650GS Chain question

[downhillhunter]

Is there any quick way to determine when to replace the chain on our F650GS?

We don't see any connector links. Do I have to break the chain?

Or is there some trick that I'm missing?

And will the replacement chain have connector links?

Thanks,


Downhill Hunter

[sgborgstrom]

I'm relatively new to chains myself, until getting my Dakar 18 months ago all the bikes I put much time on were shaft drive. So I'm learning too.

Surf on over to www.f650.com and read the FAQS for more information than you'll know what to do with.

The most basic check of chain wear I've heard of is to grasp the chain at the rear sprocket and pull it away from the teeth. If you can see more than 1/2 the tooth it's time for a new chain- most folks change the chain and sprockets at the same time. The Chaingang periodicaly has deals for members in the $145 range for a complete set up.

BMW uses riveted chains, you'll either need to break the old one or take the bike far enough apart to get it out. Most often an aftermarket chain with a masterlink is used as the replacement. There are arguments for both methods. ( FWIW I'll be replacing mine with a masterlinked chain)

Mnay of the chaingang are using ATF, dribbled on the chain at each fuel stop, for lube and reporting long chain life. Seems to be working for me as well.

Here is the chain FAQ (http://faq.f650.com/FAQs/GeneralChainFAQ.htm#Introduction)
Steve

[downhillhunter]

Thanks, Steve,

Great links with just the info (and more) that I needed.

I appreciate your taking the time to answer.

I have the original chain with about 11K miles on it. I used a chain wax and frankly, I haven't been too happy with it. Chain seems a little stiff, even for an O ring chain, it appears the prudent action would be to change it.

Sprockets are fine at this point, so maybe do the chain now before I start to eat a sprocket. It's my wife's bike and it's not ridden very hard but it is ridden daily.

thanks,

Downhill Hunter

[downhillhunter]

My wife read a lot of the info on the link and has decided she wants me to look for:

Regina 135 ZRH 520-112

What are your thoughts for that chain?

Where might I find a supplier? She said she couldn't find a place to buy it on an Internet search.


Thanks

DHH

[creola]

Use a continuous chain and change both sprockets with every new chain. This will force the removal of the swing arm which allows you to check other items of the suspension, the drive cushion and bearings.

The first time I replaced my chain I had to use a hammer to drive out the main swing arm bolt. Obviously, it got some grease before it was reconnected.

Don't be cheap, do it right. Your wife is really going to be pissed when she throws a chain at 20k because you were to cheap to change the sprockets! :fight

Think ahead man.

[sgborgstrom]

Don't be cheap, do it right.


There certainly is something to be said about this approach. I think part of BMW's historic reliabilty came from maintenance cycles that required dissassembly of large parts of the bike on a regular basis. Think about what all is involved in lubing the clutch splines on any of the split transmission/engine case bikes.

Steve

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

There are training DVDs available for the cost of shipping at F650.com made by Flash and some dedicated folks. They are really instructional and removal of swingarm is covered in great detail on that DVD alon with many other valuable service tasks.

[greer]

Stop by Lowes and take a look at the Dupont Teflon Multi-Use Lubricant. A buddy brought me a can after reading about it in Motorcycle Consumer News. Amazing stuff, and the rear wheel and underside of the bike stay clean as a pin.

Sarah

[BradfordBenn]

Nearly two YEARS ago I sent a set to Paul Glaves, the wrenching "authority" for the BMW MOA. AFAIK, no review has yet appeared in the BMWMOA News. It is a shame for all those club members that the DVDs could have helped during all that time.

This might sound like a dumb question and not trying to rub salt in the wounds, but did you ask for them to be reviewed?

[greer]

Easy now Flash; Brad asked if, not why. Regardless, I definitely need to get myself the 3 DVD's. I never realized there was so much info on them.

Sarah

[phil]

Very well said....I just recently purchased a new 650GS. I sold my 1200GS becouse of the problems I was having with the bike. To be honest with you Flash I love the 650. I go to many bike night events in Florida and the people who ride BMWs kinda look down on me. I have heard the 650 is not a BMW etc. I just think that sometimes the BMWMOA thinks the same. I hope I dont make anyone upset. For some reason I think my comment will..Personally I just like all people who ride and could care less what they are riding..

[greer]

I'll have to say I love my 650, too. And I'd never have thought it, but my husband bought a Dakar Monday; he's decided to let a buddy buy his 1150GS. Doug had been awfully jealous of my bike's easy handling and super gas milage from the beginning, and when I rolled in from Arkansas grinning from ear to ear it was more than he could take.

Flash, I enjoyed meeting you too, and had such a great time in Mena. I wish you could cut loose and meet up with us in Hazard, please do if you can. If you don't mind, could you tell me specifically how to order DVDs? Are each of them labeled with the specific bike models and maintenance procedures they cover? I haven't been able to find the particulars on F650.com. Thank you.

Sarah

[greer]

Thank you, Flash. Somehow I missed the specifics on the website. I sent $10 and asked for all three. Thanks again.

Sarah