Well, I don't want to sound stupid, but I've read through the last year's posts, and haven't found much on chains. I have a 2001 KDX 220 that I bought used (lightly) 2 years ago, and and probably SHOULD have changed chain and sprockets then (you know - all the "new" bike tune-up stuff!!) But I didn't, and here in SoCal the season is really just starting, and I do NOT want to mess up my season by breaking a chain.
SO...
It seems from what I've seen that most would recommend an O-ring chain. Anyone strongly disagree, and for any reason other than cost? I am riding desert, so it's a lot of dirt here. I'm not adverse to pulling the chain to clean it if need be...
Which brings me to the second question - what IS the recommendation for routine chain care? Do you pull it off at the end of the season and give it a good cleaning? Do you pull it after each ride? (Again - lots of dirt/dust, if that makes a difference...) I know that O-ring chains are not generally recommended to be soaked - correct? Do you just brush them and then re-lube them? Light solvent, or soap and water? No pressure washer, right?
Third question - seems like a good time to change sprockets too. These are now 5 years old, and although lightly used (and I'm a pretty new dirt rider), if I'm changing the chain anyways, this would seem to be the right time, no? There doesn't appear to be TERRIBLE wear on them - the chain fits pretty loosely, but I think that's more the chain than the sprockets. I certainly don't see huge assymmetry in the two sides of the teeth. BTW - this is an o-ring chain on there now, but it is SO stiff. I can bend individual links, but it's proabaly a wonder it hasn't gotten me in trouble already - they really AREN't supposed to be this stiff, are they? I think I could bend it into a big S, hold it upright, and it would hold that shape...
Anyways, with regards to the sprockets, I know steel will hold up longer/better, and I'm not too worried about a couple ounces difference in weight. Any specific recommendations here? I don't think I'm going to change sprocket sizes this time - I like my bike, and my wife and kids are even gentler riders than I am, so I don't need a huge top end much yet - (but will probably opt for the RB carb mod at the end of this season!!)
Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!
Best regards,
Jonathan
SO...
It seems from what I've seen that most would recommend an O-ring chain. Anyone strongly disagree, and for any reason other than cost? I am riding desert, so it's a lot of dirt here. I'm not adverse to pulling the chain to clean it if need be...
Which brings me to the second question - what IS the recommendation for routine chain care? Do you pull it off at the end of the season and give it a good cleaning? Do you pull it after each ride? (Again - lots of dirt/dust, if that makes a difference...) I know that O-ring chains are not generally recommended to be soaked - correct? Do you just brush them and then re-lube them? Light solvent, or soap and water? No pressure washer, right?
Third question - seems like a good time to change sprockets too. These are now 5 years old, and although lightly used (and I'm a pretty new dirt rider), if I'm changing the chain anyways, this would seem to be the right time, no? There doesn't appear to be TERRIBLE wear on them - the chain fits pretty loosely, but I think that's more the chain than the sprockets. I certainly don't see huge assymmetry in the two sides of the teeth. BTW - this is an o-ring chain on there now, but it is SO stiff. I can bend individual links, but it's proabaly a wonder it hasn't gotten me in trouble already - they really AREN't supposed to be this stiff, are they? I think I could bend it into a big S, hold it upright, and it would hold that shape...
Anyways, with regards to the sprockets, I know steel will hold up longer/better, and I'm not too worried about a couple ounces difference in weight. Any specific recommendations here? I don't think I'm going to change sprocket sizes this time - I like my bike, and my wife and kids are even gentler riders than I am, so I don't need a huge top end much yet - (but will probably opt for the RB carb mod at the end of this season!!)
Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!
Best regards,
Jonathan