Sillywhitekid
XS650 Enthusiast
Anybody recommend some good brands for chains? I'm probably going to go with a 120 or 130 link drive chain.
-
Enjoy XS650.com? Consider making a donation to help support the site.
XS650.com receives a small share of sales from some links on this page, but direct donations have a much greater impact on keeping this site going.
-
It's time to vote for the bikes you want to see in the 2025 XS650 Calendar! Vote here!
Drive Chain
- Thread starter Sillywhitekid
- Start date
slothy
Lurker
ive used DID, RK and EK on my sportbikes and never had a prob with any of those. just spend the extra and get a oring chain.
slothy
Lurker
ya im thinking he meant 520/530
Sillywhitekid
XS650 Enthusiast
No...I meant 120 or a 130 link chain, I know there is a significant difference in length, I just haven't actually measured the length of what I am going to need yet. I'm thinking it will probably be 120 due to the 4" stretch in the hardtail but like I said, haven't gotten to the measuring yet.
The purpose of the post was to see if there were any brands in particular to stay away from.
The purpose of the post was to see if there were any brands in particular to stay away from.
Last edited:
And stock they are 104 links correct??? So 4 inches of extension means you'll only need the 120? I'm pretty sure I bought a 130 for my +4" swingarm, and after it was all said and done, I could have used a 120 (I think.... was a few years ago).
rikkibobbi
XS650 Member
I did the tcbros hardtail on mine and I had to cut a few links out of a 120 link chain... I think it was 4 but I cant be sure...
Sillywhitekid
XS650 Enthusiast
So when you "cut" the links are you actually cutting the plates or are just driving out the pins?
Next question: What do people prefer, riveting the master link or a clip for the master link?
Next question: What do people prefer, riveting the master link or a clip for the master link?
Yep, grind first then push the pin out the other side with a hammer and drift if you don't have a chain breaker. You don't actually need to cut the plates.
slothy
Lurker
you basically grind the mushroom off the pin and push the pin thru the plates
pumps
XS650 Junkie
Not trying to hijack this thread but as I am looking at swapping sprockets and a new chain I am wondering about chain costs. On mikesxs site I see he has the Izumi High Tensile Heavy Duty chain (non o ring type) for about half the cost of the o ring type.Would a guy get twice the wear or what is the ultimate benefits? Just got done reading this.
http://www.quality-cycle.com/truth_about_motorcycle_chains.htm
http://www.quality-cycle.com/truth_about_motorcycle_chains.htm
Last edited:
slothy
Lurker
chains and cheap shouldn't be used in the same sentence. i wish i still had the picture of my buddies "china" chain sitting inside his cbr600 motor (broke and blew a hole into his case at 70mph). Not saying you need to buy a o'ring, but just dont skimp on chains.
rikkibobbi
XS650 Member
I bought the DID heavy duty 530 chain listed in the article for this bobber project on e&ay for a third of what it costs elsewhere....I think itll be fine for the bit of skooting around town and to work.....just use pj1 and youll be fine..
