1998 F3 Chain trouble. Please Help!!!

*slorider18* · 03-12-2007, 12:49 AM

I have a 1998 600F3 that has an RK chain and sproket. It is the same as the stock gearing. Over the last few days i heard a loud clicking as i take off from a stop. I can also feel a pulse or click in my pegs, especially on the left side. I got it up on the rear stand to check it and it apears that my master link has stretched. Has anyone ever had this happen? Can i replace the master link, or do i need a whole new chain. The chain and sprokets have about 12K on them, but are warrantied for 20K. It has never been on a track. I mainly comute with it. Let me know what you think. Thanks.

Sime · 03-12-2007, 3:39 AM

How do you maintain it and how often? When it rains, do you re-lubricate the chain? What type of lube are you running? I use the Honda Pro chain lubricant in the red can. It's a dry type Teflon lubricant that is awesome. It's not messy and doesn't fling either.

Is its a clip style or rivet style (endless link) master link? You should definitely be running a rivet style on your bike.

Chains aren't that expensive...and the absolute LAST thing you want is for your chain to bind, snap and lock your rear wheel at speed. For less than $100, you can alleviate that fear!

I vote for just changing the whole chain. While you are at it, check out your sprockets for wear, especially the rear one. That might need replacing too.

HTH.

Cheers,
Sime

dattaway · 03-12-2007, 9:38 AM

If you had a clip type chain, you could take it off and inspect it. If its binding, its likely the link pin has galled the inside of the neighboring pin hole. Like a bad bearing, it all goes downhill from there.

*slorider18* · 03-12-2007, 10:23 AM

it's the rivit style. and i'm not sure what lube is on it. I have my local shop usually adjsut and lube it for me. It is really messy though.

I guess i'll call RK and see if that warrranty really works.

Triax · 03-12-2007, 12:41 PM

Did you get the same chain size and sprockets to match the chain?

*slorider18* · 03-12-2007, 1:07 PM

This is what i purchased. i just cut and pasted from the site. "This includes a RK 525 XSO standard chain with a steel 525 front sprocket and a steel 525 rear sprocket, in stock 14-43 gearing."

*slorider18* · 03-12-2007, 2:08 PM

I just got off the phone with RK and they will be sending me out a new chain tomorrow. I guess I will be running with them from now on.

*slorider18* · 03-13-2007, 11:00 PM

My chain just showed up. free next day service rocks. i love rk.

LITEITUP · 03-17-2007, 12:29 PM

So they just sent you a new chain? Did they require you to send your old one back? Thats sweet

*slorider18* · 03-17-2007, 1:51 PM

no they didn't ask for the old one. There is a warranty card you send in when you purchase the set. they looked it up and said it was covered. I called monday morning around eleven and my new chain was at my door at 5pm tuesday. now i am on the road again.