The ZX14R is my first bike with a chain, all my previous bikes have been shaft drive BMW's, so I'd like to know if there's an aftermarket chain that doesn't rust? I notice rust spots developing on the stock chain almost as fast as I can clean and lube the chain and then a few days later I see rust starting to appear again. Thanks

It must be your geographic location. Do you live in Florida?

I had zero rust on the stocker and none on my chrome EK ZZZ. Some chains come with a chrome finish on the sideplates but I think the paint that is normally used should be just as good for most people.

Is it the rollers you see rust on? I've had that after a rain ride but it wears right off and no more problem. If your side plates are rusting, that seems pretty extreme. I would be concerned about what might be happening to the wiring.

* Last updated by: Rook on 5/15/2018 @ 3:46 PM *

lol.You mean,o-ring I hope;)
Never seen a chrome plated chain.Sounds kinda cool.I'v never had rust on any of mine either.But I keep em pretty clean.
To the OP...are you sure it's rust?The inner roller lube in a sealed chain CAN begin to come out if the O-RINGS(;0) are failing.Usually a red dusty color or grey.The way you're describing it,it sounds like the chain rings are going bye bye.If you take a flashlight and inspect along the chain there down the middle,you might see some small thin tufts of rings sticking out.If there's even one...it's time to replace.They're all getting ready to go.What are you using to clean your chain?Kawasaki manual says to use kerosin.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 5/15/2018 @ 4:36 PM *

I live in PA near Philadelphia and the rust is showing up on the side plates.

I guess just keep her oiled.

My bike is a 2017 with less than 1500 miles so the chain shouldn't be wearing out that quick, at least I hope not.

NO, it shouldn't. This is weird. Philly is sort of close to the ocean but not right on. Come to think of it, the stocker did rust a bit more easy I think but only on the rollers after they got wet and the bike sat.

So...the paint is chipping off the chain....or the rust is coming from under the paint???? That is odd. 1500 miles is brand new.

If you clean with kerosene and lube with wax, that's all that should be required. Try not to let it get wet, I guess. Maybe you were stuck with a cheap chain on a brand new bike. Do you see a DID stamp on the side plates?

Here's my chrome plated chain. The rollers are just rollers. Chrome is only on the plates. It's held up perfectly for 8 years.

* Last updated by: Rook on 5/15/2018 @ 9:51 PM *

"the paint is chipping off the chain"...what paint?I've not seen a factory chain with paint on it?Never heard of that before.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 5/15/2018 @ 10:52 PM *

My factory chain was gold. It's paint. Maybe I got a good one.

wellcraft, it might just be the remaining salt at the end of winter. Up to you but I'd wait until a good rain before I resumed riding.

Hmmm..interesting Rook.Mine are(were)all silverish colored.No paint that I could see.So the EK's and such 'gold'(edition)chains are painted?Didn't seem like they were painted gold.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 5/16/2018 @ 6:46 AM *

When near new I had about a 14 in section of chain on BBW start to rust, rest of the chain was normal. I actually think a dog pissed on her. Clean it up best I could with Kero and waxed it good and never saw it again, rust stain is still there.

Say the manual says every 500 miles. You lubed the chain 3 times so far, yes?
Say you're more high maintenance and that's every 300 miles. You lubed the chain 5 times so far, right?
Say that chain is going to wear out quicker than following maintenance procedure, then yes.

Signed,
NOLTT (no one looks to text)

I think mine lasted about 20,000 miles and it was ready to be changed. I was pretty good about cleaning and lubing. I neglect the EK ZZZ by comparison and it's lasted 30,000 miles. I think it's still good.

So the EK's and such 'gold'(edition)chains are painted?Didn't seem like they were painted gold.

and DID. Just click the color you want.

wellcraft,

The stock chain and the DID replacement I have on now both never had any rust. I avoid the rain but get caught in the wet every now and then so unless you are riding every day rain or shine I doubt that's simply the case. What do you use to clean the chain and do you use a solvent to clean the side of the chain after you apply oil?

I'm approaching 10,000 miles now on my ZX. I've ridden Florida, some Georgia the curves of NC/TN and some Virginia. I spray lube on every few hundred miles ... No rust.

But then they don't salt roads in FL, or GA I think, and I'm not sure they do in NC/TN/VA either.