Chain Life expectancy.

[SLO]

I have OEM chain. Clean ,lube every 200 miles or less, and have 4700 plus miles and I haven't adjusted in over 1500 miles. 13 tooth front sprocket with SHINKO 244 3/0 s in front and rear 143cc BBK What is average life span for OEM chain?

 

[ShieldArc]

Five Signs Your Motorcycle Chain NEEDS Replacing FZ6 Example - YouTube

 

[SneakyDingo]

Average lifespan of a chain varies incredibly. Skinny vs. Fat rider, hilly terrain vs flat, 200 miles through dirt and silt vs 200 miles of clean running. I'd hesitate there's no singular answer to that question, just what's average for you.

That video is slightly inaccurate for our bikes in the measurement but the rest is fine. They use a 5xx chain on the FZ6, while ours uses a 428 chain, and the pitch (pin-to-pin) is different. On our bikes, 12 links is 12", so you can use the Sheldon Brown method and estimations, as bicycle chains are generally roughly the same spec - 12 pins, 12" is spec, or 10 pins and 254mm.

12" method:
1/16" stretch = approx 0.5% stretch. Worn, still good to replace without doing sprockets.
1/8" stretch = approx 1% stretch. Chain is worn out.

10 pins, 254mm method:
1mm = 0.4% stretch, chain is worn but good without doing sprockets.
2.5mm = 1% stretch, chain is at manufacturer spec limit.

 

[NMCoyote]

With proper maintenance as you are presently providing, the chain will last longer than you will. Just sayin!

 

[Cpd419]

My vstrom had 24,000 miles mostly on the road with some gravel. It and the sprockets were still like new when I sold it.

 

[FastEddyz]

I’m looking to replace my chain with the DID 428 VX but confused about the length. Is it 106 or 108 for the 2021 Trail 125?

 

[SneakyDingo]

I’m looking to replace my chain with the DID 428 VX but confused about the length. Is it 106 or 108 for the 2021 Trail 125?

108 links with the OEM setup. Page 101 in the online manual if you have a copy of that.

 

[FastEddyz]

108 links with the OEM setup. Page 101 in the online manual if you have a copy of that.

View attachment 8229

Perfect. Thanks!

 

[Wisco125]

I have OEM chain. Clean ,lube every 200 miles or less, and have 4700 plus miles and I haven't adjusted in over 1500 miles. 13 tooth front sprocket with SHINKO 244 3/0 s in front and rear 143cc BBK What is average life span for OEM chain?

I stuck Scottoiler minis on both my '22 and '23 Trails on day 1 of ownership. Do it with every new bike. When I walk out of work and see that drop of oil on ground under applicator it gives me real ocd satisfaction. Probably cheaper to buy new chains over time, but just for fun I wanna see how far it will let these cheapo budget chains run. Flat, smooth 25-45mph around town riding. I'll let you know how it's going 10 years from now.

 

[dmonkey]

For the Scottoiler minis (micros?) where did you end up mounting them and drawing vacuum? I'd be interested to see your setup on the CT125. Thanks