Chain adjustment and replacement

[CiscoGoodDog]

During the first 350 mile (gentle) brake-in, I have adjusted my chain twice. Is that normal? I have kept it clean and well lubricated, and properly adjusted. Does it seem that the chain is wearing abnormally? My GS Suzuki was shaft drive, so I'm not familiar with 'normal' chain ware. Does anyone have a recommendation for a replacement chain (when the time comes)?

 

[Bertocello]

This should not be regular. After 4600 kilometer i dit not once adjust my chain. Still there is a 2,5 centimeter slack when i push the chain up and down. I am a very defesive rider and i oil my chain every 100 kilometer.

 

[Back Road Rider]

I didn't have to adjust mine until I hit 3600 miles. Twice during break-in is not normal.

 

[Chuck in Indiana]

well lubricated, and properly adjusted.

Are you sure it's not too tight?

 

[CiscoGoodDog]

Thanks for the response. I am using Maxima Chain Wax spray chain lube. I'm pretty sure I'm not running it too tight. I adjust it to 25mm of deflection measured from the middle of the lower section of chain. I will follow @Bertocello 's advice and lube more often.

 

[Geoffclipclop]

Mine did need adjusting twice in the first 300 miles, I'm now at 600 miles and it has settled down, I love the chain frequently with gear oil brushed on and allowed time to find it's way into the rollers.

 

[CiscoGoodDog]

I'm now at 600 miles and it has settled down

I'm making regular 80-mile commutes to work, and my chain is staying in adjustment now. It probably helps that I am lubing my chain each day when I get home. ;-)

 

[Geoffclipclop]

It is quite normal for a new chain and sprockets to wear in over the first few hundred miles, there are many friction surfaces in a chain, even a small length change shows up on adjustment.
Mine has settled down now it is bedded in, requiring much less adjustment, but regular lube is important, and if in dusty or dirty conditions it is good to clean the chain before lube too.

 

[Roy Gavin]

Are you talking deflection or total movement, and are you measuring on the centre stand or with the weight on the wheels?
The handbook is not clear, but the chain is at its tightest when the sprockets and swinging arm pivot line up, and the rear has to be loaded for this to occur.
DID suggest 30 mm total movement at the tightest point, which can translate to over 40 ish mm on the centre stand, hence the old advice to have three fingers wide total movement on the stand.
I soak the chain with ATF every 500 km, so that as it flings off it takes the dirt with it - cant see the point of forcing the dirt down into the rings with a brush.
Gear oil works too, but doesn't have the seal conditioners ATF has.
Scottoilers work too, got over 100,000 km out of a chain on a VFR with one, but the expense and work in fitting seems to put most folks off them.

 

[CiscoGoodDog]

the chain is at its tightest when the sprockets and swinging arm pivot line up

I didn't consider that. I've been checking while the bike is on the center stand. I will reach down and check the slack while I'm sitting on it.