As the title says - just hit 5k miles and wondering when I should plan on replacing the chain and sprockets? I clean the chain (using Permatex chain lube) and check/adjust the slack every 500 miles. It looks clean, no rust etc.
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EasyLoveRDX
Joined
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485 Posts
I’m over 15,000 miles and apart from slackening the chain off because it was far too tight off the showroom floor I’ve only adjusted it three times so far, the last time was a little premature when the rear tyre was replaced at around 12,000 miles. Haven’t lost any O rings yet.
I’ve pitting on the chain plates caused by riding on salted roads in winter by but I can’t see it needing replacement anytime soon. It’s only been cleaned once which was to get rid of the factory grease.
EP80/90 gear oil is my preferred choice of lube, a light application applied whilst the chain is hot giving it a chance to wick behind the rollers and spread around the O rings and results in minimal fling next time the bike is ridden.
Correct wheel alignment and running slack is the key to chain longevity. The stock alignment marks are best ignored. The sprocket teeth should run between the inner chain plates, not touch them. Easy visual check is to use a paddock stand to get the rear wheel off the ground and spin the rear wheel backwards several times to settle the chain and then check how the chain is running around the sprocket.
I’ve pitting on the chain plates caused by riding on salted roads in winter by but I can’t see it needing replacement anytime soon. It’s only been cleaned once which was to get rid of the factory grease.
EP80/90 gear oil is my preferred choice of lube, a light application applied whilst the chain is hot giving it a chance to wick behind the rollers and spread around the O rings and results in minimal fling next time the bike is ridden.
Correct wheel alignment and running slack is the key to chain longevity. The stock alignment marks are best ignored. The sprocket teeth should run between the inner chain plates, not touch them. Easy visual check is to use a paddock stand to get the rear wheel off the ground and spin the rear wheel backwards several times to settle the chain and then check how the chain is running around the sprocket.
Joined
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485 Posts
Update: Currently just a trip around the block shy of 26,500kms, (16,550miles) chain last adjusted 7,700kms (4815miles) ago when the rear tyre was replaced and certainly not in need of any further adjustment at the moment.
Chain has only been cleaned twice with a rag, once to get the factory grease off and again this morning for the photoshoot 🤣 🤣 🤣
![Image]()
Chain has only been cleaned twice with a rag, once to get the factory grease off and again this morning for the photoshoot 🤣 🤣 🤣
Joined
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485 Posts
The original Trailmax was replace at 11730 (and the front one at 15080) miles.
I took the opportunity to adjust the chain after refitting the rear wheel. Both tyres still had a little mileage left in them at time of replacement.
Yesterday’s pic shows the amount of slack the chain has picked up in the last 4,815 miles.
Just measured it, an additional 4mm of slack 😀
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