So I was inspecting my chain earlier today and noticed some red dust around a dozen or so of the inboard o-rings and plates. None on either sprocket and none on the bike. After some research I have concluded that its is lubricant leaking from inside my chain, due to some busted seals. That is a thing right? Sadly my chain only has 6000 miles on it and it was lubed and cleaned regularly and it has never even needed to be adjusted because it has never gone out of spec, and I measured it regularly. The sprockets still look brand new and square. The only thing that I can think of it that inadequately lubricated the inside plates and o-rings all those times. Thoughts?
I don't know, it really doesn't look like any type of rust I have ever seen. I have had rust on bicycle and motorcycle chains before. Plus I haven't ridden in the rain in months (somehow) and at least one cleaning and several chain inspections ago, and this is brand new. Ill try and post up a picture from my phone
The more I look at it the more I think rust...but damnit internet, why you talk about red chain dust and make me doubt!
In other threads a lot of TR650 owners have commented on the poor quality of the OEM chain. Mine has a few stiff links but nothing like what your picture shows.
Chains are part of the price point pricing in many bikes. Just get a Regina ZRH (Zring) or similar and the best sprockets and be done with it for 20,000 miles or more. The high alloy steel and better seals in quality chains and sprockets make them much more resistant to rust and wear. I am a big fan of Ironman.
Looks like rust to me which would suggest the O-rings may have failed and the lubricant within has all but gone.
it looks like the rust is forming on the outside plates, not the inner side where the O-rings seal the lubricant in. Clean the chain with mineral spirits and give it a good lubing. Is it kinking anywhere? I have installed a scottoiler, which constantly lubes the chain. not a good option for off road though. --Chris
They only thing I ever lube my chain with is dry teflon lube. It provides a protective coating, doesn't attract grit, and wont affect the o-ring seals in the chain.
I tried using a dupont teflon lube. I found that the chain did not last any longer than if I had just not lubed it at all, although it stayed cleaner and less dusty. I've gone back to just using motor oil to lube the chains on my bikes.
I have found that lubing my chain with the tears of KTM riders keeps it perfect, maybe even better than from the factory!
It is rust and your chain is going away......change it before it wads up and knocks a hole in the case....
Chain and sprockets are one of the cheapest and best upgrades you can do. Listen to Xcuvator. Use wd-40 to clean your chain and a good chain lube, kero may strip the lube from the inner rollers and spray lube is not getting in. that's why your seeing rust.
Sorry for the delayed response, I got caught up with life obligations. Thanks to everyone who responded. The verdict is, YES, my chain is dead after 5800 street miles. Several of the links are locked and upon further inspection while cleaning, the rust dust was found around my front sprocket. I will be replacing the chain with something of quality before I ride her again. Thanks for the advice and knowledge.
I disagree. Dirt isn't a lubricant. Using a device like a scottoiler which will constantly keep the chain wet will do a good job of cleaning it also, but if you're just oiling it after each ride, that's not going to happen.
