Chain replacement questions

All,

I've read the how-to's and threads on chain replacement, and think I've absorbed most all of the info. Based on that, I think my chain is fried. My '99 has about 19k miles (3k of which I've put on) and I'm unsure of it's past history, though I highly doubt a new chain was put on. The chain has the infamous red dust covering the pin/plate intersection, and I know I adjusted the chain properly the last time and it quickly loosens up. So by all reason it's dead, time for a new chain and sprockets since my old sprockets are probably trashed as well.

So on to my questions.

1) What is the stock sprocket combination? I know I should search harder for it, but I'm sure you guys know it off the top of your head! tongue.gif

2) What is the difference between 520, 525, and 530 chains? Weight and tensile strength? And is x-ring superior to o-ring for all intents and purposes?

3) Which kit should I buy? I was looking to try to find the kit Slammer bought ("RK gold x-ring") but found some "Warranty Kits" (what is that?) from sprocketcenter.com that I'm unsure of.

Would this work, is it a 520 or 530, and is it a good price? I suppose I should call them, but thought I'd ask.
http://www.parts411.com/acb/showdetl.cfm?&...=26359&CATID=24

4) Is the Gold version of the chains simply for aethestics? Or is a step up in quality or something?

5) Any suggestions on places to buy?

6) For Slammer's method of removing the chain as a whole, I could install it as a whole chain as well right? I ask b/c I think it would be much easier to install the master link and mushroom the heads off the bike (I don't have the special tools, but will Macgyver it like the other how-to thread).

Thanks for the help! I need to place my order ASAP!

-Matt

twowheelfiend, Apr 6 2006, 10:09 AMAll,

I've read the how-to's and threads on chain replacement, and think I've absorbed most all of the info.  Based on that, I think my chain is fried.  My '99 has about 19k miles (3k of which I've put on) and I'm unsure of it's past history, though I highly doubt a new chain was put on.  The chain has the infamous red dust covering the pin/plate intersection, and I know I adjusted the chain properly the last time and it quickly loosens up.  So by all reason it's dead, time for a new chain and sprockets since my old sprockets are probably trashed as well. 

So on to my questions.

1) What is the stock sprocket combination?  I know I should search harder for it, but I'm sure you guys know it off the top of your head! tongue.gif

2) What is the difference between 520, 525, and 530 chains?  Weight and tensile strength?  And is x-ring superior to o-ring for all intents and purposes?

3) Which kit should I buy?  I was looking to try to find the kit Slammer bought ("RK gold x-ring") but found some "Warranty Kits" (what is that?) from sprocketcenter.com that I'm unsure of.

Would this work, is it a 520 or 530, and is it a good price?  I suppose I should call them, but thought I'd ask.
http://www.parts411.com/acb/showdetl.cfm?&...=26359&CATID=24

4) Is the Gold version of the chains simply for aethestics?  Or is a step up in quality or something?

5) Any suggestions on places to buy?

6) For Slammer's method of removing the chain as a whole, I could install it as a whole chain as well right?  I ask b/c I think it would be much easier to install the master link and mushroom the heads off the bike (I don't have the special tools, but will Macgyver it like the other how-to thread). 

Thanks for the help!  I need to place my order ASAP!

-Matt

Well lets see, I am pretty sure you are17/43 on the sprockets, the different chain numbers 520 etc. have to do with the size of the chain links, the gold and other colored versions are for more bling, X ring is better than O ring

Thanks. So I don't care about bling, and whether I get a 520 or 530 doesn't really matter b/c the sprockets that work with it will come with it. Is 530 or 520 recommended?

twowheelfiend, Apr 6 2006, 12:35 PMThanks.  So I don't care about bling, and whether I get a 520 or 530 doesn't really matter b/c the sprockets that work with it will come with it.  Is 530 or 520 recommended?

Not sure, but, I believe your look'n at chain width.
http://www.sprocketcenter.com/
Is the place to be. If you call them, they will gladly walk through it all, with you.
If you don't want to order from them, check the micro fisch. I'm not familiar with a '99.

Any comments on installing the chain with the master link already pressed on?

twowheelfiend, Apr 6 2006, 10:35 AMThanks.  So I don't care about bling, and whether I get a 520 or 530 doesn't really matter b/c the sprockets that work with it will come with it.  Is 530 or 520 recommended?

530. 520 is not as strong as I understand it

520 chains are lighter and take a portion of un sprung weight off the rear wheel. They also free up some rear wheel HP by not having as much rotational friction. But with positive there is always a negative. The chain will wear out much quicker as will sprockets. Your best bet, if you are keeping stock gearing, is to buy Honda front and rear sprockets, and an aftermarket X-ring chain. I use D.I.D chains and have nothing but good to say about them.

twowheelfiend, Apr 6 2006, 11:35 AMThanks.  So I don't care about bling, and whether I get a 520 or 530 doesn't really matter b/c the sprockets that work with it will come with it.  Is 530 or 520 recommended?

The sprockets have to be matched to the chain as far as size goes.
520 and 530 are chain sizes measured in 1/8" increments.
The '5' in 530 means the links are 5/8" apart, the '30' means the links are 3/8" wide.
If it were a 520 chain the links would be 5/8" apart and 1/4" wide (2/8")
Sprockets intended for 520 chains are narrower (1/4") than sprockets intended for 530 chains (3/8").
Make sense?

LOL. Thanx, Chris! Glad I put, "I'm not sure", in there. Open mouth, remove all doubt. LOL. In my defense, my only other bike was shaft drive. LOL.

I went with EK and think they are awesome. Plus you can get them in different colors, which are just for asthetics. Yes, you can take your chain off/on in one piece, you just have to loosen the swingarm pivot bolt (see Slammer's How-To). I only wish I could have found out about the black steel rear sprockets before I got my plain steel one.

This may help, if it doesn't just muddy the waters...

http://www.quality-cycle.com/truth_about_m...ycle_chains.htm

Just read Trace's how-to, I did it and just used good old bolt cutter and chopped that old chain off and used the EK screw link and had my new chain on in about 15 min and I only needed my 7mm wrench. I would recommend getting protective gloves because new chains are shipped with grease all over then and it get all over your hands, clothes etc etc.