08-05-2014, 01:25 PM
(08-05-2014, 01:06 PM)The ferret_imp Wrote: The original Nighthawk chain is a cheap " market" chain. Very low tensile strength and wears out quickly. A new x ring chain has tremendous tensil strength and due to being packed with lube and sealed with x rings, will go 20-30,000 miles with minimal care.
Like you I am old school and was poor. We had to fix rather than replace. Guess that is why I still plug tires, and use clip style master links. My sprockets looked good so I just replaced the chain, although it is recommended they be replaced together. Again, sometimes I don't always do what is " recommended".
One word of caution when crimping a staking type master link. Too much pressure and you can creat a stiff link that cannot be fixed. Chain is ruined. Well, the link is ruined, it could be driven out and a new staking type link installed. Fine line between just right and too tight. Best to let someone who has some experience to stake a chain for you if you've never done one IMO.
I did not know that Ferret and expected better from Honda but thank you for passing it along. I dont feel near as bad now. Everybody cuts some corners I guess. Im a tightwad and like to extend and milk the last drop out of everything I am probably going to replace the whole deal. That way, I know I am sure and know what I have. I honestly dont ride hard at all. Sometimes I get on it a little bit but not that often honestly. I can say for certain that I am not the cause of the premature wear.
(08-05-2014, 01:13 PM)Randy B_imp Wrote: Also keep in mind that a lot of the "stretch" in a chain is actually the sprockets wearing. The grooves might look good, but they become too deep and thus require more distance to tighten the chain back up.
Food for thought.
Did not know that either. Appreciate the lesson. I see where this is headed read quick. New sprockets and a new chain to be sure.