How is pointing out improper maintenance and not following the Indian owners manual non ambassador like?
chains don’t just jump off sprockets.
chains don’t just jump off sprockets.
Watch out for the stock chain.
- Thread starter J Send It
- Start date
Timps27
Active member
I really dislike disparaging someone who had a bad day and could have been seriously hurt. But at the same time, I find it inconceivable that the boat anchor of a chain on the FTR would break or jump without either A. Serious delinquency in chain maintenance, or B. A severe manufacturer defect.
Unless OP provides further detail we have no way of knowing for certain, but Occam’s Razor and all...
Unless OP provides further detail we have no way of knowing for certain, but Occam’s Razor and all...
the oem chain is a quality did 525 oring chain, that comes standard on MANY bikes. To say “Indian picked the wrong chain” simply due to a mishap is misleading. I’ve seen more issues with improper chain maintenance than I ever have with an actual chain failure. Especially with a quality chain like the DID.
OP didn’t give any extra info as to what happened. And hasn’t been back on the forum since posting. The way it looks is, it was improperly adjusted, and it hopped off the sprocket, that’s not a chain issue. If the chain would have broken then yes, that’s an issue, but the damage wouldn’t be what you’re seeing in these pictures
Max Kool
Well-known member
K9F
Well-known member
Maybe not Max, Vitriol or not, there are of course trolls as well that will visit forums in such fashion. All that were initially requested were a few more specific details. Was he injured??? I am still under the distinct impression personally this was either owner error or whoever fitted the replacement chain and sprockets messed up?
First post with an opening gambit of "Indian didn't quite pick the right chain for the bike" will on an enthusiast forum with many experienced individuals undoubtedly lead to derision and doubt if you're not willing to respond to subsequent posts. One shot wonders! And if he was a troll he now is getting his desired results. Don't feed them!
First post with an opening gambit of "Indian didn't quite pick the right chain for the bike" will on an enthusiast forum with many experienced individuals undoubtedly lead to derision and doubt if you're not willing to respond to subsequent posts. One shot wonders! And if he was a troll he now is getting his desired results. Don't feed them!
DeplorableOne
Active member
Not to throw more fuel in the fire, but the stock chain did stretch quite a bit in the first few hundred miles. Now this is the first new bike I've purchased that had a chain. My previous bike was a belt and it was a decade since I owned a bike before then. I could definitely see how not being on top of chain maintenance could be extremely detrimental on this bike. Especially when it's new and you're getting a ton of stretch. So for instance my bike I took to the dealer for the first service, only had it back for approx 150 miles and because of this I checked my chain. It was at 18mm! That's a TON on slack. I don't think the dealer even checked it and a lot of people just assume they do, I know I did. I even said something about how loose it seemed. They looked me dead in the face and said "it's set to factory specifications". If I hadn't of checked I'm sure I'd of been posting a similar thread...so make sure you take it upon yourself to verify stuff is done and done correctly. This is a good lesson to all
I’ve owned nothing but chain driven bikes for the past 12 years. It’s 100% normal for a chain to stretch that much during the first 500 mile break in. But after that it’s mainly done stretching till it’s time to replace it. That’s why it’s important to adjust it at 500 miles.
and they probably set it to the slacker side of the specs, as a slightly loose chain is better than a tight chain. As a tight chain, will keep stretching, as well as wear out your sprockets, and countershaft seal.
and they probably set it to the slacker side of the specs, as a slightly loose chain is better than a tight chain. As a tight chain, will keep stretching, as well as wear out your sprockets, and countershaft seal.
Max Kool
Well-known member
Don’t people feel that their chain is loose while riding? Especially when it’s loose enough to derail...
Also, your chain should be part of any pre ride inspection.
Also, your chain should be part of any pre ride inspection.
Last edited:
S2Davies
Active member
While this thread has proved slightly frustrating, it must be said it did encourage me to go and have a good look at my set up. I would say that my maintenance and inspection regime is probably better than average, but an extra look is never a bad idea. So thanks to J Sent It...........you made me look 
Scarecrow
Member
18mm is too tight no? Service manual calls for 33-40mm.
Max Kool
Well-known member
Point taken, you never had a bike with a chain.
18mm is waaay too tight. Hate to say this but read the manual (and I wonder if you measured correctly, else you would have read it).
A SLIGHTLY LOOSE CHAIN IS BETTER THAN A TIGHT CHAIN
DeplorableOne
Active member
my gauge the closer it is to the swing arm the smaller the number you push the chain up towards the bottom of the swingarm. so when you use the 10 pound chain tension scale along with a measure the chain gets closer to the swing arm the looser it is. I tightened it back up to right at 35 just as specified in the manual. So point taken you don't know how to measure your slack 😉 Also not my first bike with a chain, my first NEW bike with a chain and most of my old ones were dirt bikes and we checked the chains religiously and went through a few more than I expect we do on the streets. The chain stretched on my old zx10r but not to this extent, but it was used and I never needed to replace it's chain
Attachments
DeplorableOne
Active member
all good
J Send It
New member
yes it was
J Send It
New member
That chain broke and rapped around the rear sprocket it didnt just roll off the bitch. It was adjusted properly.
Weird, everyone who races and stunts the FTRs all use the "3rd quality chain", this is the first time ive ever seen an issue with these chains.
Accidents happen, hope its covered under warranty.
Accidents happen, hope its covered under warranty.