So I’ve read a couple things about the OEM chain not being of any quality. Suggestions to replace it right away with a high-quality aftermarket O-ring chain. Do you guys think this is a need to do upgrade? And is the OEM chain and O-ring chain or a plane chain?
I can’t imagine the OEM is not an O-ring chain but had to ask. Manual says use special O-ring oil, but just discribs the chain as a 428HG 121 links + joint.
Thanks in advance.
OEM is not a O Ring chain. It is a wonderful upgrade changing over to one. Basically you will have to adjust it once after you put some miles on it and probably not ever again. It saves you a lot of time as the stock chain gets stretched out and needs adjusting frequently. You want to pay attention to how the sprockets look, if they are worn, then replace both sprockets and the chain at the same time. It is not recommended to throw a new chain on worn sprockets.
...and you can usually replace the front sprocket once during the life of the chain, without having to replace everything.
Unless, you let things go too far...but if your rear sprocket lasts 5000 miles, you should be able to replace the front at around 2500.
MSN,
Well, when I acquired my '07 with a mere 587 mile on it about 11 months ago, the bike was in sad condition. So, I ressurected it and, that included a new set of sprockets and a new chain. I didn't go with any fancy chain that many use on here 'cause, I didn't really know better. I just got a basic chain off Amazon and two new sprockets. I installed them, adjusted the chain and, that was like stated, about 10-11 months ago. And that chain, is still in the same adjustment. Now, I will admit, there's about 1,600 miles on it since I brought the bike back to life so, in all honesty, there's not that many miles on that chain, about a thousand. My sprockets look good and the chain appears to be in fine shape with only that limited mileage.
And to me, even if I needed to adjusted it, no big deal. I certainly understand better quality for sure. If mine wears out what I would call prematurely, I'll then head towards a higher quality one.
Scott
Most people replace with an o-ring chain because they are low maintenance which usually ends up being no maintenance. I have two TW's. The one with an o-ring chain on it gets nearly zero maintenance. The other open chain gets fanatically good care and has lasted 30,000 + miles and is still going strong.
The chain is considered worn out if it stretches 1/4" over an 18" section of chain. My 30,000+ miles chain has stretched about 3/16" so I figure its good for another 10,000 miles. I doubt if the front sprocket will last that long. Both sprockets were brand new when I installed the new chain so they too have the same 30K+ miles on them.
My OEM chain has about 4000 miles on it, I adjust the chain regularly over my riding months. Clean with kerosene, aluminum gunk brush, lube with PJ1, sprockets are like new, snails are telling me good stuff (I easily have this season left on this chain). I carry 2 master links in my enduro bag and I have a new OEM chain on standby for when the snails break my heart. MBW
I kept the OEM chain for the first 2 thousand miles - seriously had to adjust it almost on a weekly basis to keep tight ish! Switched to a X ring chain, as LT said adjusted one time was great for 10,000 miles, saw sprocket wear. Put on new sprockets and a new X ring - good for 10 to 12,000 miles now.
Guys, great advice. Went to the Yamaha dealer yesterday to buy an O-ring chain. Bought the chain. Drove 30 minutes all the way home. Open the box and it was not an O-ring chain..... “2020”
Accepted wisdom is to consider a motorcycle's final drive to be an assembly of chain plus front and rear sprockets that are best replaced as a set. Otherwise replacing one of the three elements with a new part allows wear on remaining parts to prematurely wear the new part just installed.
Or put another way consider the quality and condition of OEM sprockets when considering quality and condition of OEM chain.
No the Yamaha TW does not come stock with an O-ring chain or and X-ring chain. Never has. Some folks will get good service from the original standard chain with regular cleaning, lube, and adjustments but the standard chain is going to require those to get good life from it and the sprockets. O-ring and X-ring chains will provide better life of the chain and sprockets as they are able to maintain some lube in the rollers due to the sealing nature of the o-ring or x-ring. This in turn provides longer sprocket life as the wear of the chain is reduced and not riding up on the teeth of the sprockets. You will also notice a much quieter operation of the chain. Personally, the bikes I have owned with standard chains get an o-ring or x-ring chain installed at or before 600 mile break in to avoid constant chain maintenance/adjustment, prolong sprocket life, and enjoyment of quieter operation.
I guess I only had oring chains on my previous bikes so I didn't know I had to keep such a close eye on my tdub's chain. I didn't think they made new bikes with non-oring chains anymore hey...
I only adjusted it twice in 2500km but now I know it's not enough...
The reason I came on this thread is I was trying to understand what the description of our chain means (from Cyclepedia):
2001 and Newer: 428HG (I)/DAIDO
Daido is the name of the brand, right?
The rest of the figures I wouldn't know.
Anyone?
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