Chain advice

Hi SV'ers

Right then, so I'm learning the lessons of not paying full attention to my chain. Firstly I had a new OEM set fitted last summer after only 11k. Slightly low mileage, but I thought acceptable as it's a twin and it's also my first bike and hence I've been a little ignorant of basic maintenence i.e. adjusting the chain

I had the 650 rather than the 650s parts fitted as my garage got it wrong, but hey it was quicker of the mark so I liked it. I didn't like the fact that the longer chain stretched virtually immediately giving me no room to adjust it i.e. the wheel was almost at it's full extension down the swing arm. So I took it back after only 1k miles and got them to remove a some links.

I have a scottoiler, but decided I should start cleaning it to and bought some "wurth" chain and brake cleaner. Thinking that the scottoiler would do the job of re-lubing after the clean. I then rode into winter(about another 1k miles) and the chain suddenly rusted up, I'm assuming because the cleaner stripped all the oil of it and then got salty and wet straight away...d'oh!

So my questions are:

1. My uncle (ex-racer) said an oil bath for 24hours might rejuvenate it. Is it a good idea to split the chain and reform it after it's been rusted up? Also the cheapest chain tool I can find is £50....any other suggestions? I'm inclined to do this anyway as I will have to get the tool for plan B & C

2. Get just a new chain due to the low mileage of sprockets. Something better than standard but not too good that it will outlast the OEM (soft) sprockets.

3. Go the whole hog with money I can't really afford at the mo' and get a hardened renthal front 15, a supasprox (45 or 46) rear and a Tsubaki X ring 520 chain?

Any advice would be fantastic.

Cheers

Nath

I've just opted for 3, given a rusted chain (rust appeared in only 6 days!) except I didn't get the supasprox rear sprocket.

£107 inc P&P.

[fizzwheel]

Theres nothing IMHO wrong with the OEM stuff as long as its looked after properly. Liz had a new chain on her K5 SVS just before we went away in October after 20K it was finally goosed...

Simian - Where is your chain rusty, is it just the side plates of the chain or is the rust more widespread. You need to keep on top of chain maintenance in the winter even with a Scotoiler otherwise it will get FUBAR'd. Even the more expensive chains are going to require the same level of maintenance as the OEM kits.

[Viney]

Chains will rust no matter what you have. Scotoilers work, but as said by Mr Wheel, you still need to check it out. I wouldnt go mad on the cleaning in the winter.

I'm pretty sure it's just the side plates that are rusted, hence me wanting to try and rescue it.

The reason I stated option 3 is because I've always been told to replace the sprocket with the chain, and since brand sprockets are fairly cheap I thought I'd upgrade in line with the chain.

I think my main unknown is whether trying to rescue it sounds dodgy given it's state, and whther fitting a new chain on lightly worn sprockets is a good idea?


Ta for the speedy replies btw

[Biker Biggles]

I could be out of date here,but I think Suzuki fit DID chains as standard to the SV,and they are of the endless type with no soft link.They last a very long time if looked after,as do the OEM sprockets.Lifespans on replacement chains seem to vary greatly,and I believe that given proper maintenance much of this is to do with how well they are fitted.I have noticed that the first signs of wear often seem to be on the links either side of the soft link,and I reckon this is because they are riveted up too loose(letting the lube escape)or too tight(squashing the O rings).A chain is only as strong as the weakest link and if the soft link is prone to wear the rest of the chain won't last long either.

[fizzwheel]

Have you tried cleaning the chain since its gone rusty ? If its just the side plates then I'd give it a good clean and lube and see if the rust comes off. Its probably only surface rust and it may come off without to much effort.

If you are in any doubt worried abotu the integrity of your chain then you should replace it or get it looked at by a proper mechnic if you are not one.

Use a stiff brish dipped in Scottoil (or spent engine oil and drinch the chain in it. Leave it over night and a lot of the rust will come off with a little gentl pursuasion. My bike has a Scottoiler and I wipe the chain down every week or so, still get the odd spot but very little.

Also worth noting that you should increase the oil flow as the oil os not quite as thin as it is in the summer.

You'll know if your chain is shot if you find it is in need of adjustment frequently. If that is the case after you've cleaned n lubed it I'd change the chain and sprockets.

Good luck

the standard DID sv chain cleans up very well.