Time for a chain & sprocket change, Finally.

Yep. finally changing the original chain and sprockets & 65,000ks. Going to a 42 on  the rear to bring the revs down below 4000

crikey 65,000 km..................   I'm afraid I fell well short of that

It's all about running them in properly Paul.

Climate can make a difference as well, Paul lives in the wettest part of Adelaide, if it is going to rain within 80 km of here it will be where Paul lives

Picking up road grime/dirt etc and constantly having the chain washed in water will make a difference to the life of it.

Easy fix... Add a scottoiler

65000klm? You inspire me, I was thinking about changing mine in the near future but i think I'll wait another 2 months and that will give me about 25000klm. Good one!!

truck wrote:65000klm? You inspire me, I was thinking about changing mine in the near future but i think I'll wait another 2 months and that will give me about 25000klm. Good one!!

Are you changing them because they need changing or just because you want to change them?

Mine's done nearly 24000 and they aren't even close yet

I thought 20000 was standard protocol to change out. Thinking about it, it may have been the sales person who told me that.
What is normal expectancy of chain and sprocket?
How does one tell if the chain is worn?
How do I tell if it is in need of a sprocket change out? I know on my old XR if the teeth on the sprocket were all leaning in drive direction that was a good sign, but the sprocket teeth on the bandit are as straight as they were brand new.

I did 45k on mine and was only half way through the adjustment. I could have seen 60k I reckon.
A chains life depends on a lot of factors some of which cant be avoided.

truck wrote:
How does one tell if the chain is worn?
How do I tell if it is in need of a sprocket change out? I know on my old XR if the teeth on the sprocket were all leaning in drive direction that was a good sign, but the sprocket teeth on the bandit are as straight as they were brand new.

The workshop manual (available here on line IIRC) gives you the specs

Chook wrote:

truck wrote:
How does one tell if the chain is worn?
How do I tell if it is in need of a sprocket change out? I know on my old XR if the teeth on the sprocket were all leaning in drive direction that was a good sign, but the sprocket teeth on the bandit are as straight as they were brand new.

The workshop manual (available here on line IIRC) gives you the specs

GSF1250S Manual

I was hoping someone would search for the link

Thanks Gentlemen, your advice is always needed and very appreciated.
Thanks for the link 2WA.

It's always interesting to hear what other people get out of their chain/sprocket sets.  On the dual purpose bikes I had previously, I'd see 20-25 (if I was lucky) out of a chain, but If I ran it until it got real tatty, it was a surefire whole set.  I used to replace the chain with the rear tyre at about 12 to 15 and I'd get 30 or more out of the sprockets.  (520 chain - medium dirty mixed road conditions - with little serious dirty stuff.) I think I did the most harm to the gear with the pressure washer, but hell you can't beat the convenience of a good squirt straight after getting in the real grot.  

The larger chain (530?) on the Bandit seems much better, though it's hard to gauge fairly, as I've got a Pro-oiler on it.  This keeps the chain well lubricated and cleaner than clean/spray or wipe methods on the other bikes. Chain adjustment comes with oil changes and are minute - 1 to  1 1/2 flats of the adjustment only. At 25000k chain replacement is not on the radar at all.  I just don't think about chain maintenance and there is little evidence of snatchiness as oil change time comes up.  Just a wipe to keep overspray off the swing arm occasionally.  

Guessing?  easy 50k and then probably much more. - I won't even look at the sprockets much before then, apart from when I clean behind the countershaft cover.  I know one owner who claims he got 90k out of theirs.  - He's an older, conservative rider who is anal about maintenance (he also has an oiler fitted) 

I think staying out of the dirt does a lot for the life of a chain.

Changed them today. Vibration was getting bad. Too much stuff to get damaged if the chain breaks and wraps around the front sprocket. The sprockets only showed minor wear and I had only adjusted it once.

Changed them today. Vibration was getting bad. Too much stuff to get damaged if the chain breaks and wraps around the front sprocket. The sprockets only showed minor wear and I had only adjusted it once.

have done 62,000k on my chain and still good, adjusted it 30,000k ago, should get at least 100,000k, scott oiler only way to go

talon440 wrote:have done 62,000k on my chain and still good, adjusted it 30,000k ago, should get at least 100,000k, scott oiler only way to go

30,000 between adjustments? That seems a lot, when mine was new it had 4 or 5 adjustments before 10,000, since then another 2 or 3 (done 23500km)
When the gear changes start to feel a little "clunky" I know it's time to check it and it usually needs a small adjustment then

Talon 440 is onto it. The scott oiler makes the chain require less adjustments. On top of that because of its constant oiling it means you don't have any stiff links either. 

Which reminds me I have to turn mine down as it's over oiling after my last ride on the weekend

also use whats left over from my oil changes to fill the bottle, motul 7100 so its getting good oil, good to see you use one to Reddog, my setting for the drip rate is on 3 leaves very little throw off on back wheel, its surprising how little oil you need to keep it lubricated.

i have 43000 on my chain and it seems fine - i spray it every 500 kms with Honda chain lube.

Hi Bandit Brothers and sisters, computer is broke so I'm using the phone Internet so i cant search the forum too well. I have just fitted 2 x Bridgestone Battlax tyres and split the chain ( don't ask) i ride an old 2002 . Is it simply a matter removing front sprocket cover and feeding chain through? Is there anything behind the cover i ned to be aware of besides the gear lever assy? Aargh!!

All good, found a thread on the internet that answered my question. Just remove the bolts and place the sprocket cover to the side without disconnecting anything other than the gear assy.

Take it easy.

truck wrote:Hi Bandit Brothers and sisters, computer is broke so I'm using the phone Internet so i cant search the forum too well. I have just fitted 2 x Bridgestone Battlax tyres and split the chain ( don't ask) i ride an old 2002 . Is it simply a matter removing front sprocket cover and feeding chain through? Is there anything behind the cover i ned to be aware of besides the gear lever assy? Aargh!!

All good, found a thread on the internet that answered my question. Just remove the bolts and place the sprocket cover to the side without disconnecting anything other than the gear assy.

Take it easy.

You can also link the new chain to the old one with some wire  & pull it through .

Hey man, me bandit has 16 front and a 45 rear sprocket ratio is 2.81 , ill have to check what the revs r at 100 k

paul wrote:

truck wrote:Hi Bandit Brothers and sisters, computer is broke so I'm using the phone Internet so i cant search the forum too well. I have just fitted 2 x Bridgestone Battlax tyres and split the chain ( don't ask) i ride an old 2002 . Is it simply a matter removing front sprocket cover and feeding chain through? Is there anything behind the cover i ned to be aware of besides the gear lever assy? Aargh!!

All good, found a thread on the internet that answered my question. Just remove the bolts and place the sprocket cover to the side without disconnecting anything other than the gear assy.

Take it easy.

You can also link the new chain to the old one with some wire  & pull it through .

Will definitely remember that little trick next time . . . hopefully