour is kind of a joke  >:(
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: AussieDave on June 17, 2013, 08:32:56 am
i don't know about the dealers but the importer here seems disinclined to honor the warranty. i went to see him with a cracked heatshield and again with a cracked muffler and was given a point blank refusal with no explanation. very poor behaviour imho. the prices he charges for accessories and parts are also a little out of proportion. he runs a one man show from a small warehouse in melton, so his overheads can't be that high. the guys in the reoca recommend the hitchcocks for parts even though they on the other side of the planet. they express unfavourable comments about said importer. seems a shame.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: AussieDave on June 17, 2013, 08:38:11 am
this raspberry seems a little off.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: wildbill on June 17, 2013, 09:47:01 am
easy fix here-go straight to hitchcocks uk -buy the efi muffler and toss the rocket launcher.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: AussieDave on June 17, 2013, 01:02:47 pm
yeah i will mate as soon as i have a few loose dollars. i want to get  one of those coffee mugs as well, but i welded up the pipe about 7000km ago and its still good so no rush. could really use one of those mugs though. and maybe a new wallet. and some vintage indicators. and a flyscreen. and a... well you get the idea. they have some cool stuff.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: kammersangerin on June 17, 2013, 01:15:00 pm
My 2012 C5 does still have the stock chain on it. My neighbor he is a pro bike rider-mechanic said it and the sprockets actually looked good, and he is aware of the chain problems on the RE. I must admit the chain is absolutely slathered though, and it is adjusted.

He said to ride a bit before replacing it, because I have so many other expenses to meet at the moment. I don't ride very fast that often, and because of events, only about 400 miles since purchasing.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: wildbill on June 17, 2013, 02:26:30 pm
ducati scotty picked up a pretty good chain for his c5 for about $40 - so in the future that might be a proposition and worth looking at.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: wildbill on June 17, 2013, 02:28:42 pm
aussie dave
i might have a set of indicators and a tail light you might be interested in buying
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: AussieDave on June 17, 2013, 02:36:17 pm
thanks bill-what kind are they?
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Sectorsteve on June 17, 2013, 04:11:36 pm
motociclo is who im talking about. i was going to do it myself but they talked me out of it/plus i didnt really have the time to wait for parts as it was close to my big ride up the coast. They told me it would be about 200. when i got it done it was 300... id just been in the shop 2 months before and spent 600 on a service and a tyre. They will not get another cent out of me.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Sectorsteve on June 17, 2013, 04:15:40 pm
yeah bro ive spoken to him on the phone too. Im certainly not gonna rely on the warranty, or buy parts from him either. there seems to be other options. as for the dealers and warranty - motociclo werent at all interested in my damaged sprocket, but i am partly to blame for that and have done alot of Kms in a short space of time.

i don't know about the dealers but the importer here seems disinclined to honor the warranty. i went to see him with a cracked heatshield and again with a cracked muffler and was given a point blank refusal with no explanation. very poor behaviour imho. the prices he charges for accessories and parts are also a little out of proportion. he runs a one man show from a small warehouse in melton, so his overheads can't be that high. the guys in the reoca recommend the hitchcocks for parts even though they on the other side of the planet. they express unfavourable comments about said importer. seems a shame.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: JVS on June 17, 2013, 04:31:53 pm
$600 for a service + a tyre?! That is one ultimate rip off man. What is this crap? The Wollongong dealer takes $205 for the service. They are nice people. However, I decided to do everything by myself so I know what's happening with the bike etc and not to worry if the stuff is being done correctly or not.

But I still can't believe the $600 including a tyre. The tyre would've been approx $100, correct? Rest for the service? You should put in a complaint to to FairWork Australia or something  ::) I am really grateful I chose Ron @ Wollongong as my dealer, even though I'm in Sydney.

Or are you including the $300 for the sprocket in the grand total of $600? Either way..it is stuffed up.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: barenekd on June 17, 2013, 07:33:31 pm
Quote
I have the o-ring chain of a C5 on my electra for a good 9000 km (a bit under 6000 M) now. No complaints nor remarks. These are good.
Bonus: one does not have to change the front sprocket as these o-ring chains are a tat slimmer and fit just fine.

The C5s come with an 18 T sprocket which is why an Oring chain will fit. An O ring chain will not fit with a 17T sprocket as the chain rubs the bearing housing. The sprocket diameter and width of an oring chain are the culprits. As for the Oring chain that are OEM  on the C5s, they are somewhat better than the POS on the G5s, but to call them quality uses the term very loosely!  They are not good chains. If I had a C5, the chain would've been ditched early on. Better to get rid of a known not-good-chain and save the sprockets, than wait too long and need them. Sprockets are kind of expensive compared to replacing a a junker with a good chain. And the sprockets are rather labor intensive to change!
Bare 
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Royalista on June 17, 2013, 09:42:01 pm
You make a good argument.
My concern is the loss of torque on increasing the teeth of the front sprocket. I'd rather investigate a reduction. My preferred riding is in the dirt where speed or mid-zone cruising comfort is insignificant versus the demand for torque.
Those are the horns on my bull (do I take the left, the right or jump right over).  :D
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Ducati Scotty on June 17, 2013, 10:22:49 pm
A good non oring chain will last much longer than stock and costs about $40.  You need to be better about your maintenance than with an oring chain but that's not to hard. 

Scott
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: wildbill on June 18, 2013, 12:43:11 am
aussie dave
purchased from hitchcocks uk -never used will pm you
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Sectorsteve on June 18, 2013, 03:34:28 am
No JVS, the 300 for sprocket was 2 months after this service. ive spent nearly 2000 in that shop since last july. not to mention the $800 i got charged by their motorcycle finance company who were really paper pushers who just got the loan for me through GE money. I could have done that myself with GE money. The bike is less than a year old. goes well, really well. love it alot! My job involves alot of driving. I bought the enfield for the warranty and because it was new. My old machine was just a px200 vespa which i loved but every year i was replacing the clutch/clutch plates so i thought id get something new that needed less repairs(im 100kg, vespa was 200kg/200cc). That hasnt happened so far with the enfield and nothing major has even happened to it yet!and by the way, the wheel was out of alignment and the tube was too big after the $600 service/tyre. i discovered the tubes recently when i got a flat on the rear. i replced with a tube they gave me that was also the wrong size. this time too small!!! no biggie, but....you know what i mean? I also bought 1 stadium mirror from moto ciclo last year for $169. Silly me. Should have looked online first aye. Bought another one a few days later from the UK for $60/$70 including freight. Nearly $100 cheaper from the other side of the world.
Initially i was gonna get a triumph. Kind of wish i had of after all this. I love the enfield alot though, i just need to get up to speed with stuff. Get my own spares from overseas etc. Its a shame its like this but im not getting shafted up the date with no vaseline from these guys anymore + i want people to know. The people in the shop are nice as pie. Actions speak louder than words though and its not til later that my anus hurt and i realised.
I told the importer all this and all he said was "They are my best customer. ive been in business for 30 years and you cannot please everyone" He also told me not to do the oil change myself.
My advice to anyone wanting to get an Enfield in Australia would be "Get a manual, get some tools, get a good parts supplier which will probably be overseas and dont expect much help from Enfield Australia.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Sectorsteve on June 18, 2013, 03:42:56 am
l
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: D the D on June 18, 2013, 03:45:33 am
Shady and incompetent.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: AussieDave on June 18, 2013, 05:37:24 am
@sectorsteve +1 Its a shame though.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Sectorsteve on June 18, 2013, 06:29:28 am
you live and learn! It taught me a fair bit. plus i love to tinker anyway.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: AussieDave on June 18, 2013, 07:33:23 am
@wildbill - yeah please do.when i got the g5 I Thought the tail light was far to square so i went to modak british parts dealer in melbourne looking for something that would fit the shape of the housing and found a matchless lense and reflector that fits perfectly. recently the brake light has begun passing current to the parking lights when applied so i must have another look at it soon. and those big shiny plastic trafficators have got to go!
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: REpozer on June 18, 2013, 07:36:55 am
you live and learn! It taught me a fair bit. plus i love to tinker anyway.
Hitchcock's UK, Bullet Walla India, Classic Motor Works, USA(N field gear). Should be good start for Mail order spares.

Would be a good idea to find a local ( in country ) source as well. This guy sells a lot of RE,s but is in Brisbane. I don't know much about him.http://shop.britishmotorcycle.com.au/
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Sectorsteve on June 18, 2013, 09:01:10 am
Thanks Heaps REpozer!
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: swingarm on June 18, 2013, 09:30:45 am
I haven't found anywhere in Melbourne to buy o-ring chain with a clip link for my C5. Any suggestions for a local or Oz supplier?
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: wildbill on June 18, 2013, 09:36:21 am
swingarm

here's where i bought mine - tsubaki o ring -very good chain

95/101 Silverwater Rd  Silverwater NSW 2128
(02) 9704 2500
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: swingarm on June 18, 2013, 11:54:26 am
Thanks bill.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: heloego on June 18, 2013, 04:04:43 pm
Sectorsteve,
It might not be convenient for you but for your sake and the sake of others, both current and future owners, it might pay to bump things up a notch and file a complaint or more with RE Corporate since the bottom two links on the chain (pun intended) are giving the company a bad name.
Often a word or two from the right people will work wonders changing a sh*thead's attitude about his customers.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: wildbill on June 19, 2013, 01:46:40 am
sectorsteve
will get a photo off to you today. once i get notice from the dealer for the arrival date of the cafe racer -my c5 goes anyway.
thought about keeping both but if you look at the bird in my profile chewing up my cash fund.......looks like i only keep one!
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: GreenMachine on June 19, 2013, 02:01:29 am
i replaced my oem "Indian Diamond " chain with just over 10k...It had stretched a bit  and I did adjust twice over the mileage stated...It's hanging  on a nail in the garage  straight with no kinks and further inspection didn't show any serious wear between the links..Maybe its the lube i'm using ...My teeth look okay too..
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Ducati Scotty on June 19, 2013, 03:13:32 am
That's good.  Oral hygiene is important.

Scotg
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Sectorsteve on June 19, 2013, 05:11:04 am
Holego I'm all for this. Wild bill should also lodge a complaint as he had a dodgy C5 that he sold because he said it was rubbish.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: REpozer on June 19, 2013, 05:33:48 am
i replaced my oem "Indian Diamond " chain with just over 10k...It had stretched a bit  and I did adjust twice over the mileage stated...It's hanging  on a nail in the garage  straight with no kinks and further inspection didn't show any serious wear between the links..Maybe its the lube i'm using ...My teeth look okay too..
I lube twice per tank of gas or more. I ride on dusty and some dirt roads.
What kind of lube are you using? Im thinking of switching to ATF on the chain.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Sectorsteve on June 19, 2013, 05:48:58 am
Letter sent to RE corporate.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: dougodewitt on June 19, 2013, 04:39:21 pm
I lube my chain before every ride; I bought my C5 from the second owner, at about 1100 mi on the clock. How do you tell if you have the stock chain or if it is an aftermarket chain? And how do you tell if your sprockets are being damaged? Mine seem to look fine, but without experienced eyes who knows?
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Gypsyjon on June 19, 2013, 04:44:37 pm
Okay, you guys scared me enough...ordered my O-ring chain today...

THX!! ::)
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: heloego on June 19, 2013, 04:45:13 pm
Quote
Letter sent to RE corporate.

Good on ya!  :)
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Royalista on June 19, 2013, 09:10:27 pm
I lube my chain before every ride; I bought my C5 from the second owner, at about 1100 mi on the clock. How do you tell if you have the stock chain or if it is an aftermarket chain? And how do you tell if your sprockets are being damaged? Mine seem to look fine, but without experienced eyes who knows?

Conventional way is to lube after the ride when the chain is still warm.
Lube will easily go where it has to go and will be dry before the next ride so it will not splatter off.

Overlubing does not yield a benefit, is just a waste of money.
But lubing after a ride in the rain is good practice.

The manual has a nice picture of healthy and bad teeth.
Bad teeth look spiky and will eventually break off with a nice twang. That's a good give away.   :'(
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Arizoni on June 19, 2013, 11:50:28 pm
dougo
Here is a link that gives a lot of information about chains including a drawing showing how a totally worn out chain can be pulled up off of the rear sprocket.
I've never seen one that could have its link become as disengaged as the drawing shows but it shows the general idea.  IMO, of the link can be pulled up off of the sprocket  teeth over 1/8 inch, it is time to get rid of it.
http://www.bikerenews.com/Stories_Archives/Chains.html

Actually, I don't think my chain was even that bad but when I had to adjust it 3 times in just 3000 miles to get the right amount of looseness I said to myself, "Enough!  Be gone with you!"
A good chain can go much further without needing adjustment to keep the right amount of chain slack.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: GreenMachine on June 20, 2013, 01:00:36 am
repozer:   type f and wee bit of left over oil..i brought one of those old fashion oil can with a adjustable skinny spout.. like in the wizard of ozz to oil the tin man..  ;D
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: dougodewitt on June 20, 2013, 11:19:17 pm
dougo
Here is a link that gives a lot of information about chains including a drawing showing how a totally worn out chain can be pulled up off of the rear sprocket.
I've never seen one that could have its link become as disengaged as the drawing shows but it shows the general idea.  IMO, of the link can be pulled up off of the sprocket  teeth over 1/8 inch, it is time to get rid of it.
http://www.bikerenews.com/Stories_Archives/Chains.html

Actually, I don't think my chain was even that bad but when I had to adjust it 3 times in just 3000 miles to get the right amount of looseness I said to myself, "Enough!  Be gone with you!"
A good chain can go much further without needing adjustment to keep the right amount of chain slack.

Thanks man! I really needed that!
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Bulletman on June 21, 2013, 12:47:23 am
Maybe its the lube i'm using ...My teeth look okay too..
Greenmachine, what lube does your Dentist recommend for your teeth.... ;D
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: heloego on June 21, 2013, 03:28:21 am
Thanks for posting the link, Arizoni.
Made for a good read, and gentle reminder that I've forgotten more than I've learned.  :)
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: dougodewitt on June 21, 2013, 04:06:49 am
With that post Arizoni, I was able to find out that my chain is in great shape, and at the perfect tension...  I just need to clean it now. I can't tell if it is an aftermarket chain, though I just turned over 2000mi, so the previous owner could have replaced it..(sprockets look good too).
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: GreenMachine on June 21, 2013, 03:30:36 pm
Bulletman: Been using that type f mix for a long time now and it seems to keep the dirt from accumulating in the nooks n crannies... ;D...As you are aware, the chain adjustment and u might as well include the rear brake adjustment in the process isn't too much a PIA but I've  only done it twice since I own the bike new...Nothing wrong with replacing with a better quality chain especially if you ride in a spirited fashion on the blacktop...GM
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: High On Octane on June 21, 2013, 09:56:24 pm
I just picked up a new Tsubaki chain today.  I've heard good things about them and it was only $60.

Scottie
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: D the D on June 21, 2013, 10:07:29 pm
I just picked up a new Tsubaki chain today.  I've heard good things about them and it was only $60.
Scottie
They look pretty heavy duty.  I've only put about 65 miles on mine since I put it on Wednesday night, so I can't really comment on the service yet.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: heloego on June 22, 2013, 05:54:13 am
My Tsubaki arrived today, but I'll have to wait a week to change it out.  :(
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Alan LaRue on June 25, 2013, 01:55:32 am
I just picked up a new Tsubaki chain today.  I've heard good things about them and it was only $60.

Scottie

Guess I should have looked locally! I ordered the sprocket, brake shoes, and church rubber from out hosts, and a Tsubaki chain online. The chain was $115... Couldn't find it for less online. Oops. Anyway, it arrived today.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: High On Octane on June 26, 2013, 04:16:24 pm
Alan LaRue - You must have ordered the O-Ring chain for $115.  I just got the standard heavy duty Tsubaki chain.  I didn't want an O-Ring chain because I play in the dirt a lot and need to clean and oil my chain often.  I've found that fastest and easiest way to clean a chain is to put the bike on it's center stand and place a drip pan under the rear sprocket.  Start the bike and idle it in 1st gear to allow the rear tire to spin, then hose the chain down at the bottom of the rear sprocket with a can of brake cleaner.  After the chain is visibly clean, let the tire spin for about another 30 seconds.  Shut the bike off and take a clean rag and wipe off the chain.  Start the bike again and put it in 1st and give the chain a good coat of chain oil.  Make sure you spray the chain from all sides.  DONE!  Whole procedure only takes 5 minutes and works very well.  You can also use a small wire brush while the chain is spinning (BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO LOSE A FINGER!) and coated in brake cleaner to remove heavily soiled chains.

HEADS UP!!!!!  I was informed by a bike mechanic who said this procedure IS NOT recommended for O and X ring chains.  That's why I didn't buy one.


Scottie
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Ducati Scotty on June 26, 2013, 06:17:54 pm
I've seen a few posts over time of severed fingers from letting a bike idle while cleaning or lubing the chain.  It just takes one slip.  Even at idle speed a turning rear wheel has a lot of momentum and whatever slips into the cogs is going to get mashed.  Be careful.

And yeah, don't be that harsh to an o-ring or x-ring chain.  Easy enough to clean them by just spraying on lots of fresh lube and wiping them down, then apply a bit more fresh lube and let it dry.  When a o-ring chain is done, it's done and there's not much you can to resurrect it or free a frozen link, but they last so long with so little maintenance it's worth it in my book.  Traditional chains do need more thorough and regular cleaning and lubing.  Not really much work to do but I'm very, very lazy ;)

Scott
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: barenekd on June 26, 2013, 06:48:14 pm
Actually, frozen links on an Oring chain can be loosened with ACF50. The reason they stick is because they are rusting, because the lube people use is not getting through to the inside behind the Orings. Heavy chain lubes, like Chain Wax, and some other thick ones, are noted for this. PJ1s fame, as it were, is because it is thin enough to get behind the Orings. ACF50 will too, and it removes the rust, freeing the links. Don't use it as a lube, just a cleaner. Unfortunately, water is thin enough to get behind the Orings and wash out the original lube, especially if one is using a pressure spray to wash the bike.
Bare
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Ducati Scotty on June 26, 2013, 07:13:57 pm
Good to know Bare, thanks!  I find PJ1 has more fling than I like, Maxima chain wax is cleaner.  Then again, I'm sure it doesn't work as well.

Scott
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: REpozer on June 26, 2013, 08:23:58 pm
Just removed my stock Indian "Diamond" brand chain.
 Over 5000 miles of wet and grit use,.. all links were working, no rust dust, still had life left in it, and no real issues but normal wear and good sprockets.

I think some of you guys are chain purchasing Nazi's .You need to become chain lubing Nazis instead.

 Just installed a DID roller chain for $42. It is better quality then the stock Diamond.
Why are some of you purchasing $150 chains? Why?
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Ducati Scotty on June 26, 2013, 08:49:16 pm
So e of the stock chains are great and last a long time, and some are terrible and just stretch and stretch from day one.  And then some seen fine for a bit and then eat a set of sprockets out if nowhere.  I lubed mine very well and it died quickly anyway.  Whether you get a good one seems to be luck of the draw, and I don't like to gamble like that.  As you just said, about $40 and you're all set with nothing to worry about.

Scott
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: High On Octane on June 26, 2013, 09:10:13 pm
I've seen a few posts over time of severed fingers from letting a bike idle while cleaning or lubing the chain.  It just takes one slip.  Even at idle speed a turning rear wheel has a lot of momentum and whatever slips into the cogs is going to get mashed.  Be careful........



That's why I always clean/oil the chain at the back of the rear sprocket.  Can't get my fingers caught if the chain is already ON the sprocket.

Scottie
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Ducati Scotty on June 26, 2013, 10:08:15 pm
Just installed a DID roller chain for $42. It is better quality then the stock Diamond.
Why are some of you purchasing $150 chains? Why?

I did install a DID standard before but went with an x-ring DID this time.  Just shear laziness.  I live in Portland, OR and the chain gets wet a lot.  If I want to keep up with a traditional chain I need to clean and lube often.  I didn't and paid the price, only about 6500 miles and it was getting a bit sloppy.  With an x-ring I should get 10-15k miles (3-5 years) even with my slacker lubing habits.  I've got a family and little enough time to ride as it is, it's just easier for me.

Scott
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: D the D on June 27, 2013, 02:02:27 am
I've got a family and little enough time to ride as it is, it's just easier for me.
Ditto.  Got enough maintenance and work to do.  Some people detail their cars every weekend.  I have 340k miles and 22 years on my Mercedes and waxing every weekend isn't why.  10 - 15k on a chain that is less work is worth $115 to me.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Boots on June 28, 2013, 06:46:41 am
Ok, I'll be the first to admit that I know next to nothing about motorcycle maintenance, and am mechanically challenged...

but ever since I replaced my stock chain with an O-ring chain, the bike "seems" to run a lot better.  And the peace of mind is worth a lot to me!
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: High On Octane on June 28, 2013, 04:22:22 pm
I must be weird, I actually enjoy doing maintenance on my bike.  (Except the whole waiting parts part).  I quick detail it before almost every ride and do a full detail once out twice a week.  Always checking the oil, checking the chain tension and oiling, clean the carb on a fairly regular basis...  I just enjoy being 1 with my bike/s.  It's almost like we communicate with each other.  Even when I'm out riding, I listen to what the bike has to say and I address everything that comes to my attention.  So cleaning the chain and oiling it every couple weeks gives me something to do, to keep my idle hands at bay.   Plus, being this obsessed helps me find problems that may have normally been over looked, like the blown intake gaskets that had me baffled as to why I couldn't tune the carb just right.

Anyways.  Just wanted to throw that out there.

Scottie
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: gashousegorilla on June 28, 2013, 04:29:06 pm
I must be weird, I actually enjoy doing maintenance on my bike.  (Except the whole waiting parts part).  I quick detail it before almost every ride and do a full detail once out twice a week.  Always checking the oil, checking the chain tension and oiling, clean the carb on a fairly regular basis...  I just enjoy being 1 with my bike/s.  It's almost like we communicate with each other.  Even when I'm out riding, I listen to what the bike has to say and I address everything that comes to my attention.  So cleaning the chain and oiling it every couple weeks gives me something to do, to keep my idle hands at bay.   Plus, being this obsessed helps me find problems that may have normally been over looked, like the blown intake gaskets that had me baffled as to why I couldn't tune the carb just right.

Anyways.  Just wanted to throw that out there.

Scottie

 +1 
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Ducati Scotty on June 28, 2013, 04:43:48 pm
I like working on my bike too but I'd much rather ride and I just don't have as much time as I did when I was younger.

Scott
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: High On Octane on June 28, 2013, 05:00:36 pm
I like working on my bike too but I'd much rather ride and I just don't have as much time as I did when I was younger.

Scott

That's where your kids come into play!  You get to teach them something valuable and useful, you're getting help with the bike, and you're spending time with the kids.
IT'S A WIN, WIN, WIN!  My son has been cranking wrenches with me since he was 6 years old, and now I'm starting to get my step-sons' hands dirty too.  I love teaching my kids new things.   :D

Scottie
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: D the D on June 28, 2013, 05:18:38 pm
It's wonderful to spend time with young ones and if one's hobby is polishing motorcycles I hope you enjoy it, but I have to agree with Ducati Scotty.
My girl is 28, knows how to change oil, change a tire and shoots trap better than I, but she'd still rather I do maintenance stuff for her.   :)  She isn't interested in playing with motorcycles these days.  Now that I've sidetracked this issue...
Before I put the bike away I do a once over for loose stuff, check the chain and oil, wipe off any new road tar, bugs, and rain - basic PM stuff.  Before I ride I check tires and lights.  I don't spend lots of time making her perfect, pretty, or fiddling with stuff that isn't broke.  Scheduled maintenance is by schedule.  When I was young and single I lavished love and too much attention to my vehicles.  Have other stuff I enjoy or need to do more now.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Royalista on June 28, 2013, 05:31:35 pm
+1
Same here.
They have so much on their head: the commute, the job and all that. But she does the checks, and is interested in the debriefings.  :D
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: D the D on June 28, 2013, 05:43:16 pm
+1
Same here.
They have so much on their head: the commute, the job and all that. But she does the checks, and is interested in the debriefings.  :D
Yep, they're still our babies, but they aren't babies any more.  :)
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Ducati Scotty on June 28, 2013, 06:17:01 pm
My son is 3 1/2 right now and the only rule now is don't touch the bike when daddy isn't there.  He doesn't need the burn scars I have.  He does help me wash it already :)

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FvqTzJ2DxpiS66w-Q05eATWqsibjQdtdwJPEIOGFVPA?feat=directlink

I can only hope to fix my kids' vehicles when I get older.  It would at least make me useful for something ;)

Scott
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Boots on June 28, 2013, 09:31:38 pm
Scotty, what a great picture! That's one for the book.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: High On Octane on June 28, 2013, 10:06:01 pm
Awesome pic Scotty!  I live for the little moments like that.    :)

Scottie
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: Gypsyjon on June 29, 2013, 01:28:53 am
Put my new DID 530 VX chain on today!!
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: The_Rigger on June 29, 2013, 02:08:01 am
Why are some of you purchasing $150 chains? Why?

Because it's my bike, and I want (and can afford) the best.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: D the D on June 29, 2013, 02:10:28 am
Because it's my bike, and I want (and can afford) the best.
Best answer yet!  No need to justify.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: The_Rigger on June 29, 2013, 02:12:40 am
Put my new DID 530 VX chain on today!!
That's the first order of business when I get home next Tuesday...I've got a 102-link 530VX DID chain waiting for me. Then the Lycett seat & Vista Cruise, and Fiona'll be ready for her run up to Sault Ste. Marie.
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: dynamyt on July 02, 2013, 03:51:31 am
My son is 3 1/2 right now and the only rule now is don't touch the bike when daddy isn't there.  He doesn't need the burn scars I have.  He does help me wash it already :)

Scott - that is the greatest picture. My son is now 4 and he loves to wash the bike and work in the shop with Dad. We put his name on the sidecar too  :D I am hoping the Bullet will be his first bike when he gets older (except maybe with a cafĂ© kit ).
Title: Re: Ditch your stock chain!
Post by: D the D on July 02, 2013, 04:07:52 am
Hope they continue to want to do stuff with you guys.  It's fun, especially the billion and one questions.
And really, a $125 chain isn't one of the expensive ones compared to the high end, it's just not a $40 or $50 chain.