XJ550 maxim Chain questions

So I'd like to replace my chain 530x104 (?) as well as the sprockets for two reasons:

1. Not sure how many miles it has on it or the age of the chain. Afterall, we understand that mechanical driven speedometers can easily not represent the actual mileage of an engine. I just purchased the bike last March and would like to keep good care of the bike.

2. I went out a few weeks ago to pull the bike outta the barn when a warm temperature spell hit the Ohio area. I guess there was still some salt-n-grit on the roads and I failed to wipe the chain before putting her away again. It rusted severely beyond my disbelief. I was shocked how corrosive it looked. (No worries I wiped the engine covers, exhaust system, and tires with water before storing the bike back in the barn)

My question is about the chain itself. I understand the sprockets have a small degree of change depending on amount of teeth you want. I also understand how to lube and maintain a chain's adjustment. I'm just curious what type you guys use whether its non-O ring, O-ring style, or X-ring style? Which has advantages over another?

P.S. anyone out there got a set of spare SS lines for maxim 550? Chacal get ready for a list once I get things squared away! Spring is right around the corner :lol:

 

Me personally? I run old-school standard non-anything chain, and use PJ1 Blue Label chain lube exclusively. Both Secas and my Norton.

Good choice on replacing the chain. If it got rusted internally, the bearing surfaces of the pins have likely been compromised, and it won't last long even if properly re-lubed.

 

Standard chains are pretty cheap. No reason not to replace it.

After my XS threw the chain, I'm going to keep a closer eye on them. Don't want to repeat the experience.

 

thanks guys, I wasn't sure if the O-ring style was an upgraded chain that is on ordinary bikes nowadays & everyone uses them or if non O-ring style was also fine and safe with lubrication. Either type still requires lubrication in my opinion so just out looking for suggestions. almost like comparing unleaded gas to premium gas I suppose...who else has changed sprocket ratio's, and can tell the difference with initial or top speed?

I'm serious about the brakes though! Keeping my eye out for anyone who happens to have a spare set; my SS lines for a 650 came from somebody on here who unfortunately wrecked and was parting out his bike

 

Does a new chain have the tendency to stretch?? This will be the second time I've had to adjust the chain slack (its becoming too loose) within the past month.

Long story short I replaced the sprockets and chain with an old school standard chain maybe back in March or early April. I've probably put nearly 1000 miles in the past six weeks so yeah I ride a lot but I do maintain lubricating it. In fact a couple weeks ago I took it off for personal inspection just because I noticed a slight dusty, rusty color while riding for long distances in hot temperatures; i.e. 300 miles weekend roundtrip with temperatures close to 90's. Am I not lubricating it enough if that's the scenario?

Reminds me, I should update my signature

 

New chains do stretch naturally as they settle in.

 

moellear how often in miles, not months, are you adjusting?

When I installed new chains on my 550s, both required a re-adjustment at around 600 ~ 800 miles and now I can go as much as 1000 miles in between adjustments.

I use PJ1 Blue Label (non o-ring standard chain) and lube every ~400 miles or so or when the chain gets "bitchy."

One thing I have discovered: if you adjust according to the book, you'll end up being a tad tight and it won't hold adjustment as long. Instead of the recommended 35 ~ 40mm, I run mine at 40 ~ 45mm free play and they seem to hold adjustment longer.

 

okay my father mentioned that new chains should stretch, but thought I'd ask the gurus too.

bigfitz, yeah I realize I probably haven't adjusted enough this summer considering I've done an estimated 4000 miles at least, with only 2 re-adjustments now. the past couple of days I noticed it was becoming looser faster than I got around to re-adjusting so I left it parked in the garage today. Currently I can feel a binding in the chain as it is grabbed by the sprockets when engaging into first or second gear == TOO LOOSE.

I'll take a tape measure and re-adjust to the measurements you've mentioned. In the past I've tried to keep a slack of about 1 1/2" ~ 1 3/4" which is fairly close to your range indicated for free play.

An order of side business: rolled over 16000 total miles ridden on an XJ last week, since the fall of 2008 when I first got my 650. I've put a lot of miles on the 550 within the past 18 months, and hope to roll another thousand miles before the end of this year so my speedometer says 30000 (not the original speedometer unit btw)