When to change chain? 150mm or ??

[darren_uk]

The Haynes manual tells me that if any 10 links are >150mm then change the chain

The first distance I checked was 153mm

The local Yamaha dealer said if I can still adjust the wheel rearwards (which I can) then there's still life in the chain

The wheel axel is in the middle of its hole so plenty of rear travel left

But I'm worried if the chain will wear out to the point of risk of breaking before I reach the rear wheel adjustment limit

How do other FZS600 owners work out when it's time to change the chain?

Mine's a May 2003 Model.

[tony22]

 How far can you pull the chain away from the rear sprocket at the 3 o’clock position?
 

[His Dudeness]

It's probably fine but if you're really worried about it get a new one

[Punkstig]

Adjust the tension then as tony said above- how far can the chain be pulled from the sprocket?

[red98]

yep...me too,check at rear sprocket 

[darren_uk]

Adjust the tension then as tony said above- how far can the chain be pulled from the sprocket?

It's about a third of a tooth

But here's where my naïveté is showing:

If I move the rear wheel backwards then I'd expect not to be able to pull the chain back as far


Having said that, I'm visualising it now and can imagine the teeth above and below would get in the way - it's not like it's a piece of string around a smooth circle after all


So anyway: about a third of a tooth. I can just see about 1mm of daylight between sprocket and chain

(Incidentally I was going to have a to at changing the chain and sprockets myself but reading the Haynes manual and I reckon it's a bigger job than a novice like me can approach --- £235 all incl from the dealer and they'll do it for me in approx 90 mins)

[Punkstig]

Plenty of life left in it as far as I'm concerned, keep it lubed and check the tension.
Unfortunately when they do stretch they then stretch further quicker than new if that makes sense!?

[tony22]

As already said, the chain sounds like it's fine still, I wouldn't be replacing it yet unless it's full of stiff links. Also worth checking the chain in several places as the chain doesn't always stretch the same amount all the way round which is why you get tight spots.

[elbrownos]

(Incidentally I was going to have a to at changing the chain and sprockets myself but reading the Haynes manual and I reckon it's a bigger job than a novice like me can approach --- £235 all incl from the dealer and they'll do it for me in approx 90 mins)

That sounds steep.
A decent chain & sprockets set costs £80.
£155 for 90 minutes labour??

[darrsi]

(Incidentally I was going to have a to at changing the chain and sprockets myself but reading the Haynes manual and I reckon it's a bigger job than a novice like me can approach --- £235 all incl from the dealer and they'll do it for me in approx 90 mins)

That sounds steep.
A decent chain & sprockets set costs £80.
£155 for 90 minutes labour??

Crikey, they're having a laugh surely? 

[dBfazer600]

This is a good guide

Delboy's Garage, Suzuki Bandit, Chain Adjustment. (plus clean and lube).