Kawasaki Sportsbike Riders Club - Australia - Online Forum

Hey guys.

I have spoken to a couple of people about this but wanted to pick your brains before deciding what to do.

The Gixxer has done 12000kms now, has had all of it's regular services (in fact also some in between.) I have always regularly cleaned the chain (with Motul Chain Clean) and lubed it (Motul Chain Lube.)

When I was cleaning it a couple of weeks ago I noticed one of the O-rings coming out of the chain. As yet it is only one that has come out. Has anyone seen this before? Is it common? What could cause it?

I have had three suggestions-

1. Ignore it- the life of the chain will be shortened, but it still has some life in it.

2. Get the dodgey link removed and the chain repaired.

3. Go to my good friend Mick and get that great deal on that hot new red chain that I soooo love.

What do you all think?

The chain of a motorcycle is a very sensitive and usually long wearing item. Looked after well it should last well more than 12,000klm's

Unfortunately yours realises it's attached to a Suzuki, so the shame is too much for it to handle. It's killing itself to get away. You should buy a Kawasaki, they don't seem to have these problems.

Sounds like a bodgey link, I presume it's the OEM Chain. Maybe buy a newey and go from there.

Glen wrote:Unfortunately yours realises it's attached to a Suzuki, so the shame is too much for it to handle. It's killing itself to get away. You should buy a Kawasaki, they don't seem to have these problems.

Maybe buy a newey and go from there.

I take it you are referring to the chain and not the bike Glen??

Yes, I must admit that buying a new one seems to be the way I am leaning. Just wanted to get some input first.

Thank you

Black Magic wrote:I take it you are referring to the chain and not the bike Glen??

Well now that you mention it.........

if ever an excuse was needed to add more bling to your bike, this is it. espcecially if its a dodgy link. the last thing you would want is your chain to come off, wrap around your bike and lock the back wheel. it's probably far from happening, but then, maybe not.
(speak up people if you think i'm being a panic merchant!!)

Next photo i expect to see from you black magic should include new red chain!! sounds like you were ready to buy it anyway!!

Would it be worth asking the shop you bought the bike from if they'll replace it under warranty?

I doubt chains will be covered under any warranty, it's like asking if they cover punctures (i.e. they'll look at you like you've just dropped a steamer on the carpet).

IMHO it's time to get it replaced, once water gets into that link it's going to rust from the inside and as we're coming out of summer (our autumn passed between 8:45pm and 9pm one evening a fortnight ago) it's only going to get wetter.

If you replace it with a decent RK or DID it'll last a lot longer anyway. Don't forget you'll need to check the sprockets out too...

Mick

Thanks guys. I didn't take much convincing!

Pics of the new red chain coming up as soon as i can book it in!

Degreaser is the biggest culprit for O ring probs Wendy ---

Normally if you keep it well lubed and watch it like a hawk you can get a few more thousand out of it.(proviso you use a decent lube generously )

You just have to ask yourself is it worth the risk?

Fuck BM...I can't believe no one has said it!!!

TRADE IT IN!

IsleofNinja wrote:Degreaser is the biggest culprit for O ring probs Wendy ---

Normally if you keep it well lubed and watch it like a hawk you can get a few more thousand out of it.(proviso you use a decent lube generously )

You just have to ask yourself is it worth the risk?

I have never used degreaser on it

Being slightly mechanically challenged, watching it like a hwak is probably not a great idea for me.

I don't think it is worth the risk. More money into the Gixxer....

Strika wrote:Fuck BM...I can't believe no one has said it!!!

TRADE IT IN!

Sorry to let you down Marty- the bike stays, the chain goes.....

my ZX9 lost 1 of the o-rings for the chain and i didn't really worry about it, i just kepy lubing up the chain and it never seized up or had any problems in the time i owned the 9 so i am sure it wont be critical as you use the bike a bit will prob prevent the rust from building up so much it will make it stick, but if your in the market for a new chain, this just gives you another reason to get it!

Black Magic wrote:

IsleofNinja wrote:Degreaser is the biggest culprit for O ring probs Wendy ---

Normally if you keep it well lubed and watch it like a hawk you can get a few more thousand out of it.(proviso you use a decent lube generously )

You just have to ask yourself is it worth the risk?

I have never used degreaser on it

Being slightly mechanically challenged, watching it like a hwak is probably not a great idea for me.

I don't think it is worth the risk. More money into the Gixxer....

Yeah F#^CK the recession!!!! you got your own little stimulus package right there haven't you (BM)

If its under 12 months warranty or within the statutory warranty period of the item Freebie