biker question

consumers_revenge

Hi,

Purchased a suzuki 125 in dec 2009

Been in for its 3500 service today ( actually only done 3111 ) and was told it needed a new chain ( and sprocket as replaced together ) and the rear tyre was getting low.

How long would you expect these to last, seems very short to me. :eek:

Thanks,

lad81

All depends how you ride it, chain and sprocket should last a LOT longer than 3K though, do you ride it quite smooth or are you hammering it up and down the gears (for a 125)

What makes the tyre?

Is the bike kept outside in all weathers?

feefeelalabelle

had the same problem , but bike was kept outside without cover, dont think it helps them. got it from new and this was about a year in, think like the other poster said it depends if you thrash it too!!! suppose it shouldnt happen but i dont think its a major concern (maybe for your wallet, i dont know how much they cost) x

consumers_revenge

does get a bit of a hammering some days TBH ( nothing mega bad though ) and also due to parking spends its days outside in the wet whilst at work.

told the chain was 'tight' I do spray dry lube on it quite often though...

unsure about the tyre make just a bit surprised as my car does 30k plus :eek:

lad81

If a bike is kept outside for any length of time the chain needs de-greased and lubed pretty often, what type of chain lube you using?

Also helps to regularly wash the bike too, especially through winter with all the salt on the roads, it eats anything metal!!

Bike tyres, they can last anything from 500 to 15000 miles depending on make, size of bike CC and usual roads. I get around 1200/1500 miles to mine, last set i only got 900 !!!! I have an 1100 though.

I would expect a wee bit more than 3K with a 125 tyre but again, depends on you cornering skills or what kills tyres more is squaring it off. Thats driving everywhere upright.

Igol

Bike tyres wear.
I figure a set will last a season maybe two, depending on the type, chain and sprockets however I'd expect a bit more from than that.

I swapped mine out on my Suzuki back in 04 after 2 years use and fitted a scottolier at the same time. Apart from the odd tweak of the chain never had to go back to them. Needless to say when I got my new 'summer' toy two years ago I fitted a scottoiler to it PDQ.

consumers_revenge

dont want to remove the chain from bike...

but can anyone suggest the best method otherwise for cleaning/degreasing the chain. petrol and a toothbrush perhaps

the lube is called dry lube and its in a silver can from the m/c shop, bout 7.50 a can

Igol

If the sprockets have gone then the chain has too.

Scottoilers are an add on so no need to take anything off apart from the tank when you fit it.
If anyone from scottoiler would like to commend my reccomendation for their products I could do with some more fs365 lol

Cleaning I generally get rubber gloves on, some rags and washing up bowl and diesel, then lots of lube afterward.

lad81

Ideally go and buy a can of degreaser and use an old rag to clean the chain then regrease with a proper lube, I use Putoline ceramic lube, get something that is anti-throw though or you will end up with it all over the place as soon as you move.

Try not to use petrol and a toothbrush as you "may" damage the rings/seals on the chain. IMO.

If your chain has a tight spot on it it's probably too late, if you get a new one maintain it and it will last 10/20K plus on a 125.

The above is what i do and is not gospel, biking maintenance is all down to personal choice.

consumers_revenge

this is the stuff I lube it with

Billy-no-Money

Which Suzuki 125 is it? I ask because I've heard the Marauder (a cruiser-style bike) gets through chains very quickly and 3000 miles wouldn't be unheard of.

Also - have you adjusted the chain yourself? You say it was described as 'tight', which to me usually means it's not been adjusted correctly and doesn't have enough slack (the slack allows for suspension movement as you ride the bike). An over-tight chain will wear extremely quickly.

Also - chains on 125s often aren't the 'O-ring' kind you'll find on bigger bikes - cheaper, but they won't last as long without thorough maintenance.