Topic: Chain alignment?

[skamania19]

The 750 I bought in August supposedly had a new chain on it. I'm not convinced of that yet, though. After 1400 miles the chain was stretched to its limit. After I replaced it I got to wondering if the old one was perhaps misaligned. Both old sprockets still look pretty good.

My questions are: What damage does a misaligned chain (wheel) do? Is the wear from being crooked different on an O-ring chain than a standard chain? If the chain wasn't running straight should the sprockets be worn down? I've checked previous threads and think I can make sure the new one is running straight.

 

[Jim Shea]

Biffta,
Do you think that the standard chain(15 quid) offered by DSS is OK? they refer to it as heay duty!
I assume this is not an O ring? Would you advise only fitting an O ring?

[Bob Wessner]

Jim,

Personally, I don't think there is anything wrong with a standard chain if it is properly maintained. These bikes originally had standard chains and metallurgy has improved in the past 30 years, so a quality, standard chain today is far superior to the originals. Now, having said that, many have switched to o-ring chains with no problems. I considered it for mine, even had the chain and was ready to install it. Then a thread popped-up here regarding the additional width of the o-ring chains (because of the o-rings either side between, the plates) some had encountered problems where the extra width caused wear on the engine case up near the front sprocket. I measured mine and it was very, very close and I didn't want to take a chance so I stayed with the standard chain. Many have had no problems whatsoever and swear by the o-rings. There are several threads on this here about this subject, try a search and decide for yourself. Good luck.

[Jim Shea]

Bob,
I would rather stay with a standard chain, I have no reason to go for an O ring. When you fit your chain, do you stay with the normal link connector(not sure of the tech term)? or do you rivet the chain instead? I have heard that this is stronger and safer?
Jim.

[Bob Wessner]

I used the removable master link that came with the new chain myself. If you decide to use one also, just make sure the open end of the clip for the removable link faces opposite the direction of chain travel.

[Jim Shea]

Thanks for the advice.
Have you ever had(or heard of) many well maintained chains coming off? I understand it does terrible damage?

[Bob Wessner]

Well, I guess any chain can part company with itself, but if a good quality, matched with new sprockets, properly maintained and aligned and periodically checked for stretch and wear, this should not be a problem. Shedding chains were an issue early on with some of these and it usually resulted in a holed engine case up near the front sprocket  . There are a number of threads here on that fix also, though I would perfer to never have to use one.

[Jim Shea]

Thanks. "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure", or something like that!!

[Jim Shea]

Dave,
I thought 15 quid was cheap; the front sprocket is 7 quid and the rear is 15 quid! I assume these are also crap from China?
Where can I get a 'decent' chain and sprockets from and what should they cost?
Jim.

[Jim Shea]

Will do, ta....