Chain Life

[MotoJoro]

Just ordered new chain from local dealer - I have 1year left of waranty and that's the reason.
First chain was changed on 30 000km, now I am on 53 000km.
I really wanted to try the MEndurance chain but the price is more than double...

Maybe next time.

[Jggpossum]

Are you replacing sprockets as well?

[MotoJoro]

Yes ofcourse. First set of sprockets the rear was really shark fin-ing. This one has a bit more life but no point eating my new chain.

[Jggpossum]

Thanks for the detail. Knowledge is power. 

[JonLBaxter]

So it looks like about 30,000kms is as long as we can expect from the standard chain and sprockets.  I can’t see that anyone has done much better than that.  Useful information at least.

[LP17]

My BMW Dealer is going to look at my Chain at 30000km. Expected life is between 30000- 50000Km,

[Jggpossum]

This is my fingers crossed expectation as well 30-50k km.

I check the links at every clean. They are mostly still quite “firm” at 25k km when I try to bend each link which indicates the seals are still secure. A couple links are a little easier to bend but there is still no lateral flex anywhere in the chain and that is the first sign of significant internal roller wear. Expect once any lateral flex becomes noticeable it will be a rapid decline thereafter.

[JonLBaxter]

I hope you are both correct.  In my mind 50K is acceptable, 30K not so much.  I know that chains really are just consumables like tyres and brakes but if I have to change mine at 30K I won't be using the OEM chain.  Fortunately chains are really easy to buy aftermarket.