Emergency chain situation in Norway.

[Art]

As above

Originally Posted by Art

...across 17 link pin centres. Expect 254 mm on a brand new straight out of the box 530 chain and 259 mm (2% stretch) on a worn out chain.

The CBF1000's have 530 drive chains, the 5 refers to 5/8" pitch and the 3 to 3/8" width. Therefore 16 links (17 link pins) 16 x 5/8" is bang on 10" x 2.54 is 254 mm. Manufacturers recommend replacement after 1-1.5% stretch, that's around 256-258 mm. Note the chain should be measured under tension, I do this with the bike on the centre stand, selecting 2nd gear and using the rear wheel to put tension in the lower chain run.

At 256 mm your chain is half a mm off that 1% stretch limit, did you measure it under tension? You should plan to replace the chain and sprockets at the next service, Hunters of Newcastle are the go to supplier of the moment and are offering DID Gold X-ring VXGB series chain and JT Sprockets as a kit delivered at £91.62 and that's a higher specification chain than the original Honda chain. Regular maintenance and lubrication with the EP90 gear oil should see almost twice the mileage you got from the original Honda chain.

link here

[Art]

Rick just to be clear your chain measured under tension at 256 mm across 17 pins would be about 0.75% stretched. At 20,000 miles and the same rate of wear that gives you about 4,000 miles if you replace at 1% stretch or 8,000 miles if you replace at 1.25% stretch. I replaced my original Honda chain at 1.5% stretch that's 258 mm and was at 26,581 miles, yes I keep a record of all these things.

[Rick]

Thankyou for the excellent detailed reply Art, I shall re-check it under tension using the method you suggest. I will look towards replacing it at the end of the year ready for next spring, I only do a relatively low mileage about 2000 miles a year, I nearly always give the chain a soft brush on the inside edge with EP90 before each ride and it seems to keep the chain and sprocket teeth evenly lubricated.     

[Rick]

I have just checked my chain again as you suggest above, under tension, and it is 256 mm between the centres of 17 pins.

[Art]

Good for a while yet.