Fuck my life.

[Erch]

You know, I take owning an old bike with stride. I've been stranded by a broken clutch cable, bad ignition switch, overheating coils, fouled plugs from a weak spark and a host of other issues that left me pushing a bike up the shoulder and in the spirit of adventure I'd do it again. Every time a little ingenuity and some called in backup with proper tools got me rolling without needing to get trailered off.


This time though. The fucking princess decided to break her chain at 70 mph on the 400 heading north. I haven't taken it apart to check the full damage but it looks like the chain shot straight through the clutch housing and seized the transmission. She decided she really didn't want to limp away from this one.


Morale of the story: when the last guy tells you the chain is new. Even when he's your good buddy and you trust his word. If that chain doesn't take an adjustment in 4000 miles, you tell him he's full of shit and replace that thing before you hurt yourself.

 

[Big R]

Man, everybody's having some bad luck lately. But at least you stayed upright I guess.

+1 to changing the chain (and sprockets). I won't go out of 2nd gear on a "new-to-me" chain.

 

[boingk]

Sorry to hear about it man, hope it hasn't caused anything terminal that can't be fixed...

...and yeah, chains are one thing to definitely renew. I think my last DID O-ring chain set me back $55?

Cheers - boingk

 

[crazypj]

Glad to hear your OK, hope there isn't too much 'collateral damage'
Always check adjustment and lube.
Adjust at tightest point.
Any suspension mods change manufacturers spec.
Best way to adjust is with all 3 pivot points lined up (sprocket center, swing arm pivot, rear axle)
this is tightest chain can get as suspension moves up and down, if you have at least 1/4"~3/8" at this point it will only be 'looser' when suspension moves.
Usually your going to have to compress suspension a bit to get them lined up

Unless your drag racing, chains usually break because they are too tight (unless its low speed industrial chain, they all have a minimum breaking stress of around 5~6,000psi)

 

[Aetsh]

This worries me..I should buy a chain ASAP

 

[boingk]

PJ - how does a measurement of psi work with regards to chain breaking strength? I've only ever heard of pounds, kilos, or newtons.

Cheers - boingk

 

[Big R]

It's the pounds per square inch - but I don't think that's what you mean.

The tensile strength of most industrial materials are rated the same way. They take the material, turn it to a specific diameter, and use a machine to basically rip the bar into pieces. That 6500 psi is how much pressure it reaches before breaking.

 

[4eyes]

Drive chains on used bikes, are like timing belts on used cars. The collateral damage can be too serious not to pony-up the price of a replacement. Cheap insurence.

 

[Erch]

I'm still not certain if it was the chain that went and took out the clutch or the transmission/engine that seized and snapped a weak chain. I guess in both scenarios the chain was ready to go. I was working the last few days but I'm about to go rip it apart and see the full extent of the damage. I'll let everybody know.

 

[Erch]

Well there's your problem, Ma'am

Edit: Yup, that's the clutch rod it's wrapped itself around. That would be why my clutch froze.

 

[locOleoN]

aw shit man...

That sucks... Let me know if there is anything I can do to help out..

At least its just the bike... Ive heard horror stories of chain whip and the wounds thereafter, when the chain snaps at that speed..

what bike is it again?

 

[Erch]

what bike is it again?

This princess:

Here's a shot of the front sprocket cover that got shredded.

So tally of parts required:

- chain
- set of sprockets
- Sprocket cover
- clutch rod (may be able to bend it straight again, I'll have to pull it out to find out the full damage)

Also it's stuck in 5th gear. I'm hoping it's nothing but I'll probably be pulling out the transmission to make sure everything's still in one piece.