Chain time.

[Upt North]

Just back from the good old EU. My chain is knackered.
Seems it's spat its o'rings out along with the lube etc. In short it needs changing.
I'm thinking of going for a 16T cushioned front, JT? This for more relaxed autoroute use.
Std size rear, 47T uncushioned and JT?
And for the chainy bit an Heavy Duty DID?
Any thoughts, I'm probably ordering tomorrow.
Ta.
Upt.

[Upt North]

Model number for the front sprocket would be useful.
Is it JTF 1591.16?

[Rixington43]

The cushioned fronts are worth the few quid extra in my experience, I can hear the difference even over the 1000 with cans and air filter changes.
Never had an issue with JT sprockets full stop, did (pun sort of intended) try their chain and was dissappointed with 11k until the stretch limit.
Went DID ZVMX2 this time around and very pleased with the quality, wear life tbc.

[Upt North]

I've also got part number JTF 520.16.

[Rixington43]

JT's own website (which is possibly what you've used) says JTF520.16 for the plain steel sprocket or JTF520.16RB for the rubber damped version.

[Upt North]

Ta me duck.

[nigel s]

JT and DID on my 650, all good.
Been using that combo on various bikes without a problem for years now

[Ianmc]

    I definitely recommend the rubber cushioned front sprocket,on my first Vstrom I fitted a undamped front sprocket just before going to Spain,it was VERY noisy and I changed it as soon as I got back home.

[Sir Trev]

My tame mechanic Stewart always suggests the rubber cushioned front sproxs. He also rates Tsubaki chains more than DID for some reason.

[porter]

I always use a Renthal front sprocket as I like the quality better than a JT etc. Current one is not rubber cushioned, can't tell any difference.  I don't use a Renthal rear as there to expensive, I can't remember the make fitted at the moment. Always use DID chains, not the heavy duty one just the first gold coloured one( to stop the rust spots). They last 25k miles, might go longer but I just change everything at 25k.

[Upt North]

All great info boys, I haven't ordered yet. That'll happen tomorrow now.
Upt.

[Upt North]

JT sprockets ordered front and rear. 15 and 16 T dampened front sprockets.
The heavy duty DID gold.
As recommended by GB. Edit...Rixy...sorry.
The picture tells a thousand words.
Pffffffftttttt.
Upt.

[Joe Rocket]

Have you checked the rear sprocket carrier bearing (maybe wheel bearings too)? With that much damage to a chain I know I would.

Just a suggestion. 

[Upt North]

Ta Joe, it'll all be gone through, I'll check all the wheel bearings when the tyres are changed back to the pre tour ones which had little use/abuse.
Upt.

[tgrk]

Upt North same is happening on my bike...  not that bad though,  I mean a few less  rubber rings inside the cover  and some more are popping out of the chain... ZVMX the chain, JT sprockets...
I bought an alignment tool to check the wheel alignment,  even if I always spend a lot of time to be  accurate when
adjusting the chain slack...
alignment was OK by the tool too.
but I noticed a little freeplay on the wheel,  the right hand side bearing failed, changed all three bearings,
I believe the freeplay was that little that didn t cause the failed rings
the chain-sprocket set has a 9000 miles life already ,  I hope to last as long as possible
I always was using these brands  in the past on my thou superbikes and was always happy,
but that s the last, my next will be a  set of RK, AFAM or EK
p.s.   all the popped out rings are on the inner side of the chain

[Joe Rocket]

I am following this thread closely Upt North as my original chain now has 28k miles from new. I'm informed by following riders (2 now) there's a click noise coming from the rear which I can't feel through the pegs but assume it's a seizure or tightening in the chain. I can't replicate the noise when running in gear on the centrestand but there is certainly usage and a tight spot is evident now when adjusting the chain.

Just a point, I always leave the chain slightly looser when adjusting, I guage the chain adjustment to the back of the adjusters with vernier calipers and not only visual to the markers, but most importantly I LUBRICATE IT OFTEN (sorry Upt......  ).

Anyway, I've been taking notes. 

[Upt North]

I always adjust the chain on the loose side of OK, but only a little.
It was well lubed whilst it's been in my ownership. Including carrying and using a small tin of Motul lube whilst on trips.
I think the o rings have come off both sides but I'd have to look again to be sure.
Like I said all the bearings will be assessed when the tour tyres are binned in a couple of weeks.
Upt.

[Upt North]

Re the question...
There is no apparent pattern to the o ring loss. Some on the inside only, some on the outside only and some have lost both, and then again, some neither.
Life's a lottery.
Upt.
 

[Ianmc]

   Quick question,how many miles are on the failed chain ?

[Upt North]

Ian,
About 11 and a half thousand.
This trip was about 4200 miles.
Is age and perishing an issue on oem chains? It's 7.5 years old.
I can't think what I've already typed but I also wonder whether the Italian roads, temperatures and extreme wet at times were a contributory factor.
100 fahrenheits. Thunder storms. Old chain? Maybe a bit skinny on the lube, maybe not?
The bike was not new to me, I bought it with about 5000 miles on I think, so I can't say how it was treated before in the lube/cleaning dept.
Upt.