Better handling!

[ronboskz650sr]

Well, I finally got around to changing my chain and sprockets. The guy I bought the bike from last year didn't know when this had been done last, as he was owner #3. In the last 2500 miles or so, I've gotten annoyed with the obvious kinks that won't straighten after cleaning and lube. Performance was suffering, with rough take-offs, chain stretch/clunk on shifting, etc. When I got my new rear tire a few weeks back, the mechanic "eyeballed" the chain tension, and got it way too loose. I can tell you, that really aggrevates the already irritating symptoms. This prompted me to order the parts and just do it. It took me about an hour, even with my current back injury slowing things down..and what a difference!

Well, here's the coolest part...My old chain was so stretched (yes, I've been soft-pedaling around for quite awhile for safety) I felt an immediate change in the handling of the bike from the new shorter wheelbase! I even went home to count the links on the old chain, it was so obvious. I thought maybe the PO had the wrong one on. I mean, the change is dramatic! Even slow speed turning around in the road takes way less road. I'm going to measure the old chain wear today and do some math, but I'm guessing 3/8 -1/2 inch difference in wheelbase. I didn't think to write down the old adjuster settings. Didn't care.

I've been having a blast riding, but didn't know what I was missing! I'm glad I changed to softer tires first. I guess I won't put this off so long next time! I have been pretty good about doing the immediate maintenace/replacement of things that were unknown when I bought the bike, except for this one. It feels like a different bike...especially with the expected smoothness and quiet added in. Lesson learned...just wanted to pass it on.

[Joe Mc]

That is something I've been putting off on my bike too. Didn't think a chain and sprockets would make such a dramatic difference though.

I think I'll be changing mine sooner rather than later now.

How much did the parts cost you?

[ronboskz650sr]

It was around $100 at the independent shop I use. The dealer will be much more.

[CentralOzzy]

Chains SUCK!

Having said that, if you don't perform regular maintenance & replace both Chain & Sprockets when worn out, you can't really expect smooth handling....eh.

When I had bikes with chains, (which suck!) how I tested the chain at least, was to see if I could 'Pull' the chain 'away' from the back of the rear sprockets teeth.... & if it did move quite a bit away from the sprocket then the chain was stuffed. Easy to do that check.

Visually inspecting the teeth of the sprocket was also easy, just look for worn down teeth & or 'hooked' teeth. If you have, then replace.

It's amazing what you get used to....slowly over many miles, such as the above problem. I'm wondering, didn't it also become noisy, like a grinding/crunching sound emanating from your rear wheel??

& why didn't the tire fitter mention the state of affairs to you? You know, if it was that buggered, when the guy adjusted the chain, he probably adjusted it when the chain was at it's tightest point (cause the chain was worn out) which means that it would be tight-ish in one spot & way loose everywhere else.

I guess it pays to keep the final drive components up to spec. & not loose the horsepower....& for $100, that's a bargain!!

BTW, I LOVE my Belt Drive....

[Mintbread]

Ever since I snapped a chain on my first bike, I have been rather fastidious with chain care and replacement. Overtaking two semi trailers and having to coast between them to pull over is not something I wish to do again.

I can't believe the guy who put your rear tyre on said nothing about the condition of your chain. Obviously wasn't his department.