My first 10,000 miles

Sulman · September 23rd, 2016, 08:04 AM

I hit this on my Ninja 300 last month. It's been a lovely year, and interesting for me as I'd started to think I would get bored with the bike after three months. However I told myself I had much to learn and I didn't actually realise how right I was. I wrote about some of it here.

I love my bike and riding even more than I did a year ago. I wouldn't have thought that was possible.

csmith12 · September 23rd, 2016, 08:24 AM

CaliGrrl · September 23rd, 2016, 09:17 AM

I'm only at about 4,000 miles on mine, and loving it more every time I take her out! Everybody seems to think the little bikes are just for starting out but I'll probably keep her for a while. I love having a light bike!

Glad you're having such a good time.

Triple Jim · September 23rd, 2016, 09:17 AM

It's good to hear a success story, keep enjoying it. But don't lose your vigilance... other drivers do not see you!

If you had to replace the chain and sprockets in less than 10,000 miles, something was amiss. Did you keep it lubed regularly? I've gone farther than that with a conventional non-O-ring chain, and my sprockets normally go three times that far.

Sulman · September 23rd, 2016, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple Jim

It's good to hear a success story, keep enjoying it. But don't lose your vigilance... other drivers do not see you!

If you had to replace the chain and sprockets in less than 10,000 miles, something was amiss. Did you keep it lubed regularly? I've gone farther than that with a conventional non-O-ring chain, and my sprockets normally go three times that far.

The chain was worn at about 9000; the sprockets weren't too bad (rear was actually perfect) but I replaced the whole lot anyway.

The problem was two-fold. I rode through winter and part of the cleaning regimen (using Maxima cleaner) involved rinsing the chain, and I think I just never got it dry enough; eventually I got a couple of tight spots almost certainly due to water ingress. I also adjusted it too frequently, which hastened the occurence of tight spots. I'm not sure the original chain shipped with the bike was that great, as the new one hasn't needed an adjustment in 1500 miles since I put it on.

I don't use any water any more and usually clean and rub the chain with kerosene or WD40, before applying the lube.

Triple Jim · September 23rd, 2016, 09:37 AM

Good analysis, thanks. I always hate to wipe a chain to clean it, because it wipes grit into the gaps between the side plates, but with riveted chains the alternative is very tedious. I've seen plastic contraptions that allow rinsing with solvent with the chain in place, but haven't tried one of those. Maybe someone here has experience.

I remove my bicycle chains and soak them in Varsol, shaking them in a Gatorade bottle intermittently for a few days. Then I dry them and re-lube them in a mix of Varsol and grease and hang them up until the Varsol is gone. Rotating two chains that way, I can get more than ten times the life that the manufacturers say I should get. Like easily 15,000-20,000 miles per chain.

NevadaWolf · September 23rd, 2016, 09:42 AM

Congrats! It's cool seeing that fifth digit appear, isn't it?

Keep riding, keep learning, and keep enjoying your bike. They can really go anywhere.

September 23rd, 2016, 08:04 AM	#1
Sulman ninjette.org member Name: Jim Location: Western Pennsylvania Join Date: Sep 2016 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 300 Posts: 52	My first 10,000 miles I hit this on my Ninja 300 last month. It's been a lovely year, and interesting for me as I'd started to think I would get bored with the bike after three months. However I told myself I had much to learn and I didn't actually realise how right I was. I wrote about some of it here. I love my bike and riding even more than I did a year ago. I wouldn't have thought that was possible.
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

September 23rd, 2016, 08:24 AM	#2
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	__________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

September 23rd, 2016, 09:17 AM	#3
CaliGrrl ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Kerry Location: Ventura, CA Join Date: Jan 2016 Motorcycle(s): Ninja650 Posts: A lot. MOTM - Apr '18, Apr '17, Apr '16	I'm only at about 4,000 miles on mine, and loving it more every time I take her out! Everybody seems to think the little bikes are just for starting out but I'll probably keep her for a while. I love having a light bike! Glad you're having such a good time.
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

September 23rd, 2016, 09:42 AM	#7
NevadaWolf Certified looney toon Name: Teri Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV) Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 16 MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14	Congrats! It's cool seeing that fifth digit appear, isn't it? Keep riding, keep learning, and keep enjoying your bike. They can really go anywhere. __________________________________________________ <-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow.

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September 23rd, 2016, 09:17 AM	#4
Triple Jim Guy Who Enjoys Riding Name: Jim Location: North Carolina Join Date: Jul 2016 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTM - Oct '18, Aug '17, Aug '16	It's good to hear a success story, keep enjoying it. But don't lose your vigilance... other drivers do not see you! If you had to replace the chain and sprockets in less than 10,000 miles, something was amiss. Did you keep it lubed regularly? I've gone farther than that with a conventional non-O-ring chain, and my sprockets normally go three times that far.

September 23rd, 2016, 09:37 AM	#6
Triple Jim Guy Who Enjoys Riding Name: Jim Location: North Carolina Join Date: Jul 2016 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTM - Oct '18, Aug '17, Aug '16	Good analysis, thanks. I always hate to wipe a chain to clean it, because it wipes grit into the gaps between the side plates, but with riveted chains the alternative is very tedious. I've seen plastic contraptions that allow rinsing with solvent with the chain in place, but haven't tried one of those. Maybe someone here has experience. I remove my bicycle chains and soak them in Varsol, shaking them in a Gatorade bottle intermittently for a few days. Then I dry them and re-lube them in a mix of Varsol and grease and hang them up until the Varsol is gone. Rotating two chains that way, I can get more than ten times the life that the manufacturers say I should get. Like easily 15,000-20,000 miles per chain.