binding chain

[MARTDNC]

Hi guys,
I'm a newbee with a '05 Dakar; I think I need a new chain; the bike has 18K on it and I'm guessing that it is the original chain. The problem is that I can not adjust the chain as per the manual. I put it on the center stand and then rotate the wheel until the chain is at it's tightest, then adjust the chain. But, after making the adjustment as per the spec's, it is so loose that it slaps. If I adjust the chain when after rotating the wheel until the chain is at it's loosest position, then it binds when I rotate the wheel. Is this trying to tell me that it has stretched to the point were it must be replaced? Do I need to have the sprockets replaced at the same time?

 

[akbeemer]

18,000 miles is a significant number of miles on a chain and sprockets. It would take some very conscientious maintenance habits to have them still have much life in them after so much use. If you are unsure of the mileage on them it would seem prudent to change them. A chain failure can cause a wreck in some cases or can destroy your transmission in other cases.

I recommend you become a user of the Chain Gang site (f650.com). It is a site dedicated to the BMW thumper and is a great source for technical, how to and accessory information. The info on chains and sprockets is at: http://faq.f650.com/FAQs/Chain_Sprockets_FAQ.htm

Changing the sprockets and chain is not a particularly difficult job to do. I got my chain and sprockets, as well as a tool to break and rivet the chain at the Sprocket Center (http://www.sprocketcenter.com/). I found them competitive and easy to use. They will know exactly what chain and sprockets fit your bike and options for changing things. You can change the gearing a tad if you plan on doing mostly higher speed highway driving, for example.

Good luck!!!

P.S. And welcome to the forum!!!!!!!!!!

 

[tommcgee]

Chains have wear limits. Find out what yours is. It will be such and such distance between so many pins. When the chain stretches beyond that distance or you have binding links, it's time for a new one. 18k miles is good life for a chain. Replace your sprocket and countersprocket at the same time as your chain for optimal results.

If you want the best parts available, go here: http://sidewindersprockets.com/titanium_sprockets.html

 

[gblawler]

I just had my 12,000 mile service performed at a BMW dealer. They told me my chain was showing signs of reaching the end, but said both sprockets look fine. They did not suggest that the chain should really be changed then, and said it would probably last until my 18,000 mile service.

Prior to this, I was using PJ1 Blue Label chain lube once per month. After the chain comments, I have increased this to every time I fill up with gas. I also bought a spray can of chain cleaner, but I haven't used that yet.

I also started looking into chain oilers, like Loobman http://www.chainoiler.co.uk/. Aerostitch sells this. I read about a guy with an F650GS who had over 50,000 miles on the original chain using Loobman.

I was hoping that if I keep the chain clean and well lubed, I can make it to my 18,000 mile service and replace the chain along with the sprockets. I have heard that it is a good idea to do them all at the same time as a new chain on worn sprockets will wear out the new chain very quickly, which makes sense.