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Should I bother with spare chain/sprockets? Should I bother with spare chain/sprockets?
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Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
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  #1  
Old 2 Oct 2006
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Should I bother with spare chain/sprockets?
I'm off to Cape Town down the east coast of Africa in a few weeks.

The bike has done a few thoudsand miles, so the chain is pretty much brand new.

Should I carry the extra weight of a spare chain and sprockets? Or will I be fine without it?

I'm guessing that if the chain is properly maintained I should be ok?
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Old 2 Oct 2006
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It depends .
What kind of bike ?
Heavy laden ?
What kind of chain ?
Condition of the sprockets when you set out on your trip ?
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Old 3 Oct 2006
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make sure its new or near new, especially if
you're running accessories.
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Last edited by mollydog; 26 Mar 2009 at 07:15.
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  #4  
Old 3 Oct 2006
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Yeah.

Most factory bikes come with 'o' ring chains and they are pretty good. But the newer aftermarket designs are even better. I think DID lists a 'wear factor', for lack of a better term, on their website that offers a comparison between a few different chain designs.

Another Ahmen on a fresh top-notch battery, too.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog
Like Dodger sez: Depends on type of bike and type of chain.

Singles eat up chains pretty fast. How many miles do you estimate to
Capetown? A chain in perfect condition should do 10,000 miles (even
on a single) if cared for.

On a twin even more miles if you take it easy. Many new, stock OE chains tend to be low spec items. I would upgrade to a DID X-ring VM chain (if possible) and new OE sprockets. Now you KNOW you can make it on ONE chain-sprocket set. Why gamble? You can always use up the old chain
and sprockets when you return, so they won't be wasted.

Same for the battery, make sure its new or near new, especially if
you're running accessories.

Good luck,

Patrick
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Old 3 Oct 2006
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Hi Ian. Just to let you know, I put some 30,000kms on a new DID chain and fresh sprockets through the Americas (BMW Dakar). I could have pushed them further but elected to have Javier (Dakar Motos) change them out in Buenos Aires as I went to Africa from there. The front sprocket was almost good as new (I carry it as a spare) while the rear sprocket was in pretty bad shape. I'm also carrying my old chain with me as a spare- you AIN'T gonna find a new chain in most places along the way. I take good care of my chain, never letting it get dried out, etc. I'm in Zambia now, heading north- just might see you someday. Great luck to you, Dave!
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Old 4 Oct 2006
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only one way to be sure..............
............you don't need one is to take one - i'm only just starting at this type of jaunt but i'm thinking that within reason i'll take everything i can - i've bought a spares horse bike so apart from obvious things like levers, i can take a cdi, regulator, coils and anything else i can think of - just a matter of space and weight, but with 3 panniers and loose luggage i can afford to dedicate a hard pannier to spares, tools, fluids etc. - it's even crossing my mind whether to fit another battery in there and wire it caravan style, run auxillary stuff from there and then i've got back-up for starting if i switch the batteries over - what do you think, would that work? - i'll be on an XTZ750 solo so weight isn't a huge issue.
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