This winter I purchased an 02' with 5500 miles on it, and now it has about 6800. When I bought it, the chain was a bit loose, and after proper adjustment, the indicator is now at the "red zone". The chain is in good condition, not corroded, no binding, no tight spots, and the sprockets are in great shape - it's just to long. I am considering taking a link out, and reattaching the chain with a rivet type new master link. Is there any compelling reason to purchase a new chain, when from all indications the chain and sprockets are in good shape and only have 6800 miles on them? I would much rather wait and replace them as a pair when they seem to really need it. If the chain shortening does seem like an okay idea - does anyone out there have a good chain breaking and riveting tool that they might be willing to let me borrow (I would pay all shipping and give deposit over paypal or other method). I'm sure there are alot of opinions out there about this and I appreciate any feedback.

Thanks

 

The sprockets look stock and there is no indication that the nut holding the countershaft sprocket has ever been loosened. The chain is stock DID. I'll count the number of links tomorrow. I too am a bit puzzled as to how a chain would stretch that much so quickly, yet not show any signs of abuse or excessive sprocket wear. I picked the bike up from a repo place for $4,000.00, cleaned the carbs, and tuned it up. It runs great and was in otherwise great shape under the layer of dust. I traced back the ownership (2 previous) back to the original dealer based upon documents that were left under the seat, and the history of the bike is clean, so it's not some salvaged bike with the wrong chain slapped on. It's interesting that I'm not the only one who finds it a bit odd though!