1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

Is this chain knackered

Discussion in 'Maintenance' started by RobJ, Oct 4, 2014.

  1. RobJ

    RobJ Member

    Messages:
    9
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    13
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2014
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    ACT
  2. risky

    risky risky

    Messages:
    4,555
    Likes Received:
    1,177
    Trophy Points:
    923
    Joined:
    Nov 4, 2012
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    risky by name AND actions
    Location:
    newcastle,australia
    My Bike:
    honda ca77, megelli x2,fzr yamaha x 5 ,maxim,cb750.cb600 hornet,zxr250,marusho magnum electra.
    take the chain off the bike and hold it sideways.the more it curves the greater the need to replace.
     
  3. Linkin

    Linkin The Mechanic Premium Member Contributing Member Dirty Wheel Club

    Messages:
    4,730
    Likes Received:
    2,870
    Trophy Points:
    943
    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2014
    Location:
    Sydney NSW
    My Bike:
    FZR250R 3LN6
    [​IMG]
     
    • Like Like x 1
  4. Mclaren

    Mclaren Well-Known Member Contributing Member

    Messages:
    1,971
    Likes Received:
    939
    Trophy Points:
    698
    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2013
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Brisbane
    My Bike:
    cbr250rr
    Hard to tell mate
    is the chain got any adjustment left?
    I tend to check by feel if it feels stiff and notchy then getting on but if feels like it has good movement it ok
    But for the sake of a couple of bucks if unsure just change it mate
     
  5. GreyImport

    GreyImport Administrator Staff Member The Chief Contributing Member

    Messages:
    10,914
    Likes Received:
    6,709
    Trophy Points:
    1,168
    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2012
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Between a Rock and a Hard Place
    Location:
    North by NW NSW Oztralia - Tamworth
    My Bike:
    *Kawasaki ZXR250C *Yamaha FZR250R 3LN1 *Yamaha FZR400 *Triumph Bonneville 750 T140V *Triumph Daytona 675 *Triumph Tiger 800XC
    Replace chain and sprockets at the same time

    Looks pretty grungy all round ...... get the kero onto it and clean the sprockets and chain completely , even take the chain right off...... then have a close look as advised above.

    Sprocket looks like its getting a bit pointy ..... and if u clean all the that lube and grunge off u will see if the chain has worn into below the 'hollows' in the sprocket.

    http://www.slipstreamperformance.co...facturer=0&make=Kawasaki&model=ZR250&year=all
     
    • Like Like x 1
  6. Phil

    Phil Senior Member Contributing Member

    Messages:
    3,613
    Likes Received:
    1,549
    Trophy Points:
    923
    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2010
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    M C E
    Location:
    Sunshine Coast Qld
    Home Page:
    My Bike:
    Suzuki GT250X7 Kawasaki ZZR600
    Being your first bike ever, I think it would be advisable to change both sprockets and chain and have peace of mind for a long time.
     
    • Like Like x 2
  7. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

    Messages:
    6,397
    Likes Received:
    4,786
    Trophy Points:
    1,148
    Joined:
    May 4, 2013
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Tamworth, NSW
    My Bike:
    1937 Royal Enfield 250, CF Moto 250 V5, Honda's XL250, CBR250, FT500 plus a few others.
    For reliability I would be changing both sprockets and chain.
     
    • Like Like x 1
  8. Jim

    Jim Active Member

    Messages:
    55
    Likes Received:
    27
    Trophy Points:
    88
    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2013
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Sydney, NSW
    My Bike:
    1992 ZXR250C, 1995 VFR750F
    A little test I use: Pull the section of chain that's wrapped around the rear sprocket at the 3 o'clock position. A new chain will barely lift away from the sprocket (and thus, not expose much of the sprocket teeth). Conversely, a worn chain will expose more sprocket teeth. Seeing any more than 1/2 -3/4 of a tooth is a worn chain in my opinion.

    Someone's already mentioned this one, but when you can no longer adjust it to the correct tension. That isn't necessarily when you run out of adjustment.
     
  9. RobJ

    RobJ Member

    Messages:
    9
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    13
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2014
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    ACT
    So, I've been making do with my chain but have decided it's time to replace it.

    I know that I'm after a 520 chain, 14T front and 48T rear sprockets. Any tips as to the best place to pick these up online?

    Also, can anyone point me to a decent (but inexpensive) chain breaker?
     
  10. GreyImport

    GreyImport Administrator Staff Member The Chief Contributing Member

    Messages:
    10,914
    Likes Received:
    6,709
    Trophy Points:
    1,168
    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2012
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Between a Rock and a Hard Place
    Location:
    North by NW NSW Oztralia - Tamworth
    My Bike:
    *Kawasaki ZXR250C *Yamaha FZR250R 3LN1 *Yamaha FZR400 *Triumph Bonneville 750 T140V *Triumph Daytona 675 *Triumph Tiger 800XC
    put your bike in your profile :thumb_ups:
     
  11. Joker

    Joker See "about me" for contact details. Contributing Member

    Messages:
    2,737
    Likes Received:
    1,399
    Trophy Points:
    798
    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2014
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Switzerland
    My Bike:
    SV1000SK3
    Slipstream performance in brisbane area mate, give them a ring or visit website they'll sort you out. Good price too.

    In terms of your sprocket, it's worn but to me it looks ok for now. It will probably last another couple of thousand kms. Here is a picture of a shagged sprocket to compare (albeit this is a front sprocket, same principles):

    20150110_092452.jpg

    To determine if you need to replace the chain, you need to test the stretch.

    1. Grab a manual for your bike and know what the deflection limit is.
    2. Hold a ruler vertically next to the lower section of your chain and pull down. See how much the chain deflects, it should be between the two numbers given in the manual for item (1) above.
    3. Check your rear axle position. There's a slot in the swingarm that allows you to adjust the position of the rear wheel as the chain stretches (that's probably what Mclaren was referring to when he spoke about adjustment). If your axle is to the rear of the slot, your chain is probably stretched to its service limit if the deflection is within spec from point (1). Adjust as required by loosening the axle and adjusting the nuts on the bits of threaded rod sticking out the rear (you may not have this exact setup but something similar will exist).

    Here's a pic of the slotted area (red arrow). Green arrow is where the adjustment rods would be.

    images.jpg
     
    • Like Like x 1
  12. Pygmygod

    Pygmygod Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    159
    Likes Received:
    78
    Trophy Points:
    228
    Joined:
    Mar 19, 2015
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Victoria
    torpedo7 have cheaper tools.
    Savagemx.com.au do cheap chains and sprockets but mostly for dirtbikes.
     
  13. risky

    risky risky

    Messages:
    4,555
    Likes Received:
    1,177
    Trophy Points:
    923
    Joined:
    Nov 4, 2012
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    risky by name AND actions
    Location:
    newcastle,australia
    My Bike:
    honda ca77, megelli x2,fzr yamaha x 5 ,maxim,cb750.cb600 hornet,zxr250,marusho magnum electra.
    chain breaker===third gear.
     
  14. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

    Messages:
    6,397
    Likes Received:
    4,786
    Trophy Points:
    1,148
    Joined:
    May 4, 2013
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Tamworth, NSW
    My Bike:
    1937 Royal Enfield 250, CF Moto 250 V5, Honda's XL250, CBR250, FT500 plus a few others.
    Have bought good chains from Savagemx for cheap prices.
     
  15. Grasshopper

    Grasshopper Well-Known Member Dirty Wheel Club

    Messages:
    1,060
    Likes Received:
    514
    Trophy Points:
    543
    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2014
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Tamworth NSW
    My Bike:
    Yamaha FZR 250 3LN3, Triumph Sprint ST 955i
    I've heard a rumour that Andy's Bike Bits can do some good prices :D. Let me know your bike year model etc. and I'll do the best price I can for you.....
     
  16. risky

    risky risky

    Messages:
    4,555
    Likes Received:
    1,177
    Trophy Points:
    923
    Joined:
    Nov 4, 2012
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    risky by name AND actions
    Location:
    newcastle,australia
    My Bike:
    honda ca77, megelli x2,fzr yamaha x 5 ,maxim,cb750.cb600 hornet,zxr250,marusho magnum electra.
    andy is honest too.
     
  17. RobJ

    RobJ Member

    Messages:
    9
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    13
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2014
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    ACT
    Thanks for the offer Grasshopper.

    It's a 1998 Kawasaki ZR250 Balius.

    Also, are cheap motorcycle chain breakers ok? I used to use a cheap breaker on mountain bike chains and those chains used to snap. Not something I want happening at road speeds :s
     
  18. Grasshopper

    Grasshopper Well-Known Member Dirty Wheel Club

    Messages:
    1,060
    Likes Received:
    514
    Trophy Points:
    543
    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2014
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Tamworth NSW
    My Bike:
    Yamaha FZR 250 3LN3, Triumph Sprint ST 955i
    Well, there are good ones and bad ones... the important thing is to have one that properly "peens" the pin so it doesn't come apart. We just used one on a cam chain - don't want that breaking! I'll message you shortly...
     
  19. risky

    risky risky

    Messages:
    4,555
    Likes Received:
    1,177
    Trophy Points:
    923
    Joined:
    Nov 4, 2012
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    risky by name AND actions
    Location:
    newcastle,australia
    My Bike:
    honda ca77, megelli x2,fzr yamaha x 5 ,maxim,cb750.cb600 hornet,zxr250,marusho magnum electra.
    i used a THIRD GEAR one on the 750 and did an extra bit of peening and no problems.
     
  20. Joker

    Joker See "about me" for contact details. Contributing Member

    Messages:
    2,737
    Likes Received:
    1,399
    Trophy Points:
    798
    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2014
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Switzerland
    My Bike:
    SV1000SK3
    I use a nail punch and a hammer. If that doesn't work and I have a new chain, a grinder works even better!
     
    • Like Like x 1

Share This Page