How bad of a tight spot can a chain have before it needs replacing?

[Rusty the Scoob]

My bike's chain has a pretty bad tight spot: I have it adjusted so that there's the required 1" of movement when it's at it's tight spot, but there's at least 3" of movement for the rest of it. I can hear the tight spot while rolling, and even feel a very slight resistance if I'm coasting very gently.

How bad is this? Do I need a new chain (it only has maybe 5k on it or so) or will it work itself out? Sprocket looks fine, just a slight wear on the teeth. It's a 525 series chain and steel sprockets, and not exactly a high HP bike.

[TTD]

Worry less about the tight spot and more about the stretch of the chain.

Can you pull the chain off the rear sprocket? (pull directly backward at the back of the sprocket)

If it comes off the sprocket more than 1/4 inch or so... replace the chain.

Tightening a chain won't affect whether or not it pulls off the sprocket.

Finally, a slightly loose chain is way better than a slightly tight one (assuming it is a good chain)

[yasure]

time for a new chain and sprockets. 3" of free play?! your asking for it running it that loose.

[TTD]

Free play has nothing to do with whether a chain is good or bad... simply how far back the rear wheel is placed.

You can take a totally stretched out chain and adjust it "properly"... and it is still a bad chain.

[Jim]

Even if my chain isn't stretched that bad, if I have a few kinks, I will replace it. It will be in my head & I'd rather just drop $150 and have one less thing to worry about when riding.

[TTD]

Agreed, but that's only if the chain is warm and lubricated... and still has kinks.

Otherwise, it could simply be a bit "sticky" and that won't cause any real issues.

[Jim]

Good call.

Rusty, give that chain a real good cleaning in kerosene. Don't let it soak for more than like 10 minutes. Give e bike a good 10 ride with good braking and acceleration. Then lube the chain back up (Chain Wax). Give it like 10-15 minutes to dry & check that tight spot on the chain again.

[breakdirt916]

5k miles??

you'll need to replace it soon because of how quickly the wear seems to develop on this chain

[Rusty the Scoob]

Thanks, everybody, I'll order a new set. It did get a little loose on me, seems like the problem is getting worse very quickly. What's everyone's favorite source for a chain and sprockets for a 2002 SV650? Stock gearing and 525 width is fine, I want maximum lifespan and minimum fuss.

[Jim]

DID or try the DID chains, but I'd get a DID.

Sprockets, stick to the stock steel Sunstar ones.

[csmutty]

For a chain go with DID, Regina, RK, etc. For sprockets go with steel JT or sunstar.

[Rusty the Scoob]

Holy crap, it's like I got a brand new motorcycle! Guess it really did need replacing, thanks all!

[Rambunctous]

Now keep it juiced up.

[TheIglu]

Scottoiler.

[Jim]

remember to clean and lube is every 300 miles.

[Rusty the Scoob]

I'm pretty dilligent about cleaning/lubing after every rain ride, not as much when it's dry out.

Scottoiler.

Tempting. I got about 15k of mixed city/highway miles (aka LOTS of stops and starts) out of it though, is it reasonable to expect more?

[Jim]

service manual says to clean it with kerosene and lube it every 300 miles.
i use the 2nd trip meter on my speedo to track when i'm due for another cleaning.

[Kazinator]

Where did you end up buying them from?

[RandyO]

I'm pretty dilligent about cleaning/lubing after every rain ride, not as much when it's dry out.



Tempting. I got about 15k of mixed city/highway miles (aka LOTS of stops and starts) out of it though, is it reasonable to expect more?

on my SV, with 525 chain & scottoiler, I used to get 32k-35k before front sprocket wore out, chain & rear sprocket still looked new, never had to adjust chain other than when replacing rear tire

on my V-strom 1000, I upgraded from 525 to 530 and with scottoiler, I get 45k

[Rusty the Scoob]

Randy, that is amazing! I think my bike lives a much harsher life than yours, but still, very impressive. I love the idea of never adjusting my chain!

Weird that your front sprocket wore fastest, mine always looks fine.

Where did you end up buying them from?

Oneida Suzuki. They sold an OEM kit that was the same price as buying it all individually, and you get the nice rubber rings on the front sprocket to keep the chain quiet as a bonus. (I'm still using the stock exhaust) Only downside is that the chain came as a loop, so I had to remove one link and replace it with the included rivet link, or disconnect my swingarm.

[TheIglu]

Randy, that is amazing! I think my bike lives a much harsher life than yours, but still, very impressive.

I seriously doubt that.

[Rusty the Scoob]

Harsher per mile, I meant. Boston rush hour is not the best way to get long life out of bikes or parts.