Chain Replacement

Discussion in 'Technical Help' started by Graeme Copland, Jan 1, 2019.

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  1. Graeme Copland

    Graeme Copland New Member

    Nov 25, 2018
    2
    3
    Darlington
    hi happy new year to everyone just wondering I have a triumph sprint ST which is the single sided swing arm and no indication on wen the chain needs replacing how would I no this please thanks in advance
     
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  2. brown mouse

    brown mouse Elite Member

    Sep 15, 2018
    2,288
    943
    East Midlands, UK
    Have you looked in your Owners Handbook? If you've don't have a copy you can download one. Under the section 'Chain and Sprocket Wear Inspection' it includes measuring length of links to detect wear.
     
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  3. Callumity

    Callumity Elite Member

    Feb 25, 2017
    3,358
    800
    Nr Biggar
    Chains and sprockets wear together - the gearbox sprocket more than the rear simply because it turns more.
    The quick and easy test is to grasp a link at the pin on the rear sprocket and pull it rearwards off the sprocket. You should barely be able to move it but a worn chain/sprocket will come apart a few mm. 4 or 5 mm is a pretty tired chain.
    You should also test each link for tightness or excessive wear. It is a quirk that chains do not wear evenly so you will notice when adjusting the chain that the slack will vary at different points of chain rotation.
    https://www.wemoto.com/info/motorcycle_chain_and_sprocket_guide
     
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  4. capt

    capt Elite Member

    May 8, 2016
    3,052
    750
    western Australia
    The general rule to replace a drive chain are, does it fail one of the following.
    Several links are seized up or close to it, you have a really bad tight spot that if you adjust chain at , the rest of the chain is So loose ! Or at the rear sprocket, you can pull or lift the chain off the sprocket several mm's !

    And definitely if the chain can or will bend significantly side to side !
     
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  5. Sprinter

    Sprinter Kinigit

    Aug 17, 2014
    6,026
    1,000
    uk
     
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  6. BigCLM

    BigCLM Senior Member

    Nov 30, 2017
    1,017
    243
    San Rafael, CA
    I agree. The OM shows you exactly how to check for chain/sprocket wear.
     
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  7. topbanana0

    topbanana0 Well-Known Member

    Mar 27, 2016
    226
    93
    South Wales
    This is from a speed triple manual, guess it's the same image.png
     
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  8. DanielB

    DanielB Noble Member

    Jan 13, 2019
    882
    393
    Abingdon, Oxfordshire
    I am close, I think, to replacing the chain on my 955i. As I slowly learn my way around the bike, this seems like a reasonably advanced activity for a newbie - with tools, the manual, and lots of advice.

    On the assumption that the chain IS in need of replacement - it does seem to be the original chain at 25k miles...and little splinters of rubber are poking out between the links in some places (I assume these are bits of O ring), is this any good as a replacement?

    https://www.squaredeals-ltd.co.uk/s...-premium-strength-free-chain-tool-32816-p.asp

    What should I be looking for in a new chain? Other than being "shiny and gold"...anything else? I will of course do both sprockets too!
     
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  9. Richard Neale

    Richard Neale Active Member

    Apr 20, 2018
    156
    43
    Northwich
    Hi yes ZVMX by DID is a proper long lasting job! With good sprockets and regular lubing should last many 1000 miles / years,. Is the chains are normally endless, you may need to grind off the old chain and have a riveting tool for the fitment (or slip your local shop 20 quid for chain swap if you do the sprockets first ...
     
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  10. Callumity

    Callumity Elite Member

    Feb 25, 2017
    3,358
    800
    Nr Biggar
    You have picked a top end replacement package. It may well outlast your ownership of the bike.....
    Given the work involved, cheap chains are a marginal saving even when you do the work yourself. It is easy enough to split a chain by grinding the head of a pin but the biggest thing to attend to is securely flattening the head on the replacement. You can do it with a cheap tool which is semi disposable but the loan of a quality riveter makes it much easier to accomplish.
    Lots on YouTube.
     
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  11. DanielB

    DanielB Noble Member

    Jan 13, 2019
    882
    393
    Abingdon, Oxfordshire
    Thanks chaps....all taken on board, and glad I chose a goodn'!
     
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  12. DanielB

    DanielB Noble Member

    Jan 13, 2019
    882
    393
    Abingdon, Oxfordshire
    Hello hive mind...

    Using your hugely valued collective advice once again...and on teh assumption I am now going to progress this chain replacement with (as above):

    https://www.squaredeals-ltd.co.uk/s...-premium-strength-free-chain-tool-32816-p.asp

    what sprocket combinations should I be going for? I assume it may well be in my manual...(but i am at work, and itching to buy)!

    Or...if there is a different tooth combination, why, what does it do, and what might i notice?

    Thanks!!
     
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  13. RSReggie

    RSReggie Active Member

    Apr 9, 2019
    114
    43
    North West UK
    What sprockets have you got ?
    If you want more perky more revvy? delivery go down one at front and
    up one at rear for a noticeable change.

    If too perky and you want more relaxed feel better economy go up on front down on rear.

    If you are happy as is then stick to same.
     
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  14. DanielB

    DanielB Noble Member

    Jan 13, 2019
    882
    393
    Abingdon, Oxfordshire

    That's a very good point - what do I have now! I'll count some teeth when I get home! I think I may prefer more relaxed - thank you for explaining!
     
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  15. DanielB

    DanielB Noble Member

    Jan 13, 2019
    882
    393
    Abingdon, Oxfordshire
    ...and another thing...I am happy to grind the old chain off...is connecting the new one obvious and easy...or tools required?

    (Or, as suggested above, change the sprockets myself, and then see if the local garage will do a chain swap?)
     
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  16. RSReggie

    RSReggie Active Member

    Apr 9, 2019
    114
    43
    North West UK
    You will need a riveting tool to fit the link on the new chain, so if you swap the sprockets , don't grind the chain off unless you have the tool ...
     
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  17. Red Thunder

    Red Thunder Crème de la Crème

    Dec 2, 2014
    2,035
    1,000
    High Wycombe
    https://www.gearingcommander.com/
     
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  18. Red Thunder

    Red Thunder Crème de la Crème

    Dec 2, 2014
    2,035
    1,000
    High Wycombe
    @DanielB
    You don't live a million mile from me mate, I'm in High Wycombe
    If you have the chain and sprockets, I have the tools (Dremil for removing old pin, chain breaker/riviter, stand, tools for wheel, spindle and sprocket removal)
    Have changed a few chains on my Speed Triples in the past

    What bike is it on?

    Happy to help one evening or weekend
     
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  19. DanielB

    DanielB Noble Member

    Jan 13, 2019
    882
    393
    Abingdon, Oxfordshire
    Excellent Red Thunder, I may well take you up on that!
     
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  20. Red Thunder

    Red Thunder Crème de la Crème

    Dec 2, 2014
    2,035
    1,000
    High Wycombe
    What bike is it for?
     
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