Chain Life

Nick_Giles · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 01 Jan 2012 Karma :

Hello again.

I have a feeling that this question is going to be a bit like asking 'how long is a piece of string' ? But I will ask it anyway. Wink

I have a CG125 that has done (I believe to be genuine) 7,500 miles. How long should a chain last providing it has been regularly lubricated.?

I realise that riding style will have a major factor upon this question but whats an educated guess of a minimum and a maximum life of a chain on such a bike as a CG.

Thanks, Nick

neil. · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Feb 2008 Karma :

I used to get 15'000 - 18'000 miles out of a chain on my YBR125. These were DID O-ring chains with decent sprockets like JT. The last chain had done about 18'000 and the front sprocket was worn out. As a rule you replace the lot when one component is worn as mixing worn and new parts can make the newer parts wear more quickly.

Do you clean as well as lube your chain each time? I did mine once a week, which was every 300 miles, cleaning with paraffin and lubing with engine oil. I now use 90w gear oil which sticks a bit better. I was also using a Loobman oiler to keep things topped up, which I think helped a lot, although made a mess of the rear end of the bike. Might get another for my current bike... they're very cheap.