Triumphrat

throttlejockey154 · 07-25-2009, 06:52 PM

i brought speedy in to the dealer to have a noise checked out. Kind of like a cracking noise. I thought it was wheel bearings. They say my chain is bad. They say 10-12,000 miles on a chain. I did measure it, it was right at the upper stretch limit. What do y'all think on chain life? They say they need to pull the swingarm? Anybody have aftermarket chains? I inspected sprockets before I brought it in, they look good,no sharkfin. they also say that, but get new anyway. what do you guys think? I have 9900 miles.

Ferris · 07-25-2009, 07:16 PM

9,900 miles is pretty sad for the stock chain. Mine is mint at 23,000km and I'd expect at least double that before replacing. I would replace sprockets and chain at the same time, but that's just me.
I don't get the "drop swingarm" comment. Have they not heard of a chain breaker?

PhilM · 07-25-2009, 10:28 PM

23,00 miles on the OEM chain, 35,000 miles on the DID X2 ring replacement.
Just replaced the DID with a RK RXring. Interested in how it will last.
Replaced front sprocket when installing the DID, turned it around when installing the RK.
Original rear sprocket still looks fine.

201050 · 07-25-2009, 10:40 PM

I usually get about 15,000 - 18,000. If you've been taking care of it and had it properly adjusted all this time, 9,900 seems premature to me. Also, I'm not someone who believes in changing the sprockets each time, whether they need it or not. I've never understood the "change the sprockets just because" way of thinking. If they don't need it - then they don't need it.

throttlejockey154 · 07-26-2009, 01:26 AM

i have been less than diligent on clean& lube on the chain. I did check tension, always within limits. Pulling the swingarm makes no sense to me either, i asked, the guy said the chain is a continuous loop. I said so what, slide it over. Are tolerances that tight? Obviously i cant check.

Ferris · 07-26-2009, 03:41 AM

Here's a pic of mine being joined during its 20,000km service. Obviously not a big deal to remove and join and that was just to clean.

ruscook · 07-26-2009, 05:18 AM

Wow Ferris that cahins is in good nick for 20000km. I got just over 38000km out of my 07 Speed Triple oem chain.

I wash and an lube reasonably regularly but also do a bit of dirt and long high speed running so was reasonably happy with that. Chain got really stretched on the way to the island in 08 (I think it was). The guys at Bairnsdale (Yamaha I think) did well for us and out of us on that day. 1 chain and 3 tyres. But they did them all immediately, at retail prices and all we had to do was have lunch (leaving our gear in the shop) while they did it. Great Service!

Russ

201050 · 07-26-2009, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ferris

Here's a pic of mine being joined during its 20,000km service. Obviously not a big deal to remove and join and that was just to clean.

Very nice, sir.
Also, I'm not really clear on why the swing arm has to be removed on TJ's bike.

Putting the bike on the stand and going over the chain to clean & lube is something I look forward to. I use that time to look over connections, lines, wires, bolts, etc. Those are the times where I'm familiarizing myself with the finer points of the machine. That helps me notice when something may be out of sorts later.

I push her out in the driveway, put her on the stand, turn on a baseball game or put on a favorite CD, pour a cup of coffee and it becomes something other than a chore. Some of the guys I ride with razz me about how meticulous I am with maintenance and cleaning, but my bikes are daily rides, year-round, in all weather.

To me, maintenance is key to a long-lived bike. I just sold my 95 Speed Triple several weeks ago and she most definitely did not look 15 years old. To me, regular maintenance is worth the time.

Speed3 · 07-26-2009, 04:27 PM

There is no need to remove the swingarm. Just get a good connecting link like this one http://www.didchain.com/install.htm and you'll be good to go. Also, your chain should last at least twice as long with regular maintenance.

throttlejockey154 · 07-27-2009, 11:54 AM

Well, I have done some research and think i am going to buy a chain(did 520 vm premium), connecting links, and tool on ebay. I should be able to get all this for around 200 plus shipping. Anybody ever use a place called cyclehead, they're out of michigan someplace. The dealer is supposed to call me Tuesday, I suppose they will be pissed if i am getting parts someplace else. I will give them a chance to quote me for labor. Otherwise i will end up doing this in the parking lot. I am getting a 108 link chain so i will be able to practice with my new tool before using it for real.