CSC "Chains" Shop Talk Video

[jbfla]

Another in the series of Shop Talk videos:




Last summer I bought a new chain and set of sprockets for the RX3.




I did so because of the quote in Joe B's 5,000 Miles at 8,000 RPM, "The chain is basically a goner at the 6,000-mile mark."

And usually it is prudent to change the sprockets at the same time to maximize chain life.

My stock sprockets showed only slight wear, and could likely go many thousands of miles longer:




This is a worn sprocket:




I was changing the rear tire and removing the swing arm to lube the bearings, so I decided to put the new chain and sprockets on.

With the swing arm removed, it is not necessary to cut the chain or have a chain tool to press out a link pin on the stock chain, which has no master link.

The rear sprocket bolts are fastened with thread locker...couldn't find the heat gun, so used air impact driver;




New rear sprocket was installed, as was a new tire:




New front sprocket was installed with new locking washer and nut.

I used a 30 mm socket on the air wrench to remove the old nut.



Then installed and aligned the new chain:




In the photo the chain tension looks tight, but isn't. The bike is on the center stand, with the rear wheel of the ground.




Recommending a chain lubricant is like picking a motor oil. Everyone has a different opinion.

I have been using this DuPont product for years with good results:

The blue can on the left is the old, discontinued one. The new version is the yellow can on the right.



jb