Chains and stuff

[TheDemonLord]

So my bike has a large tight spot on the chain - so I am going to be looking at replacing (probably in the next week or 2).

After some gogling - I have garnered the following:

I will be replacing the sprockets at the same time I do the chain.
X-Ring chains last longer and since I commute long distance, I am looking at this type of chain
If I want to do it myself I will need a chain breaker and a chain putter-back-together-er
The stock chain on my bike is a 525 pitch, 118 link chain.
DID is apparently a good reputable brand

However doing some further gogling indicates I can drop it down to a 520 pitch chain (Lower rolling mass, and cheaper cost of chain), since 520 chains are rated up to 750cc and mine is a 650

So I am asking for advise on whether to stick with OEM (and cough up the extra $$$) or look at dropping down a chain size.

Note - I am not looking to mess with the gearing.

[bogan]

Chain might be cheaper, but in my experience non-standard sprockets are a kkaaahnnnttt to get for cheap. 525-520 conversion is done on my 650 too, and apparently plenty strong enough even for worked 700 versions.
DID x-ring is what I run too, chain riveter is a must have to DIY; though you could go with a clip-link instead, and just remove old chain with a hammer...

[BigAl]

You won't get the same life out of the lighter 520 but it all depends on how long you are keeping the bike.

Dids are good chains.

[spanner spinner]

most bikes with 525 will take either 520 or 530, the 520 will not do as much mileage. In the case of a v twin it is never a good idea to go down in chain size due to the peak torque loading which can cause the chain to break which is why most v twins run large chains for the horse power they make. See if you can get sprockets to suit and go to 530 would be my recommendation.

[awayatc]

How many kms did you get out of your old chain. ?....

[caspernz]

Stick with stock sizes I'd say. Are you running an oiler?

[nodrog:Me]

You're retarded.

[Owl]

How many kms did you get out of your old chain. ?....

Quite curious about this also.

[TheDemonLord]

How many kms did you get out of your old chain. ?....

Not sure if the previous owner replaced the chain, if not, then I got 36,000 - 37,000 km out of it (I probably have one last adjust out of it) - if the previous chain was replaced, I got the bike at 22,000 km - so at I got at least 15,000 out of it

I'm not running an oiler (but really want to get one, as I have heard they double or even triple chain life, but I has not the $$$ atm)

You're retarded.

Thanks for your valuable input - if you could kindly fuck off and stop being a cunt, that would be great.

[biketimus_prime]

If you get a chain with master link rather than rivet then you can do it all yourself without special tools. To remove the old chain (assuming it is also master link) I just butchered the master link clip and then pried apart the link with a screwdriver and lots of swearing. If your old chain is a rivet link then just cut the bastard.

To put the new master link and plate on you can just use vice grips again with a small nut seated against the side plate. Heaps of youtube videos on how to do it using that method. The master link clip can be put on using a pair of needle nose pliers without any hassle, no need for special tools. Just make sure it goes on the correct way to the rotation of travel.

I did my chain and both sprockets in less than 1.5 hrs having never done any of it before. Just watch a few youtube videos first and you'll be fine!
Remember to torque down the front sprocket and the little ones holding the rear sprocket to spec, as in get a torque wrench and don't do it by feel using a spanner or something.
Little bit of BLUE threadlock won't hurt either but mine are fine after only correct torquing. I check them everytime I oil my chain though.

[tri boy]

Step 1: Purchase the correct chain, (in 525 sizing) with correct sprockets.

Step 2: Take chain sprockets around to the shops workshop, and ask them to fit them properly. (using the correct tools and knowledge).

Step 3: Ride home, knowing that the rivet master link/sprockets/chain are secured correctly, and if any drama arises you have there assistance assured.

Step 4: Relax.

[Mike.Gayner]

Step 1: Purchase the correct chain, (in 525 sizing) with correct sprockets.

Step 2: Take chain sprockets around to the shops workshop, and ask them to fit them properly. (using the correct tools and knowledge).

Step 3: Ride home, knowing that the rivet master link/sprockets/chain are secured correctly, and if any drama arises you have there assistance assured.

Step 4: Relax.

What a pathetic attitude.

[mrchips]

I'm not running an oiler (but really want to get one, as I have heard they double or even triple chain life, but I has not the $$$ atm)

+1000, the auto oilers may seem expensive but i highly recommend, specially for commuting.

I've done 25,000 km on a new chain (& sprockets) commuting in all sorts of glorious wellington weather. Haven't cleaned or oiled it apart from what my scottoiler is doing + only had to adjust the chain a tiny amount once. The chain still looks spiffing.

[tri boy]

What a pathetic attitude.

Whats "pathetic" about it
If a person or poster needs to garner advice on fitting chains and sprockets, then I believe it is good advice to steer them towards those who know how.
I have spent more decades in workshops fixing home mechanics efforts than I care to think about. (not solely related to bikes, but about two decades are).

Whats your sage advice hot shot?

[Mike.Gayner]

Whats "pathetic" about it
If a person or poster needs to garner advice on fitting chains and sprockets, then I believe it is good advice to steer them towards those who know how.
I have spent more decades in workshops fixing home mechanics efforts than I care to think about. (not solely related to bikes, but about two decades are).

Whats your sage advice hot shot?

So I guess you were born with the knowledge to do this stuff, eh?

Fucking dick head.