Chain toast?

Don’t pressure wash a chain. Wipe it off with an oily rag and lube it with something decent every couple fuel fill ups.

You are on the low side of chain mileage. I used to get around 25,000 miles out of mine ridden predominantly on clean, decent roads.

Sexyman said:

So, the last 4-5 days, I've been hearing clicking from chain, still oiling etc. Hadn't had a chance to clean properly, as there's no pressure washes for most of nfld. Cleaned with chain cleaner, pulled tire off and worked links. Oiled.

There's two that are being ****. I'm at 24500km. Cut and new? They are stock. Decent distance or, should they have gotten more?

Or try working them more?

You'd think there was a proper tool or gizmo to work links on bike...😉

Click to expand...

Besides the fact that Pressure washing is the worst possible thing you can do to a chain there really is no reason to "Clean" the chain anyway. Just keep it lubed. When manually lubing chains I do it with every tank of gas and after every ride in the rain. This takes less than 20 seconds with the bike on the centerstand rotating the rear wheel with my right hand and spraying with my left. Doing so helps my chains last last over 50,000 miles/ 80,000 km.

..TOm

+1 on Toms

+1 on STcorndogs

I'll give it a shot on next chain. 👍

Chain life depends so much on lubing, or care - as in put away wet, or harsh use. It can be toast in that time.
Clicking is more likely to be caused by a hooked front sprocket or a seized link.

I also agree with V-Tom and Corndog about cleaning. The chain on my 2016 is still functioning well and the front sprocket while worn, is in reasonable condition at 31,000 Kms. As matters stand with mine, the front sprocket will eventually decide on replacement of the set. I will look again at 36,000kms unless the chain starts to give me clear signals otherwise.

Of course there is always the aspect of these 1050's with extra top end power putting more strain on a chain

Not sure about "working" the links. Be assured that a 100bhp V twin is well capable of doing so for You

Ya, it's not working links.

Could be the extra power, maybe? Been pressure washing chains for all my bikes. Wee is still going at 47k. Busa, only got 27k and still good.

This one just seemed early. But wasn't sure. Maybe it's being close to ocean... Or lube I've chosen...

Check to see if there are loose rollers, that will cause a good bit of noise. Otherwise I would agree with @Brockie that it's likely to be a severely worn sprocket grabbing the chain.

I replaced my first chain and both sprockets at 50,000 km mainly as preventative as I had a long trip coming up and there was some noticeable wear on the front sprocket. I lube the chain for each full tank of fuel used or once daily on long trips. Also lube chain after riding in the rain. Very seldom clean the chain, maybe once a year wipe I down lightly with a rag and some kerosene if it gets coated with grit or mud. You certainly do not want to use a pressure washer on a bike. I would also not use one of those sprayers at a do it yourself car wash. If you do, exercise great caution. You do not want to force water into the chain o-rings or any electrical connectors.

Worth staying Suzuki chain or upgrade to something else? Finding something in stock sounds like a pita in the east of Canada so far.

Busa has some sort of super chain, can't remember what it's called.

I went oem. You need to be sure you don’t end up with a cheap one.
I would hope a common part like chain/sprockets would be available. Did not have an issue picking up an oem air filter recently.

Sexyman said:

Worth staying Suzuki chain or upgrade to something else? Finding something in stock sounds like a pita in the east of Canada so far.

Busa has some sort of super chain, can't remember what it's called.

Click to expand...

Suzuki doesn't actually make the chain. My OE chain has "RK" stamped on the links. Others I have seen are DID. I guess it depends who whose bid Suzuki likes best at the time. Any of the big name brands should be fine, but of course stay away from the cheap stuff.

RK, EK & DID are all good. No pressure washing. No real cleaning. A year or so ago I stopped using chain lube spray and started putting ATF on them with a soaked shop towel (the blue paper type). Remarkable how clean the chains are now.

Chains are not expensive. Well not compared to the potential cost of chains breaking anyway.

Chain threads are like oil threads, my preference is for DID and a chain oiler with ATF in it, chain gets a wipe down with a paper towel now and then.

My current DL1000 has over 70,000k's on the original chain. I have all the bits here to replace it but when I went to do that I couldn't find any significant wear in the chain or rear sprocket, replaced the front sprocket and put the other bits back on the shelf.

To make you feel better, my worst chain life was around 200km. Changed the chain and had an overseas trip lined up, went for a ride in the rain, came back, parked the bike and 2 weeks later when I got back the chain had seized several links.

Pete

Sexyman said:

So, the last 4-5 days, I've been hearing clicking from chain, still oiling etc. Hadn't had a chance to clean properly, as there's no pressure washes for most of nfld. Cleaned with chain cleaner, pulled tire off and worked links. Oiled.

There's two that are being ****. I'm at 24500km. Cut and new? They are stock. Decent distance or, should they have gotten more?

Or try working them more?

You'd think there was a proper tool or gizmo to work links on bike...😉

Click to expand...

G'day from the land down under. Conditions in my neighbourhood are pretty harsh. The natural enemy of motorcycle chains! If you are hearing clicking noises. The chain is already stuffed, and robbing you of horsepower. Replace it asap. Always replace the sprocket at the same time and the chain will live a full life. I always use good quality chain and a rivet link for peace of mind. Riveting tool is only $60 and doubles as a chain breaker to take old one apart, and a press to put new one together. Quite simple to use too. If not, get your friendly neighbourhood bike shop to do the job. Don't cut corners in this area. Only the best will do. Chains are like tyres. They wear out. If you buy cheap. They deliver poor perfomance and reliability, they wear out faster, and they need to be replaced more often. Happy trails, Buzz.

V-Tom said:

Besides the fact that Pressure washing is the worst possible thing you can do to a chain there really is no reason to "Clean" the chain anyway. Just keep it lubed. When manually lubing chains I do it with every tank of gas and after every ride in the rain. This takes less than 20 seconds with the bike on the centerstand rotating the rear wheel with my right hand and spraying with my left. Doing so helps my chains last last over 50,000 miles/ 80,000 km.

..TOm

Click to expand...

I put mine on the center stand, engine running in 1st gear and spray. Takes 5-10 seconds and keeps your hand or glove cleaner.

New chain on. Had to settle for 900cc due to that ever giving God we call Covid.

Thank F that bike shops are willing to lend ya tools. Would never get it done till 2 weeks anywhere. Again, thanks Covid. 👍

I'll install auto oiler after going back to work.

Thanks all for the advice/help.😁

Anyone else doing this, chain is 525, 116links for 1050.

Try and find 1100cc version if ya can.

docsabre said:

I put mine on the center stand, engine running in 1st gear and spray. Takes 5-10 seconds and keeps your hand or glove cleaner.

Click to expand...

I used to do what you do. It's actually quicker and easier and does a better job turning it by hand.

..Tom