Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Tech
Tech ALL bikes: "Generic" tech questions and answers. Maintenance, general discussions etc.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 23 Sep 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: england
Posts: 35
big single chains

I used to have a 92 xtz660 and I used to get through two chains a year, they would break when I was in the middle of nowhere. Is this because singles are hard on chains and I am just a rubbish rider who didn't use the revs and gears properly? or was there something wrong with the bike?

I was fairly new to riding and I suppose i could have been over tensioning the chain.

I have had a kle500 for the last 3 years and the chain on that did 24000 miles before i felt it needed changing. It hardly every needs adjusting either. Its actually a very good bike. It is a twin that has about the same power as a 660 single. I do about 10000 miles a year including two up touring.

But I still love tenere's and especially the new one and would consider it as a replacement in a few years. Should i worry about breaking chains?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 Sep 2009
MikeS's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
As long as you clean it regularly with something like kerosene which doesn't bugger up o-rings, it should last a good while. If it keeps getting loose, you'll know its on its way out.

I got 30,000kms out my 525 chain on a DR650 in very dirty conditions but cleaned it every other day.
__________________
Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 23 Sep 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: North Lakes - UK
Posts: 159
I run a new XT660Z Tenere and I've used the bike for all sorts of stuff, long range touring, commuting, 'just for fun' , green lanes you name it!

It's got 16,000 (summer and winter) miles under it's belt and it's still on the original chain (second set of cush rubers and third set of tyres), with no visible wear on the sprockets and on the second adjuster mark.

since day 1 (well pretty much) I fitted a scotoiler, and I think this is main point in the longevity of this chain. I also clean it now and then (probably 4 or 5 times in it's life) with some chain cleaner, or parafin if I have some, then a quick coating of normal 'sticky' chain lube just to stop the surface rust.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 24 Sep 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Dorset UK
Posts: 395
Facts you should no about Motorcycle Chains!
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Big single chains flipperboy Yamaha Tech 23 5 Oct 2009 10:23
Chains... pottsy Tech 3 14 Jun 2009 22:04
Chains igrujin Yamaha Tech 5 24 Dec 2006 19:59
Chains? black sheep Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 1 29 Mar 2004 12:16
Motorcycle Chains Dalbir Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 21 15 Mar 2004 23:30

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 09:32.