Hey fellow riders,

Noob asking some input..

I'm leaving on my Dakar on a 4 month trip (Belgium Japan via the Stan's), about 25.000km and am looking up information about chains (tension, durability,..). I seem incapable of getting it correct and use my chain/sprockets a bit too fast I feel.
(on the Dakar, factory chain is still on, but want to put a new one on before I leave)

Can I ask some experienced guys for some input?

- What's the best way to check chain tension? Manual etc says unloaded to about 4.5cm of 'play' but I have a chain guide which blocks the full up-and-down movement so no way to really tell .. Apart from that, I always feel like it would be better to check tension with some/all load on the bike (with some help obv) so to avoid overtensioning
- Is there any chain, provided good tension, maintenance, chainging front sprocket timely,.. etc which has a great chance of surviving the trip? (DID ZVM-X?)
- Whats the best way to ensure good lubrication? I read a lot that oil is actually better than sticky stuff (which entraps the dirt and resembles sand-paper). I have (from previous bike) a Scottoiler but will settle for WD 40 mainly I think for this trip
- What sort of chain tool (lightweigt like motion pro T6 or 'all-in' like DID KM501) should I take (or not even bother?) with shich link type?

Sorry for all this, but might be interesting for other riders as well I thought so I allowed myself to ask all at once ;-)

Thanks in advance

A.