Tuesday, December 20, 2011

How often should I replace the chain of my Suzuki SV650S motorcycle?

The time to replace the chain is when it is adjusted all the way out on the adjusters at the rear sprocket.





This is universal for all motorcycle chains.





How often? It's subjective to miles, time, and riding technique. Most often though around 10,000 to 20,000 miles for me.|||The life expectancy of a chain depends on several factors.I would remove it and measure it. Compare with a new one and make up my mind from there.|||First it depends if it is an o-ring chain or not! O-ring chains last longer because they have grease inserted between two o-rings. non-oring chains need lube on a regular basis. The easiest way to know if your chain needs to be replaced is to remove it and bend it side to side. Hard to explain but it is the obvious way that the chain is not being bent. It should only bend from end to end about 6 inches. A worn chain will bend a lot more. Also the sprockets will tell the tale the holes will look oblong when it is time to replace them, and yes you should replace both the chain and sprockets at the same time!|||If the sprockets are worn or damaged the chain should be replaced at the same time, regular cleaning and lubing will extend the life of a chain; there are products, Scottoiler for example, which automatically lube the chain.|||A good basic way to check for chain wear is to pull the chain away from the sprocket teeth on the rearmost part of the sprocket. (3 o'clock or 9 o'clock depending on which side


the drive is on). If you can see around one third or more of a tooth, it's worn. While your at it take a good look at the teeth.


If they are starting to form a point, they are worn too. Replace sprockets in a set. Bad sprockets will wear out a new chain


quickly.

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