Genuine parts or not to.

[Flyingpony]

Bit of a problem. Genuine Suzuki parts are so expensive.
I need new sprockets and chain, no doubt about it, but on my limited budget, I can't afford them.

Genuine Parts: Total: $255 + labour ~$90.
Front sprocket: $40
Rear sprocket: $79
O-ring chain: $136
Heavy duty chain: $55

Alternative: $190 (includes fitting so not sure of actual item cost):
Front sprocket: $20
Rear sprocket: ~$40
RK 428 O-ring chain: $130

Cheaper Alternative: $107 + labour ~$40
Front sprocket: $12
Rear sprocket: $25
Non-Japanese O-ring chain: $70 ($20-30 more for Japanese)

I think the two cheaper quotes are using sprockets of about the same price.

Found some numbers on my chain, RK 428 HO, so I think its identical to the 2nd pricing.

Since FXR's rolled out of the factory with o-rings, I've discovered that fellow riders are switching them all over to heavy duty chains. Don't understand why since HD chains have much shorter life. Got told HD's 3-5k, o-rings 20k.

From what I've read about the quality of non-OEM parts, they should be about the same except the finishing appearance isn't as shiny/stylish. I'm currently leaning towards the cheapest option as it fits my budget the best. I'm hoping with proper maintenance (clean monthly(ish) with kerosene and keep weekly oiled - no wax this time), this new setup will last longer. The factories unfortunately lasted 9k and I'm hoping to get 20+k out of this new system. With 99% of my riding as a gentle commuter, I hope that's possible.

I've heard some riders get 40k out of o-rings. What do you do to achieved that?

What is your experience with cheaper parts vs. OEM's?

Feedback please.

[GSVR]

I would wonder why it costs $90 bucks to fit OEM parts as opposed to $40 for the aftermarket ones? Does it take over twice as long!

Nothing like water to dry a chain out and youll be getting alot of that over the coming months.

I'm using grease on my chain after cleaning it and do this as often as I can/feel like it.

Do a search of the old posts as this ones been done before I'm sure (the Oring vs non Oring chain anyway)

[campbellluke]

Little bikes are often harder on the chains / sprockets than larger bikes. I don't really understand why.

Clean your chain and put some type of lube in it. If you like gravel roading, you should clean your chain even more.

At the end of the chains life you will need to tighten it often. Remember than it is should have about 25mm of slack.

I follow those guidelines. But even then. I get less than 20,000 kms before I change Oring and sprockets.

Edit: Also, the stock chain. Is your longest lasting. I think that only 9000 kilometres is pretty shitty =-\

[Cary]

Use a good quality o-ring chain, no need to go 'top of the range', they may cost more but will last MUCH longer.

All I do is keep them lubed wity quality chain lube and keep adjusted.

Don't buy genuine parts they are a ripoff no matter what the salesman says. Saying that I do stick with oem oil filters while the bike is under warranty so shop can't pin blame on them if something should go wrong.

Chain & sprockets are easy to fit, maybe someone down your way could offer help?

Shop around and keep asking

[wkid_one]

Try buying OEM Honda parts then - on a part by part basis - it would be cheaper to build a Mercedes from scratch