Final drive chain links "scuffed" by chain guide?

[peterwbaker1100]

I noticed when cleaning the chain on my Gen 2 XR the edge of the chain looks scuffed - see picture.  It is on the inside of the chain loop.  The only part of the bike I can see it touches is the guide protecting the top of the swing arm just behind the front sprocket.  Bike has 11,000 miles and the chain lives a loved life with regular maintenance, even if BMW says it does not need it:-).   The chain is correctly adjusted, double checked at 9500 miles by BMW at last service.



Seems "odd" that plastic would wear down "metal"!  Anyone else seen this please?  Thanks, Peter

[scotti]

Yes, same on all 3 XRs I've had.  Not caused any problems to chain or guides so I've not worried.

[peterwbaker1100]

Originally Posted by scotti

Yes, same on all 3 XRs I've had.  Not caused any problems to chain or guides so I've not worried.

  Thanks, that is good to know:-) Peter

[Zar_S1000XR]

Nothing to worry about, however I would clean the plastic guide, most likely rocks or just dirt is stuck to the chain lube and it's eating away the chain. But for 11k miles chain that's normal. Especially when it's time to replace the chain, which is usually 12k miles anyways.

[smithy]

Originally Posted by Zar_S1000XR

But for 11k miles chain that's normal. Especially when it's time to replace the chain, which is usually 12k miles anyways.

12k miles..?? Bollocks...My DID ZVMX chain now has 56k km (34,800 miles) on it and still no signs of being poorly.

Smithy.

[Zar_S1000XR]

Originally Posted by smithy

12k miles..?? Bollocks...My DID ZVMX chain now has 56k km (34,800 miles) on it and still no signs of being poorly.

Smithy.

I are you the first owner? Never in my life I've seen 34k miles motorcycle with original chain on it. NEVER. If you can prove that you're the first owner, I might believe you.

[bobdave]

Originally Posted by Zar_S1000XR

Especially when it's time to replace the chain, which is usually 12k miles anyways.

If I had to replace my chain at 12k miles I'd be very disappointed. I would expect about 20k miles out of the standard chain. Replace it with a quality chain and sprockets and no reason why you wouldn't get at least 25K miles imho.

[bazzer]

You guys who are getting mega miles out of a chain, do you replace sprockets without replacing chains ?

[bobdave]

Originally Posted by bazzer

You guys who are getting mega miles out of a chain, do you replace sprockets without replacing chains ?

No, I replace chain & sprockets at the same time. Maybe I just don't rag it enough 

[bazzer]

I have about 13K miles on the current chain and sprockets on my Gen1 and the rear sprocket a Supersprox with steel teeth is completely knackered. For me its normally the sprockets that are dead and I always change everything together.


I do most of my miles on holidays in big chunks, last trip was 2500miles of mainly twisty mountain roads. I am guilty of not lubing chain that often. Mostly I only lube it on a trip if its rained. So that could be it, or I like too much drive off a corner :-D