Chain life

[timpam1129]

I have 11,000 miles on my one year old trident.  Have had to adjust chain twice since the 10,000 mile service. Interested in anyone who has info on chain life.  Sprockets look good. 

[Studio X]

Replace it when it exceeds service limits (aka stretch).

This is like asking: “How long will I live? “

Do you eat healthily, exercise, don’t drink and aren’t an ####? If so, you’ll probably live beyond today. Your chain? Who knows.

[Enzo660]

Chain should be replaced in two cases:
1. No more free movement adjustment on your swingarm. Even if your swingarm allows you for a little bit more of adjustement, chain can be worn out and loose. You can easily check that by pulling the chain away from the rear sprocket. https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/how-to-determine-when-your-motorcycle-chain-and-sprockets-need-to-be-replaced
 
2. Chain being unevenly stretched - alternately loose or tight when you spin the wheel. It can also be manifested by jerking/yanking during acceleration.

Side note - if you decide to replace your chain, I would suggest to replace complete drive (both sprockets and chain).

Cheers, 

[vims]

Enzo is spot on.

Changed mine at 20 000 km, due to an uneven stretch. I don't take special care of the chain, give it some rag and oil every 500km or so. Drive all year all weather in cold Norway as long as the roads aren't frozen, so not surprised it wore out prematurely.

I'd guess you could get somewhere around 30-40 000 km with good care and conditions.

[Studio X]

I had ~25,000 miles on mine when replaced. I lubed it every 300 miles or so and cleaned it before every other lube job. Still had good service life left when I changed it out but wanted to move to a lighter 520 setup from the stock 525.