Suzuki SV650 Riders Forum banner

Chain / sprockets lifespan, how many miles is a lot? 30,000?

25K views 22 replies 13 participants last post by  Doc_coM  
#1 ·
I wish I had an SV topic to post, but there are some really hardcore distance people here... :p

I've got 30K miles on my bike and was going to replace my chain for the first time. I was getting :eek: looks from people when I was asking if they had chains in stock and mentioned how many miles are on it, and they pretty much said I needed to replace the sprockets as well.

Well, if I do a "kit" (sprockets and chain) I have to wait on parts, but if I want just a chain I can get the parts/tools on my way home tonight. So who's willing to say it's ok to keep rolling on my stock sprockets? The money's not really an issue but waiting on parts is.

I should have planned further ahead but didn't give it much thought since the back one at least looks good to me. I wish I had pictures for your review... Of course I'd replace them if they looked worn (there is a diagram in the service manual), but at least the back one doesn't. OTOH, I would hate to ruin a new chain over something relatively simple.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

a.s.

p.s. any chain / sprocket recommendations would be helpful too. I was thinking DID, stock width (525) and stock gearing, maybe going with a 520 conversion if the stuff was easier to find.
 
#2 ·
Replace your chain and sprockets all at once. Worn sprockets will kill a new chain quickly. A worn chain will kill new sprockets quickly.

If you're looking for long life, get a decent DID or RK chain and order stock sprockets from your dealer. You'll see a much shorter life with aftermarket aluminum sprockets.

Avoid Sprocket Specialists. There stuff is crap, even with the bunk titan tough coating. I've been running Renthal aluminum sprockets and I am extremely pleased with their wear life. They're a bit more than the other offerings from Vortex, etc., but they are machined much better and last far longer.
 
#4 ·
Good chain maintenance leads to long chain and sprocket life. The chain/sprockets have only been replaced on my bike once at around 29,000 miles. I went with SVS stock sprockets and an endless chain (PITA, take off swingarm to install chain, but stronger too) stock sizing for maximum life since I ride long distances alot.
 
#5 ·
That's a good lifespan, especially if you have no chain oiler, it'll be better than about 9/10 of the people on this board I reckon. You can replace just the chain if the sprockets are still in very good, near-new condition- usually if the chain's become damaged or rusted rather than being worn out- but it makes no sense after 30000 miles tbh.
 
#7 ·
LOL @ Dave :D no chain-oiler here, just honda pro-lube, then honda pro-lube w/ teflon now dupont multi (no more mess). only really cleaned it once or twice w/ WD40 and a hose (low pressure).

I've decided to bite the bullet and do the whole lot. OEM sprockets I think and a DID X-Ring is my current plan (is x-ring really better ($25)?). $200 bucks or so, plus $100 for the tool (rather than $140 for labor + hassle and no left-over fun stuff).

I'll post up some pics of my current set tonight. This down-time will also allow me to ride the SV before the gas gets too stale, so that's nice. :)

a.s.
 
#10 ·
Tough to get good pictures, but here's what I've got. I think there is some wear but it's not horrible. I still think I'll replace them... final verdict after hearing back from you guys and taking a look at the front tonight.

Spec of grease, sorry :)
Image

Image

Image


Thanks,

a.s.
 
#12 ·
The swingarm bushings were replaced at the same time since we were already there, thats why mine came all the way off... Winter maintenance!
 
#13 ·
Mr Suzuki was sparing with the grease in the swingarm bearings so it's well worth dropping it out anyway and doing the job right before they seize. TBH that's a job that wants doing about as often as a chain will last if cared for, so it's not really a disadvantage- I have to admit I found this the hard way, my swingarm bearings were basically solid by 35000 miles, which was when I first dropped the arm out.
 
#14 ·
Here are some pics of the front. Also no dramatic wear issues... Although, there appears to be a need for periodic cleaning behind the cover. :eek:

Image

Image


a.s.
 
#17 ·
Actually, if you compare the pattern of the leading edge "ramp" on the sprocket teeth to the trailing edge ramp and look at the "scoop" in the valley between the teeth you will see that sprocket really is quite worn and due for replacement.

That wear pattern is precisely what wears out a new chain on old sprockets.
 
#16 ·
Am I the only guy who doesn't replace my rear sprocket at the same time as the front?

I used to replace them in sets, but then I added a dual sport and swapped front c/s sprockets regularly based on dirt conditions and noticed no downside to chain longevit since the rear sprockets wears slower than the front anyway. The fornts are also cheaper, which is an added benefit as well. So for me it's a new front sprocket with each chain and a new rear every two or three chains, depending on wear.

I always get about 20K miles from my DID chains that way, same as when I used to do sets. But I confess I don't try to get every last mile from my chains, either.
 
#19 ·
here are the pics, the front was pretty obvious, but the rear still looked servicable. it was probably a little more of a hassle than i expected, but i'm happy to have it done, everything runs smooth as silk now.

Image

Image


thanks,

a.s.
 
#21 ·
must be the 5th time in a week that ive read an entire thread to only notice that it has been long dead/recently revived
 
#23 ·
Not really complaining though, its actually kind of funny, at any rate at least this shows that people actually search threads before starting a new one (which i dont really care about either, just saying).