Topic: Life of a chain

[BallAquatics]

I got 13000 miles on the first chain on my'74 CB550. Just installed a new one today and was wondering how long it should last with proper care?

Dennis

[BomberMann650]

13kmi is exceptional!!!

I try to get my chain to last the life of the tires.  6-8k.  Thats good for cheap chain.

[Gene]

I suppose it would depend on the chain - brand, type, quality.  A cheapo chain won't get you long, it'll stretch out quickly.

[754]

I have gotten 18,000 miles.. Three tires..lots of laying rubber..
 My buddy got about 42,00 miles on a Diamond XDL..!

Chain care makes a difference.

[TwoTired]

Chain care makes a difference.

Sure does, also avoiding sand, riding in the rain.  And getting a chain made with high durability metals.

Whether it is on old or new sprockets matters also.  Worn sprockets make a new chain wear faster.

The second chain on used sprockets never lasts as long as the first one to mate with the new sprockets.

Cheers,

[Gene]

Chain care makes a difference.

Sure does, also avoiding sand, riding in the rain.  And getting a chain made with high durability metals.

Whether it is on old or new sprockets matters also.  Worn sprockets make a new chain wear faster.

The second chain on used sprockets never lasts as long as the first one to mate with the new sprockets.

Cheers,

This.

[seanbarney41]

I think 15k miles is reasonable out of an o-ring chain.  I got 27,000 out of the original 630 chain on my 750f3 with little to no maintainence by me or the previous owner/s.

[333]

I never replace a chain without changing sprockets as well.  That way, I'm never disappointed with it's life span.

[HondaMan]

I've run the Diamond XDL more than 45,000 miles, and only then changed it at 1.5% stretch because I wanted to: even the sprockets were still in good shape (I still have those, 30 years later, in the box). Oil it every 2nd tank of gas (moly-laced Kal-Gard lube in my case), wash it full force at the carwash whenever I wash the bike, then ride 5 miles to fling out the water before lubing it again, lube it warm, usually.

I've never seen anything outlast the Diamond XL or XDL. Even their modern version, the Powersport, only gives me about 25k-30k miles. Harlel shops today still carry the XDL...if you can afford their prices!

[754]

I never replace a chain without changing sprockets as well.  That way, I'm never disappointed with it's life span.

Hope you kept the rear sprockets...might still be runnable..

[74cb750]

I never replace a chain without changing sprockets as well.  That way, I'm never disappointed with it's life span.

true that!
Guess I usually buy cheap chains as I've never had one last more than 9, 000 miles.
Will hav e to try a better chain/o-ring for my next bike (either the cb350 or cb500 projects)

[TwoTired]

Oring chains on CB550s and 500s can score the engine cases.  Better check clearance.

[The Machine]

I have a 75 CB550, what's a decent brand that's not too expensive for a non o ring chain you'd recommend? I see them for all sorts of prices. Also what size, 530 100 link?

[TwoTired]

I've gotten decent service out of DID 530 standard chains.
I don't remember the number of links.  And my books are 700 miles away. Sorry.

Cheers,

[Gene]

I've gotten decent service out of DID 530 standard chains.
I don't remember the number of links.  And my books are 700 miles away. Sorry.

Cheers,

DID 530 100. Inexpensive but not "cheap". or was it 110?  I think it was 100.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Depends on the quality, the strength rating number and how you take care of it. Cheap chains won't last so long. It's a good place to make an investment.

[The Machine]

Thanks, it's 100. I counted the links on my old chain.

[HondaMan]

Oring chains on CB550s and 500s can score the engine cases.  Better check clearance.

+1, what he said...
I just finished a 550 with well-sawed sprocket cover from using an O-ring chain, had to replace the cover.