Hi, my wife is considering buying her first bike and GZ250 is an option (particularly because my first bike was a GZ250 and she liked the looks of it very much). There is a few of them available within an hour from us, some with low mileage (couple of thousand miles), and a few with around 10k miles on them. My question is basically this - how long does the chain last on GZ250 (I understand it depends a lot of how and whether it was maintananced, but I am looking for an average number), and how hard it is to replace it yourself? Do you have to cut the old chain and then use that tool (rivet ?) to put the new one together, or there is a way to get an already assembled endless chain on the bike?

Thanks!
Yan

I replaced my OEM chain at 10K miles. I cut the old one off with bolt cutters and replaced it with an o-ring that has a master link.

The master link type chain doesn't require removal of the rear wheel nor specialty chain breaker tools. I soaked the new chain in oil for an hour or so before installation.

Easy!

A chain should last 20000 to 30000 kms if maintained properly.You can cut the old chain off or grind the heads off the rivets.It is easier to use a removable master link in the new chain.The closed side of the circlip must face direction of rotation.

Great, thanks a lot! And how much a new chain with removable master link would cost?

A new o-ring chain & master link should be around $60.00 depending were you buy it.Chain is a #520 110 link chain.

The chain at 10,000 miles should still be good if it was lubed at regular intervals - before getting a new one and putting it on, you can inspect the chain, adjust it's tension if too loose, see if it has stretched, look at the sprockets for wear, etc. Just don't go out and get a new chain because it has 10,000 miles on it. There may be other things you have to attend to first.

cool, thanks!

such as? just getting an idea of the hidden costs of buying a used bike...

Thanks!

One of the main things to look at would be the tires.Be sure to check dates on sidewall to see how old tires are.

and how old should they be before you have to replace them irregardless of the remaining thread?

Any tire over 5 years old should be replaced regardless of amount of thread left.By the way welcome to the forum.

Thanks!

Where is a good place to get a #520 110 link chain? I called my local shop and they wanted $110-$160. I found this one on eBay...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... _760wt_839

I get mine on eBay. That's a good price, so I say go for it. Remember, you'll have to cut the OEM chain to get it off.

Good luck and welcome to the forum.

Thanks for the feedback everybody. I just ordered one, I'll try to remember to post my results.

Hope this is not too late............

In general, when changing the chain, one should ALSO change the sprockets......because old sprockets will cause the new (expensive) chain to wear a lot faster than normal. It is difficult for the untrained eye to detect sprocket wear just with a casual inspection.

That then is also a good time to try out a 16T front, if you are so inclined.

Wow, thanks for the tip. I just got the chain in today but haven't touched it yet. I read this ( http://www.gz250bike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=317 ) post and am seriously considering the 16T mod.

Where is the best place to get front and rear sprockets?

There isn't a lot of markup on sprockets; I just get mine from the dealer.
You have to specify the 16T front since it isn't stock for the GZ.

If you find someplace that has sprockets REAL cheap, they likely are aluminum alloy instead of steel. That might be alright but it never felt right to me. Only time I've ever used them was on an old beater; the sprockets probably outlived the rest of the bike !!

The SUZUKI part number for the 16t front sprocket is #27511-37200.
J.T SPROCKETS.COM #JTF434.16.
BIKEBANDIT.COM #A5270576 or #17866.
I used the Suzuki sprocket, it is steel & relative cheap.