How long should a chain last?

[Amber Lamps]

Originally Posted by Phenix_Rider

If it ran out of adjustment, that sounds like it had extra links, making the chain too long to begin with. My chain didn't stretch very far according to the adjustment marks, but it wore unevenly. Several links got a red stain, it kinked more often, and had large differences between the tightest and loosest sections.

I have heard of touring riders getting insane mileage (30k+) out of a chain, but I can only assume the bike rode like shit for so long they simply got used to it. Even a small amount of slop is noticeable to me. I adjusted the chain last week after washing the bike and cleaning the chain. It was just outside the loose end of spec- took two flats on the adjustor nuts to bring it back to the tighter side. I can't imagine using up all the adjustment on the swingarm.

I agree with that! I can't imagine a chain gaining that almost 2'' on the adjusters. That just sounds like a lot to me.