Effects of running on a worn out chain

[loply]

Hi folks,

My chain and sprockets could do with replacing; They're not in desperate condition, but I'm aware that they're on my todo list.

Problem is, im eternally skint so anything not strictly essential goes straight to the bottom of the priority list.

What are the effects of having a slightly worn C+S? Will it affect the transmission or shifting by any real margin, or is it purely a matter of "it might snap"?

Cheers,
Rich
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Yamaha SZR660 Caution to the wind, the throttle pinned!

[Teaman]

yes they might snap but they will effect handling of the bike, not sure on a degree as it depends on how the bike is being ridden and everything else,
it will effect economy for the same reason,

your better off buying a new chain and sprockets, even if there cheep, they will keep you going untill you get better ones
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[instigator]

Erm, yes it might snap and take off your lower leg if that is not an important enough reason to replace it then I really question your sanity.

Having had 2 chains snap on me, it is not something I will ever neglect again.

If it's worn, you'll keep having to adjust it and adjust it and perhaps get to a point where it can't be adjusted anymore. Any we all know how chains can jump off sprockets (see bazza's thread)

[stinkwheel]

If it is badly worn, I would replace it. You are riding a 660cc single, it WILL snap it, they are very hard on chains.

I did exactly the same as you on my MZ (which had the same engine), thought 'Oh, chain's a bit rattly but I've had them worse, I'll replace it after the summer run.'. Four days later it snapped.
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[Keen]

[0ddball]

My 'effect' is a crashed bike stuck in the garden waiting to be rebuilt after the chain snapped and got jammed.

[ZRX61]

[bazza]

[doggone]

Usually once you become aware they are rattling they get worse very rapidly.
As peeps are saying, let it break and it will most likely cause more damage and expensive repairs.

[iCraig]

Riding a bike on a worn chain & sprockets will drastically affect your fuel consumption too.

Mine did on the CB450, was getting 50 miles to £5 with the old C&S, now it does about 80-90 miles to £5. So it probably would cost you more if you left it a while even if it didn't snap.

[Cognitive_Faux]

its just dangerous.

only need a few teeth on 1 of the sprockets to go while riding, and your gona be off, on your arse.

you could just take the sprockets off and turn 'em round if your that skint. or not ride it.

if the chain snaps, it could fuck you up, or just the front sprocket cover.

if you dont sort it now, it will get MORE expensive later. or hurt you.
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[Jack_Cheese]

i'm in the same boat. sprockets are ok, the chain has quite a lot of sideways play in it though. A new renthal C+S kit is £90, and i need a new pair of tyres, front pads, new handlebars and to get my test booked.

My nexy month's wages are booked

Jack
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[loply]

Its not like the chain is about to snap, I just said it was pretty worn... I bet 30% of this forum is riding on a chain in the same nick as mine.

Thanks for pointing out the fuel consumption issue, though that's rarely a problem for me.
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Yamaha SZR660 Caution to the wind, the throttle pinned!

[0ni]

My old chain and sprockets were on there very last limb when I went to replace them. I do look after my chain - keep it lubed and tightened - however the mileage I had been doing really took its toll on the C&S.

Jerky response to opening up the throttle. No smoothness in crusining along - I was sure I was having fueling/spark issues until I changed the C&S. Almost every little rattle and bump went away.

I have had a chain snap and rap itself around the chain adjuster and locking the rear wheel. Happened at 60 - stayed on - just.
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[SoND]

On worn C&S you will lose loads of power to the back wheel.

My set was destroyed and when I replaced them it felt like a whole new bike.
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[extreme3d]

[bish777]

Its a serious safety issue as discussed. Also a worn chain and sprocks can wear the output shaft bearing on your motor which is a real pain. A seriosly shagged chain can also eat the chainguard and damage your swingarm.

If your poor, buy heavy duty NON O-ring chain and slap that on there till you can afford flash chain

X-ring chain + sprocks on my GSXR1100 is 110 quids worth.

Non O ring standard H-duty chain and sprocks can be had for 40 quid for mine. Wont last as long but safer all round
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GSXR1100J

[dodsi]

Rich mate, its not worth risking, I had to replace mine in the passed. Couldnt afford too being a student and all but HAD too.


You could do more damage than snapping a chain.

If you order from B&C express I think I can supply you with a chain splitting tool so you can do it yourself.

[The View Askew]

A stitch in time saves nine
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[Black Knight]

Hello bud,

If you can't afford to change it now, fair enough, but make sure your prioties are right. I know far too many people that will go out on the piss but can't afford to pay the rent - not saying thats the case with you, just a general observation.

I'd say if the chain does need replacing I would advise not riding the bike, especially heeding Stinkwheel's advice above.

If you do NEED to ride the bike, get some good cleaner, some quality oil and give it the best service of its life, check every link for tight spots and try and work them out.

If you have to keep it a while, keep it in the best condition possible.

Oh - and of course, riding very very smoothly.
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[HurtMePlease]

Im in the same boat mate, my chain is really rattly now but with all the salt and snow on the road im thinking of waiting for the weather to lighten up before replacing, at the same time I dont want to end up binning my bike or myself so I think I'll take it around the local garage next week to get it sorted.
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[loply]

Bleh, I'll put £15 a week away and change it ASAP... It pulls back from the rear sprocket a fair bit more than 2mm and it moves from side to side a bit.

The chain itself, being Scottoiled all its life, almost looks brand new, but is obviouslly "neatly worn" if you know what I mean.

Thanks for the advice folks, helpful

Thanks for the offer of the splitter dodsi, I'll let you know when I order it what kind it is.
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Yamaha SZR660 Caution to the wind, the throttle pinned!

[anders]

Hmmm, for your safety please change it, it can snap, cause big problems, damage the engine and even throw you off your bike.


I would rather lend you some money to get it done then see this happen to you!

Please don't do it!
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[bish777]

standard non O ring chain is so cheap, that you really have no excuse not to at least change to one of these.

Its a misconception that Oring chain is stronger, its just more resistant to road crap.
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GSXR1100J

[loply]