View Full Version : Adv drive chains?
cooneyr
26th August 2012, 23:18
Oil threads seem to be a bunch of fun, the tyre thread seems to be pretty civil, so what will drive chain thread be like?
Simply I need a new chain/sprocket set (current alloy rear has little lumps where teeth use to be) and surprisingly in a guesstimated 40k km of adv riding I've only ever bought one chain. I'm getting genuine KTM steel sprockets.
So what chain, why, cost and where to purchase please. While I'm after parts for my 450 EXC I'm sure the chain recommendation will work for pretty much any thumper so hopefully this thread will become useful resource.
Starters for 10
DID VM Xring (http://www.torpedo7.co.nz/products/D8CHXN0C1/title/d-i-d-520vm-x-ring-chain-gold---black) $190 at T7.
EK SRX Xring (http://www.torpedo7.co.nz/products/EKCHON0C2/title/ek-chain-520srx-x-ring-chain) $120 at T7. Interestingly supposedly higher tensile strength than the DID VM Xring, so why so much cheaper?
Cheers R
pete376403
26th August 2012, 23:34
Are the gold coloured side plates of the DID chain worth an extra $70 to you?
I'd go with the EK and spend the diff on sprockets.
What brand is on there now? If that (and the OEM chain) lasted 40K between them it is a pretty good recommendation
dino3310
27th August 2012, 00:53
i've been useing EK
Why?
A/ because there cheap and im a tight arse ($79)
B/ there actually pretty darn good i've got no complaints about them, good bang for buck
Brought from this trader http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/parts-for-sale/chains-sprockets/auction-506075297.htm (real name Central Suzuki) every now and then they do a weekly special with $1 reserve so i just bid for spare chains.
i've got a couple of him now, ones still in the box in the shed waiting for the one on the bike to give up but it wont die just yet even with abuse.
268846
But like pete said "What brand is on there now? If that (and the OEM chain) lasted 40K between them it is a pretty good recommendation "
Waipukbiker
27th August 2012, 06:15
Gday, I can vouch for Central Suzuki, They are in Waipukurau which is where I am and have dealt with them for a few years now and never had any problems, they only stock good quality stuff and are just good people to deal with.
CrazyFrog
27th August 2012, 06:44
+1 for the EK chain from me too. Always on sale somewhere, and supposedly high tensile strength.
I use the EK SRX chain on the KTM, I've got one from Central Suzuki on TradeMe and one from Torp7. Buy 'em when they're on sale.
I would rather replace chain more often than try and eeek extra life out of a $180 DID chain. Cos I'd rather spend that money on good oil, but lets not go there.......
I found the OEM RK O-ring chain on the KTM's not vey good, they tend to stretch early in their life and just don't last, even using them on alloy sprockets. I even had a RK chain break riding in sand at Anatori, and no it wasn't the joining link letting go, it was a weak side plate let go from the pin mid-chain.
Just to liven up this thread, we should start a worn sprocket hall of shame, then let the flaming begin :devil2:
cooneyr
27th August 2012, 08:39
Just to clarify I ain't done 40k km of adv riding on one chain. I've a very efficient way of dealing with not having to choose which chain to buy - I change bikes LOL
No idea what is on there at the moment and to be honest don't really care. I didn't own the bike for the first half of its life so can really tell much about the chain other than it has needed a fair bit of adjustment ever since I started riding it and that clip links worry me (I'll be riveting new one on thanks to the T7 tool).
......Just to liven up this thread, we should start a worn sprocket hall of shame, then let the flaming begin :devil2:
I'll show you mine if you shown me yours :shifty: Got lots of worn fronts in the shed and only two rears with the latest being the most interesting.
Cheers R
ktm84mxc
27th August 2012, 08:41
If you want a dear chain go buy a Renthal race chain ouch. Got 100 + hours outta the standard chain I fitted a twin ring rear sprocket from new and it's still going strong, most riders either run the chains to tight or loose to start with causing excessive wear. When riding in mud run the chain a little slack as it soon packs with mud causing it to tighten on the sprockets.
clint640
27th August 2012, 10:10
I've had just as good a run out of the $100-$120 EK SRX as I have out of the $180 RK X-rings the bike shop was selling me before.
Chain life is influenced a lot by lube & sprockets so it can be hard to compare. Best chain life I've ever had was 24K out of an RK ATV chain on a Chain Gang rear sprocket, swapped a couple of fronts in that time. Usually I only get about 12K, but the trouble is, the above combo costs a good bit more than twice as much as an EK SRX & a generic steel rear sprocket. :pinch:
Cheers
Clint
TINA RAY
27th August 2012, 14:31
Just to clarify I ain't done 40k km of adv riding on one chain.
Cheers R
THAT'S what I thort u was saying !!!.....I was in awe:blink:
I have an X-ring I have run for 32,000 Km....and it is still going strong.... can't remember the brand, but NOT Gold.
Only cost $89 on special, but many years ago.
Real oil, is the ANSWER to longevity.
cooneyr
27th August 2012, 15:12
THAT'S what I thort u was saying !!!.....I was in awe:blink:
I have an X-ring I have run for 32,000 Km....and it is still going strong.... can't remember the brand, but NOT Gold.
Only cost $89 on special, but many years ago.
Real oil, is the ANSWER to longevity.
LOL. My mum always said I should be a politician! Good at say something that people completely miss-interpret!
I'm a believer in oil when nothing in the environment to to become grinding past and no oil when there is. Seal = oil chain, everything else = no oil.
Cheers R
TINA RAY
27th August 2012, 17:02
LOL.
I'm a believer in oil when nothing in the environment to to become grinding pastE
Cheers R
THIS IS A TOTALLY INCORRECT, ERRONEOUS, OLD-WIVES TALE .......and is just one of the many which perpetuate Forums and booze talk.
It becomes a LUBRICATING PASTE!
AS the Chain Manufacturer STATES on the packaging....''USE 80W OIL ''
My chain is an ongoing testament to that advice...........THIS IS AN IRREFUTABLE FACT !
I expect at least another 10,00Km at this rate.
Night Falcon
27th August 2012, 17:57
Just to liven up this thread, we should start a worn sprocket hall of shame, then let the flaming begin :devil2:
OK I'll put my hand up....I found this on the 690 after snapping a chain, but have no idea who the culprit was that swaped out my good one :shifty: plus it looks like its giving me the finger :facepalm: I like RK chains cos they gave me a free one after my brand new one shattered into peices <_<
TINA RAY
27th August 2012, 18:05
OK I'll put my hand up....I found this on the 690 after snapping a chain, but have no idea who the culprit was that swaped out my good one :shifty: plus it looks like its giving me the finger :facepalm: I like RK chains cos they gave me a free one after my brand new one shattered into peices <_<
IT'S A KTM..seems to happen to them a bit ?????:confused:
CrazyFrog
27th August 2012, 19:01
OK I'll put my hand up....I found this on the 690 after snapping a chain, but have no idea who the culprit was that swaped out my good one :shifty: plus it looks like its giving me the finger :facepalm: I like RK chains cos they gave me a free one after my brand new one shattered into peices <_<
I gotta say, that one will take a lot of beating (and it has taken a beating).
I pulled a similar looking one off a BMW F650 I had a few years back while back, a worn chain accelerated the wear real fast and as it was hidden behind a sprocket cover, it was overlooked ..... nek minute, chain jumping on the sprocket. WTF is that noise? Oh rooted countershaft sprocket.
No photos, but you get the idea. Shame......... :facepalm:
JATZ
27th August 2012, 19:06
THIS IS A TOTALLY INCORRECT, ERRONEOUS, OLD-WIVES TALE .......and is just one of the many which perpetuate Forums and booze talk.
It becomes a LUBRICATING PASTE!
AS the Chain Manufacturer STATES on the packaging....''USE 80W OIL ''
My chain is an ongoing testament to that advice...........THIS IS AN IRREFUTABLE FACT !
I expect at least another 10,00Km at this rate.
:facepalm: You do know how to liven up a thread doncha....
That's the first time I've heard about 80w oil being recomended, I'm pretty sure the scottoiler oil ain't 80w, I could be wrong though
OK I'll put my hand up....I found this on the 690 after snapping a chain, but have no idea who the culprit was that swaped out my good one :shifty: plus it looks like its giving me the finger :facepalm: I like RK chains cos they gave me a free one after my brand new one shattered into peices <_<
That's not bad going... I don't have pics of my used sprokets, but I've had some beauties:yes:
Waiting for Padmie/Shrek poke their noses in and start bangin on about shaft drive :yawn:
Transalper
27th August 2012, 19:40
.....
That's the first time I've heard about 80w oil being recomended, I'm pretty sure the scottoiler oil ain't 80w, I could be wrong though...
Yea, every motorcycle manual and owners handbook I've had until now said to use 80W or 90W oil.
The 2012 WR250R is the first time a book I've had has said to use 'special O-ring chain lubricant'... but that's as far as it goes in to the topic.
cooneyr
27th August 2012, 20:03
80 or 90 oil is diff/gearbox oil. So should i use limited slip or hypoid? Oi! This ain't an oil thread!!!!
What chain, cost and where? So far few votes for the EK SRX. Thats the stuff I'm looking for.
Damaged goods is a bit of fun.
TINA RAY
27th August 2012, 20:08
:facepalm: You do know how to liven up a thread doncha....
That's the first time I've heard about 80w oil being recomended, I'm pretty sure the scottoiler oil ain't 80w, :
Just like Arai helmets, the Scott oiler is an unwarranted legend in the mind of the UNTHINKING MOTORCYCLIST.
All it does is oil your chain. It doesn't use 80W. (but a thicker concoction)
80W is RECOMMENDED BY THE CHAIN MANUFACTURERS.......but what would they know eh ????
Go to the ''Chain lube and noobs'' thread and refresh your mammaries.
TINA RAY
27th August 2012, 20:10
80 or 90 oil is diff/gearbox oil. So should i use limited slip or hypoid? Oi! This ain't an oil thread!!!!
What chain, cost and where? So far few votes for the ek srx. Thats the stuff i'm looking for.
Damaged goods is a bit of fun.
all chains are good. X ring is better.
All will fail if you do not oil them. Ok!
Use LSD oil and smoke it....it will open your mind.
JATZ
27th August 2012, 20:16
80 or 90 oil is diff/gearbox oil. So should i use limited slip or hypoid? Oi! This ain't an oil thread!!!!
Damaged goods is a bit of fun.
Yebut...we could turn it into a oil thread :bleh: :dodge:
Yea, every motorcycle manual and owners handbook I've had until now said to use 80W or 90W oil.
The 2012 WR250R is the first time a book I've had has said to use 'special O-ring chain lubricant'... but that's as far as it goes in to the topic.
Hmmm Intresting :scratch:
Just scanned through both owners manuals...
Suzuki wanna sell me Suzuki lubricant and BMW just reakon I should use something suitable. Nothing on the scottoiler bottle.
I guess something/anything is better than nothing :yes:
Night Falcon
27th August 2012, 20:34
I use a scott oiler but also a sprayon tacky chain oil. In fact i gave my chain n sprokets a good clean and re-oil on Saturday as it happens. Afterwards I felt all warm inside....like I'd done a good deed for someone. Arrrrh theres just something about a freshly cleaned and olied chain that gives me goose bumps :wari:
dino3310
27th August 2012, 20:37
Yebut...we could turn it into a oil thread :bleh: :dodge:
Like how much KLR's use more than DR's and turn into that thread again:facepalm:
Hmmm Intresting :scratch:
Just scanned through both owners manuals...
Suzuki wanna sell me Suzuki lubricant and BMW just reakon I should use something suitable. Nothing on the scottoiler bottle.
I guess something/anything is better than nothing :yes:
chain bar oil
:Offtopic::Offtopic::Offtopic:
TINA RAY
27th August 2012, 20:43
Yea, every motorcycle manual and owners handbook I've had until now said to use 80W or 90W oil.
AH, intelligence, in a sea of constantly regurgitated misinformation.....
You are a LEGEND:shifty:
TINA RAY
27th August 2012, 21:08
I use a scott oiler but also a sprayon tacky chain oil. In fact i gave my chain n sprokets a good clean and re-oil on Saturday as it happens. Afterwards I felt all warm inside....like I'd done a good deed for someone. Arrrrh theres just something about a freshly cleaned and olied chain that gives me goose bumps :wari:
Oh well, it seems to be working............pause........NART !!!!!
Night Falcon
27th August 2012, 21:38
......
....only a metro-sexual would clean its chain...
huh ?? I havn't been on a bus for ages :scratch:
NordieBoy
27th August 2012, 22:52
That's the first time I've heard about 80w oil being recomended, I'm pretty sure the scottoiler oil ain't 80w, I could be wrong though
The Scotty is basically ATF=10w
That's not bad going... I don't have pics of my used sprokets, but I've had some beauties...
The DR Big rear was a good'un...
clint640
28th August 2012, 08:21
80 or 90 oil is diff/gearbox oil. So should i use limited slip or hypoid? Oi! This ain't an oil thread!!!!
.
We can make anything into an oil thread :facepalm:
I reckon type of oil doesn't matter much, I use gear oil cos it's cheap & easily portable in compact quantities while touring. Chainsaw bar oil works fine, spraycan stuff works ok. Although one of the shorter chain lives I've had on the 640 was when I was using a dry wax type spray on stuff so I've gone off that. What matters is frequency, lubing the chain every riding day with anything remotely oily will make it last longer, you could probably put cooking oil in your scott oiler & it would still give a better chain life.
...and totally closed in front sprocket covers are the work of the devil. Why cover up one of the most wear prone parts on the bike? Chop a bit out of the back of it so you can see a few of the teeth.
Cheers
Clint
CrazyFrog
28th August 2012, 09:29
Okay you gay bar loiterers, enough about yer lube preferences.:bleh:
Back on topic, looks like cheapest place to buy EK 520 SRO or SRX chain is Central Suzuki in Waipukurau. Buy them when they're on special, you'll save heaps mister.
Otherwise try Torpedo 7 when they've got a sale on, they often have Renthal chain too.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/SearchResults.aspx?&cid=8559&searchType=&searchString=ek&x=0&y=0&searchregion=100&type=Search&sort_order=&redirectFromAll=False&memberToSearchId=705810&rptpath=Member_705810&generalSearch_keypresses=2&generalSearch_suggested=0
http://www.torpedo7.co.nz/shop/motocross/drive
If you want local try Motoworks in CHC.
DID chains: Once again look on TradeMe, lots of chain/sprocket deals new if you're happy to fit them yourself. Generally a bit better than your local dealer.
Padmei
28th August 2012, 12:47
: Waiting for Padmie/Shrek poke their noses in and start bangin on about shaft drive :yawn:
Oh guys you should have shaft drives - no problems whatsoever & smooth, smooth smooth.
pete-blen
28th August 2012, 14:55
I have been useing some type of Chinese gear oil that came out
of the lathe & mill when I changed it...
Its thick , sticky & slippery what more could yer ask for...
Cary
28th August 2012, 16:50
I didn't own the bike for the first half of its life so can really tell much about the chain other than it has needed a fair bit of adjustment ever since I started riding it and that clip links worry me (I'll be riveting new one on thanks to the T7 tool)Cheers RShouldn't worry, been riding dirt bikes for a while and never had a joining link come loose. Only use a rivet link on the big bikes. Prefer the clip link on the XR, KDX.
warewolf
28th August 2012, 18:35
FWIW...
I'll always run an x-ring not an o-ring. The mid-quality chains run on mid-to-high quality steel sprockets are the best value. (Top end chains are expensive, heavy and fat.) Replace the front 2-3 times over the life of the chain. Look at the CZ chains, they are $140 on trademe (and/or direct) from motoxparts. CZ is little known in this part of the world but they are to Europe what DID is to Asia. OEM on Ducatis and other stuff.
I've only run the 640A with clip links. Smear RTV on it afterwards to help hold it in place (mandatory at the Port Nelson Street Races), and also helps as a marker when lubing. Yeah, use a rivet link on big road bikes.
Lube :facepalm: 80W oil is good for pampered chains, but CRC556 or WD40 is much easier and just as effective for adventure use. My current chain/sprockets are setting distance records for me, using ONLY CRC, rather than a combo of aerosol chain lube and CRC. Manufacturers also state that that is all you need, so take your pick! An autoluber is great, especially for wet or dirty conditions due to its constant replacement of lube. Scottoil is also designed to carry off grit. But nothing really helps when the chain is just a muddy lump for hours on end:
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o20/warewolf885/public/20070722%20XC%20Kinzett%20Creek/th_XC3.jpg (http://s116.photobucket.com/albums/o20/warewolf885/public/20070722%20XC%20Kinzett%20Creek/XC3.jpg)
I get < 1500km / 40 hours out of a good chain on that bike. Chris @ ChainGang says all you can do is run the highest quality chain you can get, as they offer the absolute best durability - but not the best value, I don't think.
Woodman
28th August 2012, 20:44
I have run couple did x ring fj or vr superbike chains. Big chunky and gold like a street pimps jewellery. maintained badly they seem to get about 15000kms-ish. Paid about $50 for them.
warewolf
17th September 2012, 21:56
Update: I don't think this chain will be setting any records by the time its done...
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o20/warewolf885/public/20120916 Morley 6 Hour/th_20120916_2.jpg (http://s116.photobucket.com/albums/o20/warewolf885/public/20120916 Morley 6 Hour/20120916_2.jpg)
NordieBoy
18th September 2012, 10:15
Update: I don't think this chain will be setting any records by the time its done...
That looks like Hira mud...
Transalper
18th September 2012, 12:20
Update: I don't think this chain will be setting any records by the time its done...
Doubt it really matters which lube you choose to run in that either.
cooneyr
6th October 2012, 11:28
Finally put new chain and sprockets on bike today. RK520EXW chain and sprockets RK sprockets. Thought I'd share pic of old sprocket. triangles rather than teeth and top of teeth obviously broken off.271162271161271160
Night Falcon
6th October 2012, 16:10
Finally put new chain and sprockets on bike today. RK520EXW chain and sprockets RK sprockets. Thought I'd share pic of old sprocket. triangles rather than teeth and top of teeth obviously broken off.
OK, I think we get the "point" :laugh:
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