Drive Chain

[Sillywhitekid]

Anybody recommend some good brands for chains? I'm probably going to go with a 120 or 130 link drive chain.

 

[slothy]

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.

 

[inxs]

- theres a hell of a difference in length between 120 and 130 links..do you mean 520..5/8 x 1/4 or 530..5/8 x 3/16 type chains

 

[slothy]

ya im thinking he meant 520/530

 

[Sillywhitekid]

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.

 

[inxs]

- ah-so...a 4in extension will need 8in more chain @ 5/8 per link...64/8/5/8...13 extra links depending on whether you change your sprocket sizes too

 

[Travis]

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]

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...

 

[inxs]

- yep...stock

98 with 17-34...XS1-TX650​

104 with 17-33 and 17-34....TX650A on​

- ultimately it will depend whether youve changed from these or not

 

[inxs]

- the complete guide to chain

 

[Sillywhitekid]

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?

 

[inxs]

- better to press the pins out...pays to grind them flat first-dont have to but it helps make your chain breaker last longer

- definitely riveting

 

[Travis]

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]

you basically grind the mushroom off the pin and push the pin thru the plates

 

[jay760]

I can't recomend a make, but O ring chains seem to last alot longer than the old type

 

[pumps]

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

 

[slothy]

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]

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..

 

[73novaguy]

I pretty much just use Renthal or RK on any of my projects, wether it be motocross or road.

 

[xsjohn]

Finally broke down and bought a DID Professional o-ring chain early last spring........... only adjusted it a 1/4 turn last year after a lot of miles..........

xsjohn