Depends on the quality of the chain, how well and frequently it is lubed, how much it is tightened (overtightening reduces lifespan), and possibly some other factors I can't think of at the moment.

 

I follow the tightening instructions I got on here. I chalk it up to being a cheap chain. If things work out I might get a better chain after I replace the tank.

 

In my case, 1,800 miles on original chain. If properly lubed, what might I expect in terms of frequency of adjusting and ultimate lifespan?

 

I dont know how long my chain has been on but I tightened it on Saterday and with the strong headwind and the 200miles of hills my chain was loose when I got home.

 

Is it possible that you didn't torque everything down properly after you worked on it? 200 mile seems pretty fast even for a cheap chain to stretch. How is the alignment?

 

I put around 12k on the OEM chain (assuming it was still the original chain when I bought the bike with 4500 miles on it) without lubing it often enough. At the end of that, it was so worn out that it was flapping even when the adjusters all the way out, and it bent downwards very alarmingly when held sideways after I took it off. It was pretty shot, lol.

I replaced it with a $20 master-link chain from JC whitney without replacing the sprockets. That chain has about 3k on it now and hasn't stretched appreciably past the initial stretch. But the rebel is currently being ridden by a friend who is learning to ride, and hasn't been pushed very hard or ridden in rain and dirt yet since the chain swap. I am expecting the cheap chain to get 5k at the most.

 

You have done the right thing by having the dealer change both sprockets and chain as a unit.

It is usually considered wise to change sprockets when you change the chain. They both are worn as a unit. When you change just the chain, the wear will be accelerated.

2,000 miles is not a lot of miles for a new chain, if the dealer adjusted it properly.

Something is wrong and needs to be addressed.

I would involve the dealer.
The Service manager will check the alignment of the rear wheel, looking for what they may have done wrong when they installed everything.
There is no way you could have caused the accelerated wear even if you tried to. Unless you ride off road and do baja's, unless you only adjusted one side to take up the slack.
It is very hard, if you follow the instructions, to not get the rear wheel aligned properly. It is almost self aligning, but you still need to be sure you have tightened the rear axle nut to the right torque when you are through adjusting the slack.

The problem is more than likely a loose rear wheel axel, but get the professionals to check everything with a torque wrench just to be safe.

If you had adjusted the chain too tight, then you would have added a bit of stress to the chain, but use this as a learning experience. Make sure you get a quality chain (After the services manager checks everything to be sure all is well) and have them install it properly.

 

I rechecked everything when I re-adjusted the chain and I made sure the axle was torqued to 65ftlbs. I just ran 185 miles and there is still only 1" of slack. I guess I overlooked something when I did it the first time. It is at the end of adjustment so I guess it is time for new chain and sprockets.

 

Back to the Basics..

How many links in the chain?
How many teeth on the front sprocket?
How many teeth on the rear?

Are the sprockets worn?
How do you know?

Could be your chain was too long to begin with.

Might just have to remove two links.

I hope you have installed a fuel filter.. Rust is not a good thing to fed through your Carburetor.




Lets start this from the beginning..

 

Just a few tips for long chain/sprocket life that has worked well for me many years.
First, check your tension often. Nothing stretches a chain faster than one that is flinging all over the place when you are doing 65 on the freeway. That is a lot of force on the chain and even the most well maintained chain will wear quickly.
Second, I have been using dry teflon lubricants for years, they dry quickly, don't splatter all over your clean machine, and attract very little dust and dirt.
Third, when using a teflon lubricant, give the chain a good wipe down with a clean terry cloth before applying more lube, and don't be afraid to lube often. I do it monthly, or more if I am riding in wet or dirty environments.
It is fast, clean and easy. Also a whole lot cheaper than a chain and sprocket set.

My chain lube of choice is DuPont Teflon Multi-Use lubricant.
DuPont? Teflon? Lubricants

It is safe for o-ring chains, and has been very clean and reliable for me.

 

I bought my bike in early May. Since then I have put 2000 miles on it. I was thinking. YEEKS! It HAS been my daily rider. but I didn't think I chalked up that many miles on her. Aside from the clogged petcock, I haven't had any appreciable performance issues. Well that and my dry rotten tire giving out. She's been a reliable friend. but today is the SECOND time I've tightened the chain. If each flat on the nut is one knotch, I tightened it 10 knotches today. Not overtightened either. Still has a LITTLE play as it should. Gonna lube it again. But I'm chalking it up to being a cheap chain. I still have my original if this ever gives out. But think I'm gonna get a GOOD chain in October (oops need to go out and readjust the brake again). Anyway. Still debating on next year. Fix her up good. Get a newer (really would like a brighter headlight) or go up to a 450+ shadow. Depends on how I handle the winter. My fave idea is the newer rebel and keep the old girl for parts.

 

Correct lube, cleaning and alignment is the key, Also I am a few pounds over weight so I tend to run my chains on the loose end of the spec to keep a little slack in it when I am aboard. Ive never had a chain or sprocket go bad, 20 - 30 thousand miles. Also drag race starts are a no-no.

 

That's not me. I don't even try those kind of stunts. Hell I haven't even had it over 65 yet. I think 63 was my personal max. Have no reason to do more and with how the PO abused her I'm still leary to push the engine like that just yet. Still getting to know her.