Lifan X-Pect upgrades. New fork oil, fork boots, chain and front sprocket

[KSSK]

I've been busy working on my 2021 Lifan X-Pect in the last several days. Hopefully some of this info can help other X-Pect owners.

New chain
The X-Pect uses a 428 chain with 128 links. There are lots of non-sealed options, but I wanted to try a sealed one. I picked the JT X1R x-ring chain. X-rings are basically just slightly modified O-rings.

There's a lot of thick grease on the outside of the chain that I will need to wipe off. During my test ride it was starting to throw grease. They definitely don't skimp on the grease at the factory.

I had tried to regularly lube and clean the factory chain, but I do some decent off-road riding and it didn't seem to be holding up too well.

Front sprocket swapped to 16 teeth
I previously posted about how I had switched the factory 15-tooth front sprocket to 17 teeth, but I didn't like it and went back to the 15-tooth version.

I decided to try a 16-tooth sprocket. I haven't taken it off road yet, but so far it offers some improved on-road riding while hopefully not negatively impacting my off-road riding as much as the 17-tooth sprocket did.

Fork oil
I removed the forks and drained the factory oil. It was a little under 200 ml. My measuring cup doesn't go below 200, but I'd guess it was 180 to 190 ml.

I added 200 ml of 15 weight oil. It is definitely firmed up. Maybe a little too much for off-road riding. I'm thinking about using a syringe to pull out maybe 10 ml or so and see how it performs.

Fork boots
The forks from the factory have no fork boots and I was sick of them getting all muddy and getting mud in the fork seals. These Polisport boots (size medium) fit well. I posted about it in this thread.

[Boatguy]

Nice mods.

I’m curious to hear how that compromise 16 tooth sprocket works out off road and what it does to your on road top speed.

Regarding the chain, I have a n00b question. What makes a chain bad? And what’s wrong with a bad chain? Does it fail by breaking or does it just look bad?

Mine is rusty now from rain while in the rack on my rv. Not sure what that means.

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by Boatguy

Nice mods.

I’m curious to hear how that compromise 16 tooth sprocket works out off road and what it does to your on road top speed.

Regarding the chain, I have a n00b question. What makes a chain bad? And what’s wrong with a bad chain? Does it fail by breaking or does it just look bad?

Mine is rusty now from rain while in the rack on my rv. Not sure what that means.

A chain that has stretch out of specifications will wear your sprockets out much quicker.

[KSSK]

Originally Posted by Boatguy

Regarding the chain, I have a n00b question. What makes a chain bad? And what’s wrong with a bad chain? Does it fail by breaking or does it just look bad?

The main thing is the chain wearing, which makes it longer.

I only have a few hundreds miles, but I do a decent amount of off-road riding, and I already noticed a small amount of wear. The chain is always getting filled with mud in my case.

Our bikes come with non-sealed chains. With the amount of off-roading I do, it was worth it to me to upgrade to a sealed chain that will hopefully last a while.

[Boatguy]

Thanks for that little extra information guys. I may have to do the same with my chain. I do a good amount of off-road riding also.

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by Boatguy

Thanks for that little extra information guys. I may have to do the same with my chain. I do a good amount of off-road riding also.

A seal O-ring or X-ring chain is the way to go. Especially for off road. It will still need to be cleaned and lubricated regularly to prevent wear on the sprockets from the grit that will collect on it but chain stretch will be greatly reduced.

[severely]

Originally Posted by Boatguy

Nice mods.

I’m curious to hear how that compromise 16 tooth sprocket works out off road and what it does to your on road top speed.

Regarding the chain, I have a n00b question. What makes a chain bad? And what’s wrong with a bad chain? Does it fail by breaking or does it just look bad?

Mine is rusty now from rain while in the rack on my rv. Not sure what that means.

Regarding chain wear, you'll observe kinking of links, rust and stretching. Stretching will be shown by lifting the chain off the rear sprocket after cleaning and proper tensioning, you'll also see tight and loose spots in chain tension. If you can see more than 1/2 tooth of the sprocket when chain is lifted then the chain is worn out and needs replacement. You should ideally replace the chain and sprockets as a set to prevent premature wear on either. The suggestion of O or X ring chains is highly recommended also. Good luck, be sure to set tension on the loose side rather than too tight because tight chains can reduce chain life, rear wheel bearing and countershaft bearing life.