[dockmaster1963]

My wife's 2000 honda 750 shadow has an ongoing expensive replacement routine that started right after the first chain and rear/front sprocket replaced with new. Now , it is the 4th set consisting with a 525 -120 link chain and 41 tooth rear sprocket each time. Before we know it, the chain starts slipping and the sprocket is already laid over at the teeth. We constantly re-tighten chain to prescribed slack and are aligning the two adjusters to the exact same spots. Now, here we go again. Bike down and over another 100 bucks to get going. Anybody can point us the right direction, it is gratefully appreciated. Thank you

 

[gdb069]

So don't use any solvent when cleaning. Just o-ring lubricant.
Have you checked swing arm bearings?

 

[CSRoad]

That is crazy wear! Something is wrong.
The thing that jumps out at me in your posting is the Chain Length it should be 122 links with stock gearing (41 x 17).

 

[D's Spirit]

Howdy dockmaster1963!

The FortNine guy has some good info about chain lube(s)...

 

[kesanders]

Howdy dockmaster1963!

The FortNine guy has some good info about chain lube(s)...

I watched that video but I still like the PJ1 chain lube. I would make sure I used steel sprockets and a good O or X-ring chain. I have had good luck with Bike Master parts. Affordable and high quality. On the chain, always make sure it is the highest tensile strength you can find for the size you need.

 

["Captain D"]

I dunno how many sets I`ve gone through in the 177,700 miles I`ve put on her BUT >
Chain set NEED to be Maintained and changed when "wore slap out"...

dockmaster1963 ,4 sets in 23 years? That`s Doggone Good, I think...


Is 10 -14,000 miles good or Bad???

 

[kesanders]

I dunno how many sets I`ve gone through in the 177,700 miles I`ve put on her BUT >
Chain set NEED to be Maintained and changed when "wore slap out"...

dockmaster1963 ,4 sets in 23 years? That`s Doggone Good, I think...


Is 10 -14,000 miles good or Bad???

That's great mileage. Let him know what chain and sprockets you use. They have to be good.

 

[torinogt]

At 120,000+ miles, I just installed my 3rd chain & sprocket set 3k miles ago (JT heavy duty X-chain & 17/38T sprockets). The previous replacement was JT sprockets & DID O-ring chain & the one before that was OEM. I never cleaned my chains & oiled them every 5-600 miles with 85w90 gear oil, always use steel sprockets not aluminum.

 

[Bentone]

doc, lube chain every 300 to 500 miles. I see 302 on my trip gauge, I'm all over that chain with STP wheel bearing grease. STP seems to be the cheapest tube on the rack, so that's why. I've got over 20K on the chain since new. Haven't moved the chain to adjust out any slack.

Cakes the rim, swing arm, chain guard is loaded with layers of grease every 300mi. Can't pull the chain off the sprocket. yet. Takes a paper towel to clean things off. Front sprocket cover is packed with grease. I can take a paper towel and clean the chain rung, I feel no grit at all.

So the question to you is, how many miles between lube?

 

["Captain D"]

JT sprockets for me too...
I`ve tried various chains, but find DID to be a good one...

Thinking though, I go through a set in a year or so...

Some times more,
Dennis

Sometimes Less

 

[punxsybob]

JT and DID For me also. Roughly 16,000 miles per set.

 

["Captain D"]

This chain/sprocket is something I`ve never kept track of???
I dunno Why,
Dennis

tires, oil change, gas change etc... Not chain & sprocket???

 

[ckahleer]

Adjust the chain and check for over tightness at every 1/2" of swingarm travel. First lift the rear of the bike, untill the shocks are fully extended and check chain slack. Next get the fattest person avalible and have him sit on the passenger seat. He will gradualy put more weight in the seat as you measure slack at each incurment untill shocks are bottomed out. A wratch strap can help in bottoming out the shocks.
Or you could just make your adjustments looser than factory spec.
Somewhere in the swingarm arc, the chain is being streched.

 

["Captain D"]

This is the First time I`ve read these instructions ckahleer

I adjust with my Baby sitting natural on the pavement after I lube the chain...
IF on the lift, I adjust with the bike sitting natural, clamped straight up on the drive on lift...

Your owners manual has Proper instructions,
Dennis

 

[gdb069]

....Next get the fattest person avalible and have him sit on the passenger seat. ...

Could be a whole new career !!

 

[ckahleer]

There are 3 axis we are dealing with when running a chain. Front sprocket, rear sprocket, and swing arm. At the point where all 3 line up, is where the chain will be the tightest. If, for whatever reason, the chain is not being adjusted correctly, finding this point and verifying the chain is not streched tight there, is a good check and only needs to be done once.

 

[oldguy]

Went through the same thing on one years ago, It was due to over-tightening,,, I now run them at the loose end of the adjustment range, no more problems.

And DO NOT use an aluminum sprocket on a street bike. They will have a really short life on the street.

 

[kesanders]

I usually adjust my chain to where it is about correct off the bike. I then sit on the bike and check it again. I make my final adjustment to where sitting on the bike is to spec.

 

[dockmaster1963]

I will thank everyone who took the time to give up some info pertaining to our problem. I will use what I can from the replies to the best of my ability. Very helpful and supportive. Thank you all.