I have 23,000 miles on my 02. Next spring Im going to take off on another journey somewhere in the US, racking up a ton of miles. Question is, how long can I expect out of my cam chain? How can i tell if mine is going bad? What sounds should I listen for? Should I even be worring about it? Rather fix it now then out in the middle of nowhere. thanks

Mine probably went about 25K before it started getting noisy. I like to thump mine so think that may have contributed to the early demise of the tensioner. In the late 90's one CA rider had his last until 90K M but he ran CA freeways in a 50 mile one way run each day. If it is clattery and the valves are adjusted correctly then listen with a stethoscope on the RH case area when the bike is idling. If it is noisy there probably the chain is slapping due to the tensioner aluminum housing being worn out of round by the plunger. If let go too long the spring could come out and not be a positive experience as it goes through the cam drive chain and gears, the primary drive gears to the clutch and one way clutch on the starter drive outside the clutch drum. Max

for what its worth the suzuki service manual only shows a service limit..you
"measure the 20-pitch[21 pins]length of chain"
the sevice limit is  128.9 mm     5.07"
if i was goin that deep into the engine id replace the chain...