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Well, it turns out the chain that had 'passed' several inspections was past the end of its service life.
I had the original chain and sprockets on the bike, with 23, 694 miles on them. I'd been doing the pull and push testing, and the chain did not exhibit any of the 'telltale' signs of wear. The rear sprocket looked fine.
A recent ride gave me pause. When I got back into town, the bike was giving me some strange signals. Mostly, when I left a stop, until after I shifted into second gear, I was getting a weird 'pulsing'; it felt like it was from the drivetrain.
So, since my mileage was way up there anyhow, I decided to change out the whole works.
Looking at the SprocketCenter site, I couldn't find a kit for my bike with a grey or 'silver' or nickel chain. All the kits I found had Gold chains. So I called. Chad hooked me up.
Soon, a shiny new JT 43 tooth rear, a not shiny JT 18 front and a very greasy RK XSO 530 110 link chain was at my door. Note: The '03 ST uses a 108 link chain, plus ML.
I did a side-by-side comparison of the components when I pulled the old stuff off the bike. The old Sunstar rear looked almost exactly the same as the new bit. Very little wear.
The front 19 tooth was pretty worn, but not yet showing the 'hook' of a very badly worn unit.
The chain, however, was interesting. I thought the old chain (a D.I.D x-ring) while not showing any 'stretch' or length limit signs, did move sideways more than it should. However, when I stretched the new and old chain out, they both deflected (bowed. maybe?) almost exactly the same amount.
But, the old chain was significantly 'stiffer'. When I examined the link I had cut to break the chain, the pins were bone dry. In fact, the 'lubricant' resisted a fingernail.
So, replacement done, I took the bike out for a quick spin. First, the bike is much, much 'smoother'. Turns out the old chain was creating a lot of vibration. Second, the 18 tooth sprocket gives the bike a more 'peppy' feel.
I suppose I'm just going to plan on replacements every 20,000 miles or so.
Lastly, a note. I reassembled the chain with a borrowed HP Tools "HP Heavy Duty Chain Press Kit". It was a PITA. The main part of the tool works fine, I suppose. The chain tools, though, aren't worth a [email protected] The tools are not 'right' for the job; I feel there is at least one tool missing, and when I pressed the second rivet, the mandrel came apart. Luckily, I managed a good 'shroom' in spite of it.
So, I'm hoping the chain tool that OnD advertised is still available. I may not need it for another five years, but at least I'll have it!
Kudos again to Chad at SprocketCenter!
I had the original chain and sprockets on the bike, with 23, 694 miles on them. I'd been doing the pull and push testing, and the chain did not exhibit any of the 'telltale' signs of wear. The rear sprocket looked fine.
A recent ride gave me pause. When I got back into town, the bike was giving me some strange signals. Mostly, when I left a stop, until after I shifted into second gear, I was getting a weird 'pulsing'; it felt like it was from the drivetrain.
So, since my mileage was way up there anyhow, I decided to change out the whole works.
Looking at the SprocketCenter site, I couldn't find a kit for my bike with a grey or 'silver' or nickel chain. All the kits I found had Gold chains. So I called. Chad hooked me up.
Soon, a shiny new JT 43 tooth rear, a not shiny JT 18 front and a very greasy RK XSO 530 110 link chain was at my door. Note: The '03 ST uses a 108 link chain, plus ML.
I did a side-by-side comparison of the components when I pulled the old stuff off the bike. The old Sunstar rear looked almost exactly the same as the new bit. Very little wear.
The front 19 tooth was pretty worn, but not yet showing the 'hook' of a very badly worn unit.
The chain, however, was interesting. I thought the old chain (a D.I.D x-ring) while not showing any 'stretch' or length limit signs, did move sideways more than it should. However, when I stretched the new and old chain out, they both deflected (bowed. maybe?) almost exactly the same amount.
But, the old chain was significantly 'stiffer'. When I examined the link I had cut to break the chain, the pins were bone dry. In fact, the 'lubricant' resisted a fingernail.
So, replacement done, I took the bike out for a quick spin. First, the bike is much, much 'smoother'. Turns out the old chain was creating a lot of vibration. Second, the 18 tooth sprocket gives the bike a more 'peppy' feel.
I suppose I'm just going to plan on replacements every 20,000 miles or so.
Lastly, a note. I reassembled the chain with a borrowed HP Tools "HP Heavy Duty Chain Press Kit". It was a PITA. The main part of the tool works fine, I suppose. The chain tools, though, aren't worth a [email protected] The tools are not 'right' for the job; I feel there is at least one tool missing, and when I pressed the second rivet, the mandrel came apart. Luckily, I managed a good 'shroom' in spite of it.
So, I'm hoping the chain tool that OnD advertised is still available. I may not need it for another five years, but at least I'll have it!
Kudos again to Chad at SprocketCenter!
