What is the Average Chain Lifespan?

The bike has done just over 4k (K6) and I have owned it for over 2 months. I have been riding it every day and have noticed it becoming rusty on the sides. I can clean most of it off with chain cleaner but a few links remain rusty. I am using some lube from Hein Gericke but have now bought Wurth lube. Any tips for keeping on top of the chain in these weather/road conditions. It is due a service in April would I be wise to replace it then?

[yorkie_chris]

15k ish with normal maintenence. 30+ with an oiler.

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by COLZO

Any tips for keeping on top of the chain in these weather/road conditions.

Buy a scotoiler.

my chain is rusty as but links are okay. Got a new one to put on but will last it out till the spring hopefully save the new one from too much winterness

depends how u ride and how often you lube but as said 10 - 30k

[STRAMASHER]

I have the "dry" lube (Wurth etc.) for the better weather. Don't rate it in the wet and grime of winter at all. I use a cheap big can of silkolene oily stuff instead. Much better. Again cos of the weather I don't clean my chain as much....maybe once a month, just get it oiled after you get home every few days (depending if it looks dry or not/wet weather conditions).

i use the dry stuff too.

I normally get up to 50k miles out of a chain with an oiler, but most of my riding is constant throttle at moderate speeds. I measure and recording the chain wear at each service once I hit ~10k. It should be interesting to see how I go with the SV.


Cheers

seriously scrap that worth stuff in this weather. its pants. Im sure its good for the summer tho.

[Sid Squid]

There are far too many variables to be able to give a definitive figure for chain life, but if you had any brand name chain and decent sprockets fitted and got less than 10-12,000 miles I'd say your oiling and adjusting techniques needed work.