Chain Advice

[10-Ring]

The chain on my 02 ST is in the process of falling apart in a hurry. Almost 29,000 miles out of the original. Not too bad I guess. Anyway, I need advice on a replacement. What brand, grade, type, ect.

I've spent the last 20 years without a bike and I've forgetten what little I knew about chains.

[triumphrat]

29,000 is a good run for a chain. For replacement you can use any brand chain O or X ring so long as it the right size. Don't forget to replace the sprockets with the chain as they will be worn too. I can assume you've been lubing your chain as you have 29,000 miles on it. The manual will have the the chain size listed

[flyinloww]

I would buy a set with the chain and sprockets here is the best deal I have found so far http://www.sprocketcenter.com/p/3102...--triumph.html

[10-Ring]

Thanks for the link.What about brands though? Anyone have a preference?

[judas]

just purchased a 17/45 kit form sprocketcenter.com should be powering the front wheel up in third now, thanks.

[KitNYC]

I am very, very happy with my EK chain. High-quality o- or x- ring just like every other name-brand chain out there, except for the bolt-on master link. Made a huge difference for me: not only did I not have to buy a $100+ tool to install it, but it also automatically torques the sideplates to the correct depth.

18-tooth front sprocket with stock rear will make the bike much better than stock around town without making much difference in highway miles.

Cheers, HTH,
-Kit

[Tom Herold]

I just did my chain and sprockets too. I went with a JT sprocket set in the stock 18/43 because I'm happy with the performance they give. The chain is teh same one that came from the factory, a DID x-ring. You're looking for a 530/108 chain if you want a direct replacement.

I used the sprocket center too, they're a good bunch of folks. I used them again for the Thunderbird I'm restoring.

I did the sprockets myself, but spent $20 (US) by having a local motorcycle dealer's shop cut the old chain and rivit on the new one. I didn't want to spend the money on the tool to do it myself.

[10-Ring]

Next question. Do you see much/any difference in chain lubes? I have been using Bell Ray. That stuff goes on like a mixture of glue and silly putty. It's so thick and stiff that I wonder if it's able to do it's job, not to mention that it makes a caked on mess out of the chain and sprocet.

[Tom Herold]

Personally I stay away from the chain wax type lubricants, they seem to attract a lot if grit and pile up under the front sprocket cover.

I've used the stuff from Motul and Repsol with good results and my last chain went 22k miles before I replaced it.

Cleaning it with kerosene, diesel fuel or an aftermarket type chain cleaner is important too. Avoid WD-40, it's a penetrating type lubricant and can severly effect the O or X rings ability to keep the grease in, which shortens chain life.

[10-Ring]

Spocket Center has a chain and sprocket set for $186, that doesn't sound too bad. I guess I'll get that ordered up and try to mount it next Saturday.