Chain Always Loose, New Chain?

I bought my 01 Sv650 back in november 05 with about 14k miles. I am not approaching 19k miles, and my chain just doesn't seem to stay tight. I have to tighten it every few weeks now. I don't know if it is the origional chain or not, but I am guessing it is. I always keep it clean and lube it up every 300 miles, but I tightened it so it had about 1 1/2 inches of play last night, and by the time I got home from work (40 miles) it can be pressed all the way up to the swing arm now. I am a bit hard on it, but im not full throttle ever.

What would cause the chain to stretch that fast? When i bought the bike, the rear wheel didn't look like it had ever been moved back, and now I only have about 3 notches left in the back.

Do old chains just stretch fast? My front and rear sprocket looks alright, so I just don't know what would cause that much wear.

Am in due for a new chain? What kind should I get? Is it possible to put the sprockets and chain on from a GSXR 1000 so I have something a lot thicker that can take a lot more torque on it?

Can you just start spouting information you know about chain wear, because I can't really find any good information about it, and you guys always know best.

Thanks for the help fellas. I can post pictures if that helps anyone at all.

Once the chain starts to go, it does go really quickly. Change it a.s.a.p. because a snapped chain is not an inviting prospect.

Don't get aluminium sprockets if you want them to last. They won't last as long as steel. They look nice and there is a weight saving bet they are not as durable.

I have got a Supersprox stealth sprocket on my bike. It's an aluminium carrier with steel teeth. Best of both worlds, but quite pricey. Also go for the best chain you can afford because cheap ones are a false economy in my opinion. A good cleaning / lubing regime is paramount (or get a Scotoiler or similar).

HTH

Originally Posted by Scoobs

Don't get aluminium sprockets if you want them to last. They won't last as long as steel. They look nice and there is a weight saving bet they are not as durable.

Saying that, you're chain and front sprocket are gonna be knackerd long before you need to replace the rear, so does it really matter if you have a less durable rear sprocket?

[jambo]

As stated, change the chain.
At the start of their lives they need no adjustment for 1000's of miles, at the end they seem to stretch by the end of the drive way

Change the sprockets too, not sure what prices are like where you are but you can either fit one yourself if you have the tools and knowhow or just pay a local bike shop to do it, it won't take them long

There is no point buying a chian and sprocket kit from say a GSXR as this won't help, just make sure you buy an o-ring, x-ring or xw-ring chain that meets or exceeds OE specification, any decent item from DID or similar will be fine.

lastly as said if you want your chain to last ages and use the bike regularly use a loobman, scottoiler or other automatic oiler as it makes a huge difference.

Got a Tsubaki x-ring gold on mine and its great, done about 4k and cant remember adjusting it yet. Got it from Banditmania with front and rear sprockets, good prices.
Regular cleaning a must in my opinion, parrafin then lubed with gear oil, intermittent sprays with GT85
http://www.banditmaniashop.co.uk/index.asp

scottoiler on my curvy, 24k miles on same chain, only adjusted chain when tyres changed

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by RGSPro

Am in due for a new chain? What kind should I get? Is it possible to put the sprockets and chain on from a GSXR 1000 so I have something a lot thicker that can take a lot more torque on it?

Yes it is possible to fit a 530 conversion.
B and C express can supply you with all parts you need.


Your chain sounds knackered. That level of wear the sprockets are too.

Edit: I did not see your location. B and C express are probably not your best bet! Find somewhere local, but you do not want GSXR parts. Up to you whether you go for a 530 conversion for durability or just good quality 525 stuff.
Personally I like JT sprockets and tsubaki sigma grade O ring chain.

[Biker Biggles]

Its four years since the OP so I bet he has a new chain by now.

[_Stretchie_]

Get a heavy duty gold chain