Chain life on SV650S?

Newbie here was lusting after a Buell 1125R, now I dont wanna spend that much and stumbled upon the SV series of bikes, love the S model, checked out a 2008 model yesterday with my son, very fab bike, son likes it too, this is the bike I mentioned he should get as his first bike ever. Now being the worrywart I can be at times Im wondering how many miles Ill get from the chain drive compared to the belt on the 1125R(4ever the dealer said). 630 DID chain on my FJ1100 was like new after 39K miles, was tight against sprocket when I sold the bike(common test for wear of a chain, right?)

So Id like to know how many miles are you guys and gals getting on your SV chains before replacing it, assuming your're oiling it every 300 miles as DID chains suggest? Thanx much, Jay

with a automatic oiller on a chain they can go on for ages. I think SV chains last about 12,000 miles but i don't think mine will see that long due to lack of maintenance and a scottoiler which the pipework doesn't want to work on and keeps blocking up.

With a chain oiller either electronic or pressure fed they are worth more than a chain.

[yorkie_chris]

I had 18k miles out of my OEM chain, first 13k of that was just lubed from a can.

This question depends entirely on maintenence. The current chain has 12k on it and shows little to no sign of wear, but it is oiled with a scottoiler.

40k out of a chain is possible but it does depend on type of use. You need to oil it more than every 300 miles.

Thanx for the reply fallenangel, at that rate Ill be replacing my chain and sprockets about every year, which would be totally unacceptable. Do I have to buy that Buell afterall? haha

[yorkie_chris]

Belts don't last forever either

Thanx Yorkie Chris, ok, maybe Ill stay with the SV, guess Ill have to ride the bloody bike and see what happens, eh.

how much mileage are you covering? If it's 12,000 miles go for a SV but get equipped with either a scottoiler or a Lubetronic. These are air fed or electrically controlled chain oilers which inceare the chains life silly amounts. Cost around $80 but when a C+S would be $120 anyway it's worht it in the long run.

I lube my chain after every ride. As far as I know, it's the original chain and sprocket set, and the bike's done 17k miles (9k by me since I got it a year a go). It's still in great condition

[Stu]

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

You need to oil it more than every 300 miles.

I thought it was every 600 mils
But as said, it's really nothing to do with the bike (well apart from I suppose 'Busa's will go through them quicker?) and all to do with the maintenance. If you're prepared to do it properly every 300 miles then you should get a good life, like 40K (and still be tight on the sprocket - yup good test ) But you do know the SV doesn't have a centre stand? did your FJ?

Personally, Scottoiler all the way and as maintenance free as a belt - I'm sure you have to visually inspect them as well.

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by Jaygorski

Thanx Yorkie Chris, ok, maybe Ill stay with the SV, guess Ill have to ride the bloody bike and see what happens, eh.

Yeah, especially because the 1125R is even uglier than the pointy (K3 onwards) SV ... get an X1 lightning.