The OEM chain lasted 11k miles (I think I underlubed it, but that's bad anyway). It was replaced with a DID ZVM 530.

This one lasted 19Kmiles (could go another thousand - maybe). Overall it has seen much more abuse (and was copiously OVERlubed, as many items in my place :shock: :grin: ).

Hugo

That is pretty poor longevity. :sad:

I just use a Scottoiler with a Dual-Injector to keep the chain and sprockets clean and well lubricated. With 17,000 miles of use, the wear indicator hasn't quite fully entered the "green area" from the "NEW" area so this chain should still have a long way to go.

With the stock, I died right after the middle wear mark. The current has a tight spot and is starting to stretch a bit too much.

Around 20k mile is fine for me.

Hugo

I'm approaching 20K on the stock chain, with the chain getting noisy unless it's properly lubed.

The wear indicator is still in the green, but approaching red shortly. I can also feel the tight spots at slow speeds, but I'll change it in another 1-2K..........maybe. :wink:

i'm at 22.5k and prolly only have another 3k left...

Which chain did you have stock, do you remember? The DID or the RK?

Like most other bike components, chains are technology.

I'm fond of the DID ZVM, for the 'Bird at least where friction losses really don't bother me.

Like another guy on this thread, I'm a fan of Scottoilers. I believe my ZVM has about 18K miles without substantial wear. Inspecting carefully, I'm guessing it will go roughly twice that distance before dying.

Scottoilers are another story, discussed extensively in previous threads. In Seattle, with wet roads roughly six months per year, it's great. A place with lots of dust and road grit, ditto. Most everywhere else, I wouldn't bother.

Are there newer chains that supercede the DID ZVM in tensile strength and general usefulness on a Blackbird?

As far as I know, DID 530 ZVM still top of the line, at least from DID.